Communal gains for New Yorkers with disabilities rarely occur by chance. They're more often achieved through the actions of impassioned and thoughtful individuals that come together to act. In this presentation, representatives from staple disability organizations in New York State share insights into recent feats achieved on behalf of people with disabilities, and the winning strategies employed. With each accomplishment highlighted, a timeline of events will offer perspective on how individual issues become identified, plans and goals are set, partnerships are foraged, actions are taken, and outcomes are measured.

Student presenters will take you on a guided tour through trailblazed paths where they arrived to and pulled up chairs at various decision-making tables to introduce calls to action for issues related to accessibility, hardware and software, informational resources, and pathways towards the standardization of practices. Mayoral staff will offer an inside look into how they work with taxpayers and government institutions to finance initiatives that work towards making advancements in the New York education, housing, parks and recreation, and transit systems for people with disabilities.

Attendees will come away with strategy for organizing and taking calculated action towards a more Universally Designed New York.