CAARES: Center for Autism Advocacy

• SUNY Empire Designated an Autism-Supportive College, Read More:
  • Anderson Center for Autism designates SUNY Empire first of-its-kind Autism-Supportive College
  • Saratogian, SUNY Empire designated Autism-Supportive College
  • American Autism Association acknowledges Autism Supportive College designation
• SUNY Empire’s CAARES program aims to support neurodivergent students (WNYT)
• Empire State University hosts interactive game on disability rights (WHAM)
• Building Relationships: A Look at CAARES’ Peer2Peer Student Connection Program (SUNY Empire News)
• Dr. Noor Syed on Covid Conversations
• Dr. Noor Syed with Podcast Host Eliza Bozenski of Anderson Center for Autism
• Organization for Autism Research awards grant funding for two-year project, “Creating an Inclusive Institution through Multitiered Systems of Support
• CAARES’ launching Peer2Peer Student Connection Program Spring 2024 - Interested students contact Autism@sunyempire.edu to learn more.
• Behaviour Speak Podcast: Episode 63: Equity and Systems Change with Dr. Noor Syed, Ph.D., BCBA-D
• CAARES’ Dr. Noor Syed added to the Scientific Council of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
• CAARES’ Dr. Lauren Lestremau Allen, Matthew Berge, & Shannon Mulstay Presents at the College Autism Summit 2023 in Nashville, TN
• CAARES’ Dr. Lauren Lestremau Allen Promoting Sexual Self-Advocacy at the College Autism Summit 2023
• CAARES at the Autism Expo and Art Exhibit in Saratoga Springs
• Neurodiversity Club, hosted in Saratoga Springs, NY through collaboration between CAARES & the Saratoga Springs Public Library
• CAARES at the SUNY Empire State University Student Conference 2023
• CAARES at the Saratoga Regional YMCA Healthy Kids Day 2023
• CAARES at the Anderson Center for Autism RAISE Resource Fair
• What Does It Mean to Be an Autism-Supportive Online College?

 

CAARES is committed to being informed by the Autistic and Neurodivergent communities. Through advisory teams, collaboration and consultation with self-advocates, and ongoing community-wide feedback, CAARES aims to provide education and supports and conduct research in alignment with these values and priorities. These values are reflected in CAARES’ Mission and Vision:

Mission: CAARES’ mission is to provide universally designed and community-informed resources to support equitable access for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals through advocacy and self-advocacy-based research, educational initiatives, and global supports.

Vision: CAARES’ vision is to shape inclusive environments that create a sense of belonging for Autistic and neurodivergent people, fostering self-determination and resiliency.

What Are Participatory or Community-Informed Approaches? Participatory or community-informed approaches value the voices and opinions of those in the community. This approach values the lived experience of Autistic and neurodivergent individuals and actively seeks their input regarding initiatives for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals. This approach acknowedges that the best supports and changes must include the individuals served. Historically, research has failed to incorporate feedback from the Autistic community, and has heavily focused on benefiting society as a whole.

The creation of CAARES in 2020 demonstrates SUNY Empire’s ongoing commitment to working jointly with the community, SUNY Empire faculty and staff, and alongside neurodivergent students in order to create an inclusive, high-quality academic experience that benefits all. CAARES employs research-based practices and works to disseminate best practices to faculty and staff through teaching and training.

CAARES’ Conversations with Communities:

• Center for Autism Advocacy Research Education and Supports CAARES Community Update - Updates and listening session for the SUNY Empire community regarding CAARES’ work over the past year and moving forward.
• Town Hall for the SUNY Empire Community
• SUNY Empire launches groundbreaking, Center for Autism Advocacy
• Saratogian, SUNY Empire launches new Autism center
• Center for Autism Inclusivity Town Hall for Agencies - 8/25/2020 - Virtual Town Hall to introduce CAARES to those agencies and professionals involved in the area of Autism support and advocacy
• Center for Autism Inclusivity Town Hall for Individuals and Families - Virtual Town Hall to introduce the Center for Autism Inclusivity to those agencies and professionals involved in the area of Autism support and advocacy.
• Center for Autism Inclusivity Question and Answer Session, Oct. 26, 2020 - Recording of the live stream from the SUNY Empire State College/Anderson Center for Autism “Center for Autism Inclusivity” Question and Answer session held on October 26, 2020. Speakers include Beth Berlin, Nathan Gonyea, Noor Syed, and Tina Covington of Anderson Center for Autism.

 

Higher education institutions are increasingly seeking how best to promote inclusive and equitable environments to meet the needs of their diversifying student bodies. Universal Design and a multi-tiered system of support provide a framework to meet this need and address barriers within current systems. CAARES employs Universal Design (UD) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) approaches to promote an inclusive higher education environment where all are welcomed and valued.

Universal Design A UD approach reflects a commitment to providing equitable experiences by identifying barriers that individuals of all abilities may encounter, and subsequently works to lessen or eliminate those hurdles. Everyday examples of UD elements within public spaces include wider sidewalks, curb cuts, ramps, and no-step entry-ways. These modifications allow individuals of all ages and abilities to travel easier while walking, running, biking, pushing a stroller, etc. Within college coursework, a UD approach may be providing flexible in-person and virtual office hours that are based upon student availability so that all are able to attend, if desired. UD emphasizes that accommodations help meet the needs of all individuals without increasing their work effort or causing stigmatization. Universal Design for Learning (UDL), an extension of UD, focuses on using different methods of engaging students, presenting material in a variety of ways, and incorporating student choice into how assignments are completed (Dzaman et al., 2022). CAARES is committed to a UD approach that supports equitable access for Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals, and seeks to accomplish this through advocacy-based research, educational initiatives, and global support. SUNY Empire and CAARES proudly embrace that #disabilityisdiversity and are committed to continuous evaluation of offered supports and taking action to improve methods.

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support A Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) ensures that students receive the proper amount of support. Like UD, MTSS is proactive, leveraging student strengths to optimize their achievement and well-being (AIR, n.d.). The system is composed of three tiers; Tier 1 or universal supports, includes evidence-based practices provided to all students, Tier 2 offers targeted, resource-efficient supports for students, and Tier 3 provides the highest level of direct and individualized support. This systematic approach responds quickly to learners’ needs and, in doing so, seeks to provide a level playing field in terms of access to the learning environment and instruction.

 

The Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES) remains dedicated to our mission and vision of serving all Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals through support grounded in science and driven by the community. Amongst other initiatives, CAARES has focused on embedding and supporting universal design throughout the university and broader environment, so that everyone can be included to the greatest extent possible. 

CAARES stands firmly by these values: 

• Autistic people (of all support needs) are deserving of rights, dignity, care and affirmation of their neurodivergent identities. 

• Autistic communities deserve resources that contribute to inclusivity and quality of life. 

• Advocacy should be responsive to each Autistic person’s preferences and desired areas of support, and that includes resources, research, and initiatives based on rigorous science and which promote dignity for everyone.  

We encourage you to read a joint statement made by Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, and other organizations for more information, including facts related to the scientific research of autism. 

CAARES remains committed to the scientific and social validation of research from dedicated researchers of autism and in the Autistic community. We encourage self-advocates and supporters to familiarize themselves with the existing research.