Regional Task Forces

What Are Regional Task Force Affiliates?

The mission of the New York State Special Education Task Force and each Regional Task Force is to foster information, advocacy and collaboration among all stakeholders to improve the delivery of education to students with disabilities. The organizational structure is comprised of Regional Task Forces under the direction and guidance of the Statewide Task Force. The New York State Special Education Task Force is operated throughDisability Rights New York(DRNY), the State's Protection and Advocacy System. DRNY provides the administration, oversight, and related financial support needed to operate the Statewide Task Force. Regional Task Forces operate within the general guidelines established by the Statewide Task Force while also operating in a manner tailored to serve the unique needs of its region and local members.

For more information about Regional Task Forces see the pages for the Capital District Task Force; Mid-Hudson Task Force, Lower Hudson, Northern Tier and Southern Tier Task Forces.

How do I Create a Task Force in my Region?

If you do not have an existing Regional Task Force and you are interested in starting or participating in a Task Force in your region, please contact the Statewide Task Force through our contact page.

Establishing a Regional Affiliate of the State Special Ed Task Force

The State Task Force actively supports individuals and organizations interested in establishing a regional special education task force.  Assistance can include but is not limited to:

  • Identifying and recruiting regional stakeholders reflecting diverse perspectives to assist in development of a regional task force;
  • Providing information, guidance and feedback in person and by phone at meetings;
  • Providing ideas for task force events including topics and speakers, as well as providing speakers if needed;
  • Providing timely and objective analysis of proposed changes in State laws and policies that impact students with disabilities for discussion at the regional level;
  • Providing forms and guidance for announcements, marketing, and data collection;
  • Providing a list serv for regional affiliate communications and access to the State Task Force list serv; and
  • Providing a web forum for the Regional Affiliate on the State Task Force website.

For additional information about establishing a Regional Affiliate Task Force contact Julie Keegan at Julie.keegan@disabilityrightsny.org or (518) 432-7861.