OnĀ Feb. 26, HVCC students traveled to the New York State Capitol in Albany to join other college students from across the state to rally for increased funding for students with disabilities in higher education. The annual rally – known as Student Empowerment Day – targets state lawmakers, but also increases public awareness of the need for the increased funding for students with disabilities in higher education.
If passed, the 2024-2025 NYS budget allocation for “Enhancing Supports and Services for Postsecondary Success of Students with Disabilities” would increase from $2 million to $15 million. Funds would go directly to college disability support services and programs that help level the playing field for students with disabilities, allowing them greater access to college success and better futures.
The Center for Access and Assistive Technology would like to acknowledge the efforts of our colleagues in Student Activities and the Student Senate, who helped make this venture possible and to the students who attended the rally to represent our college and their fellow students.
![A large group of college students with disabilities and their allies join forces with several elected officials to rally in support of increased funding for students with disabilities in colleges across the state. Students are holding signs and flags that represent their respective institutions or have slogans such as "Equity in Education" or [Students with Disabilities] Are Worth More"](https://chronicle.hvcc.edu/wpdev/wp-content/uploads/Large-group-stairs-3.jpg)