Burton Blatt Institute

04/21/2026

Peter Blanck, University Professor and Chairman of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, moderated the panel Practical and Conceptual Tensions in Accessibility and Accommodation at the The Americans with Disabilities Act and Universal Design: Global Legacy and Potential in Higher Ed. symposium sponsored by Syracuse University College of Law
The forum was held at Dineen Hall on April 10 and explored the global impacts of the ADA and universal design influences on higher education, and how disability rights frameworks are creating increasingly inclusive campuses around the world.

04/09/2026

It's not too late to Register! The College of Law will host “The Americans with Disabilities Act and Universal Design: Global Legacy and Potential in Higher Ed” on Friday, April 10, in Dineen Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn More

Participants will discuss, analyze and share strategies across diverse learning environments; registration is now open.

04/08/2026

THIS FRIDAY! College of Law to Host Symposium on Americans with Disabilities Act, Universal Design
Participants will discuss, analyze and share strategies across diverse learning environments; registration is now open.

Participants will discuss, analyze and share strategies across diverse learning environments; registration is now open.

03/18/2026

We are pleased to share a news release about the latest episode of our Let's Get to Work Reimagining Disability Employment Policy RRTC The Business Case for Employing People with Disabilities: A Conversation with Beth Sirull. Featuring Beth Sirull President and CEO of the National Organization on Disability. The release includes links to the podcast recording and transcript.

https://bbi-dep-rrtc.org/newshighlights/lgtw-beth-peter/

02/12/2026

The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University is proud to support Possible Worlds: 20 Years of the Wynn Newhouse Awards, a major exhibition on view at the Syracuse University Art Museum, located in the Joe and Emily Lowe Galleries, from January 20 through May 9, 2026
https://bbi.syr.edu/2026/02/bbi-supports-landmark-exhibition-possible-worlds-20-years-of-the-wynn-newhouse-awards/

01/12/2026

Supporting Disability Rights in Competing-Interest Scenarios: Experimental Evidence on the Effect of Law from China
The Moynihan Institute’s East Asia Program presents Mercy Renci Xie from Syracuse University’s College of Law. https://bbi.syr.edu/2026/01/east-asia-program-moynihan-graduate-student-grantee-talk-mercy-renci-xie/

12/24/2025

Happy Holidays! We are closed from Dec. 24 to Jan. 2.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

12/04/2025

Introducing: The Lion’s Den – A Blog by Leo True-Frost In celebrating International Day of People with Disabilities 2025!! Leo is creating 12 days of reflections on inclusion and how inclusion advances social progress for me. https://bbi.syr.edu/2025/12/leo-blog/

12/03/2025

DOT Offers Information and Guidance for Traveling with a Disability
The Department of Transportation (DOT) posted updated information and resources for Traveling with a Disability. The page includes information about the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and other policies and regulations that can impact travelers with disabilities. It provides resources for passengers as well as crew and other employees about wheelchairs and assistive devices, service animals, and seating accommodations, and when and how to file a complaint.

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is a law that makes it illegal for airlines to discriminate against passengers because of their disability.

12/03/2025

Our guests for this ADA Live! episode are Robin Paul Malloy, E.I. White Chair and Distinguished Professor of Law at Syracuse University, and Peter Blanck, University Professor and Chairman of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University. Peter and Robin discuss court cases involving housing rights, zoning laws, reasonable modifications to housing policies, and issues that impact the rights of people with disabilities to live in accessible homes and communities.

Time to catch up on you ADA Knowledge. Now Live! Episode 148: Housing, Disability Rights, and Planning Accessible Communities https://adalive.org/episodes/episode-148/

11/24/2025

Peter Blanck Featured In SU News: Focus on Disability Rights: Q&A With BBI’s Peter Blanck https://bbi.syr.edu/2025/11/peter-blanck-qa/
Syracuse University has long been a leader in disability policy, rights and advocacy. For the past 20 years, the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) and its chairman, University Professor Peter Blanck, have been at the forefront of this work. A nationally recognized expert in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related laws, Blanck joined BBI at its founding in 2005. He is principal investigator on a recent $4.6 million grant from the U.S.

11/13/2025

The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University celebrates the retirement of Gary Shaheen Ph.D. whose leadership and commitment have left a lasting impression at BBI and beyond. BBI carries on the legacy of Dr. Burton Blatt by championing human rights and economic and civic empowerment for people with diverse disabilities across the US and internationally. https://bbi.syr.edu/2025/11/gary-shaheen-retires-sr-fellow/