Empire State University Selected for SUNY Pathways to Inclusion Project
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – January 16, 2025) The Office of Career and Experiential Learning Services, The Office of Accessibility Resources and Services, and CAARES (Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports) at Empire State University are collaborating on a project to create inclusive career development pathways for students with disabilities.
The offices submitted a joint application to the Pathways to Inclusion project, which is sponsored by the Office of Disability Resources at SUNY System Administration, in collaboration with the SUNY Career Development Organization (CDO) and John Robinson, president and CEO of Our Ability. SUNY Empire was one of six SUNY schools chosen to participate in the program, which runs from January-August 2025. Together, Robinson and the teams at SUNY Empire will create and implement a strategic plan focused on empowering students with disabilities.
Their goals are to develop regional connections and partnerships, establish an advisory board, expand programming to support students with disabilities, and create career development learning modules. The program allows them to evaluate current services, evaluate and create resources using a universal design approach, expand and tailor support, enhance staff training, and strengthen employee partnerships.
“I am honored that we were selected as one of the SUNY schools to be included in the SUNY Pathways to Inclusion project,” said Anita DeCianni Brown, director of Career and Experiential Learning Services. “This opportunity comes at a perfect time, as the career team and career resources have grown. It will allow us to assess the work we are currently doing, have invaluable insights and feedback from a leader in the field on how we can better serve our students with disabilities, and incorporate training and resources to help the SUNY Empire community understand the challenges that our students face in the job market.”
“I am excited for the opportunity to collaborate on this project,” said Melissa Zgliczynski, director of Accessibility Resources and Services. “The Office of Accessibility Resources and Services is committed to embracing disability as diversity, and we look forward to learning ways to improve upon our support of students with disabilities as it relates to the job market and career preparation.”
“CAARES continues to be overjoyed with our university community’s commitment to promoting inclusion and belonging,” said Noor Syed, director of CAARES and Lauren Allen, assistant director. “Through the Pathways to Inclusion Project, we are eager to advance our university’s capacity to support Neurodivergent students to transition into successful careers.”