Zach Morris, PhD, MSW, associate professor at the Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare, organized and hosted the Disability Squeeze Symposium at New York Law School on Friday, September 26, 2025.
The hybrid research symposium focused on the extra costs of living with a disability, which Dr. Morris’ team calls the “disability squeeze.” More than 450 people attended the event – either virtually or in person – including researchers, policymakers, advocates, and disabled people from across the country.
Dr. Morris unveiled new national research that found people with disabilities, on average, spend one dollar out of every five of their income on disability-related costs. Two-thirds report not being able to afford what they need.
Event highlights included a keynote address by Mia Ives-Rublee, director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress; panel discussions and policy spotlights with leading disability thinkers and advocates; and a collaborative session charting next steps for research and policy.
Notable speakers, experts, and moderators included Cara Yar Khan, an international disability rights advocate; Victor Calise, former commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities; Theo W. Braddy from the National Council on Independent Living; Keely Cat-Wells, the founder and CEO of Making Space; and Anjali Forber-Pratt from the American Association on Health and Disability.
The Disability Squeeze is a research and storytelling project led by Dr. Morris. The project includes collaborations with numerous academic and policy professionals. Learn more about the Disability Squeeze here.
