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A community college sponsored by Niagara County

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Collin Lacki

November 30, 2020

Collin Lacki is a sophomore at SUNY Niagara studying music in hopes of pursuing a career in music therapy one day.  He decided to enroll at SUNY Niagara because of the quality education he could receive at the College, while still getting a typical on-campus experience away from his home in Brocton, New York.  As a student with a disability, a quality education for Collin also meant receiving support through the Accessibility Services Office on campus.

As a blind student growing up in the small Chautauqua County Village of Brocton, Collin did not always have access to the resources he needed to set him up for academic success in elementary and high school.  “Many younger students with disabilities are not sure if they want to continue on to higher education because of all of the barriers they encounter,” says Collin.  He wants to push those students toward higher education and points to the commitment made by the State University of New York (SUNY) System in providing services and resources needed for students with disabilities to succeed.

Having years of experience advocating for his own needs has given Collin the confidence to take on a new challenge to help other students statewide.  He was recently selected to be a part of the newly formed SUNY Student Voices Action Committee to advise SUNY leadership on emerging, critical issues, and challenges facing students across the SUNY System.  He was chosen after receiving a nomination from Alissa Shugats-Cummings, Director of Career and Transitional Services at SUNY Niagara.

“I suggested Collin for a seat on the SUNY Student Voices Action Committee because during his time at SUNY Niagara I have seen him develop and demonstrate skills that make him a model not only for students with disabilities but for all SUNY students. He is a hard worker, a diligent student, a friend to all. We are proud to have him represent SUNY Niagara SUNY-wide,” says Alissa.  As one of 27 students statewide to participate in the committee, Collin is using his voice to ensure the topic of accessibility remains in the focus of SUNY administration, and he hopes his contributions will promote positive changes that improve the educational experience for all students.

Collin has high praise for Accessibility Services Coordinator Steve Burns and Alissa Shugats-Cummings, two employees who go out of their way to assist students through their roles in the Career and Transitional Services Department at SUNY Niagara.  This department is an umbrella for Accessibility Services, Career Services, Transfer Services, and the Student Success Center.  “The staff makes the office what it is,” says Collin.  He is hopeful that through relationships he has established on campus and his new appointment to the SUNY-wide committee, he can continue to make a positive impact not only for himself but empower others as well.  Collin has advice for others with disabilities: “Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.  The only way you’ll get the help you need is by speaking up!”

The mission of Accessibility Services is to provide academic adjustments and appropriate support to students with disabilities in the most inclusive setting possible and to enhance student independence while promoting self-advocacy.  For more information on Accessibility Services at SUNY Niagara, visit: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/accessibility-services/ or call 716-614-6285.


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu