Assemblymen Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) and James Skoufis (D-Woodbury) announced at Schalmont High School on Wednesday that they are joining forces to make sure those with disabilities can participate in graduation ceremonies.

“On graduation day, students with disabilities must not be left out,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “We must ensure that all students who work hard to earn a diploma can get the recognition they deserve,” Santabarbara added. “This bill will ensure that in high schools across the state, students with disabilities can celebrate this accomplishment with their fellow students just like everybody else.”

Santabarbara and Skoufis are sponsoring legislation to make sure that local school districts develop policies that ensure students with disabilities have the opportunity to take part in their high school graduation (A.1595-A).

“Finishing high school is a big accomplishment that warrants pride and celebration,” Skoufis said. “But far too often, students with disabilities are left out because they took a nontraditional path that didn’t meet the customary requirements. That’s not right. Every graduate should have the opportunity to take part in this rite of passage – to make it across the stage in their cap and gown, shake hands with the superintendent and celebrate their success with their classmates.”

Currently, New York does not require schools to allow students with disabilities to participate in their graduation ceremonies. This legislation would require districts to establish a policy for students with disabilities to participate in graduation. By recognizing that these students may take a different route to graduation, the bill ensures that they too can celebrate their success with their classmates, teachers and families.

"Every student deserves the opportunity to walk the stage and receive the diploma they've earned," said Schalmont CSD superintendent Dr. Carol Pallas. "Graduating high school is one of the great milestones of our lives, and these students should have the ability to celebrate the moment with their peers. We will continue to welcome all our students to the stage and honor their accomplishments."

"Students with developmental disabilities should be able to participate in graduation ceremonies with their fellow peers and friends who they have been attending school with since early on,” said Janine D. Kruiswijk, Executive Director of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region. “On behalf of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Assemblyman Santabarbara for continuing to advocate for all New Yorkers and their families living with autism.”