CCS junior Jack Rufo was recently selected as a representative on the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Youth Advisory Panel. Rufo is one of 10-15 student representatives sitting on the panel statewide.
The Youth Advisory Panel was established to advise the Office of Special Education on proposed policies related to the education of students with disabilities. Panel members engage in discussions with NYSED staff on policy issues relating to the education of students with disabilities.
In addition, panel members share their concerns and recommendations for future policy consideration. Their participation serves to advise NYSED from a first-hand perspective on ways to improve the quality of special education services and student outcomes. Participation on the panel also provides students with the opportunity to sharpen their self-advocacy and leadership skills and network with other youth.
This summer, Rufo was speaking to Pam Bordas, pupil services director at CCS. She encouraged Jack to find an avenue to advocate for himself and recommended he submit an application for this panel. Rufo submitted an application and conducted a phone interview for consideration. He then received a letter indicating he was selected.
“Jack is very proactive in advocating for himself and it is not surprising that he expressed interest in expanding his advocacy in more meaningful ways for others,” said Pam Bordas. “It was my pleasure to nominate him for a position to serve on the New York State Education’s Youth Panel and his acceptance to the panel is impressive. His commitment to use his voice and personal experience to help others is an obvious passion of Jack’s and there is no doubt that students with disabilities state-wide will benefit from his participation.”
The panel held its first meeting earlier this month. Rufo found the meeting to be very productive, touching on important topics about reaching out to students with disabilities.
“Being a representative on the panel means that I found my voice in advocacy and once you learn how to use it, you will never stop,” said Rufo. “It made me realize that not a lot of people have a voice or they are too scared to use it. I have the capability to speak up, I’m going to use my voice to advocate for myself and others in New York state.”