People’s Arc of Suffolk celebrates graduates of SANYS University program in Sayville

Families, staff, and community partners gathered to celebrate 20 graduates of the inaugural class of the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State University (SANYS U) program at the People’s Arc of Suffolk new Nature Community Center in Sayville last Wednesday, Oct 22.

SANYS U is a leadership course, founded and led by people with developmental disabilities,  that teaches people with intellectual and developmental disabilities about self-advocacy. The multi-month program teaches what it means to be a self-advocate, the history of self-advocacy, and how each person has the ability to express their needs and wants, promoting awareness and recognition of civil rights and responsibilities.

“Today is about celebrating progress, purpose, and possibility,” said Michelle Flood, SANYS LI regional coordinator. “The people participating in this educational experience have worked hard to begin their journey of discovering the importance of self-advocacy and the ways they can communicate their needs within their circle of support. They’ve shown that when given opportunity and support, people with developmental disabilities can thrive, contribute, and truly enrich their communities.”

The program was developed in collaboration with St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and the Spirit of Huntington Art Center, supporting People’s Arc of Suffolk’s mission of partnership-driven inclusion across Suffolk County.