On Sunday, October 26, Stephen Gaynor School welcomed families, students, alumni, and community members to its first-ever LD Advocacy Fair, held in partnership with the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) in honor of Learning Difference Awareness Month. The afternoon brought together people from across the Gaynor community — and beyond — to celebrate neurodiversity, learn about key education policies, and take meaningful action to support students who learn differently.
Throughout the event, Gaynor’s Performing Arts Center was transformed into a vibrant Advocacy Center, where attendees explored interactive booths on national and state policies affecting individuals with learning differences. The station on writing postcards to congressional representatives was facilitated by Jessica Snydman, Senior Policy Associate at NCLD, who helped guests craft messages of support for key federal legislation such as the IDEA Full Funding Act and the RISE Act. Meanwhile, Blue Cluster students hosted a lively LD trivia table with categories like dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, policy and law, and learning differences, where correct answers earned prizes. They also invited attendees to color and proudly display stickers showing their support for neurodivergent students and individuals. By the end of the afternoon, the community had contributed well over 100 handwritten postcards, amplifying the collective voice of advocates across the country.
The fair also highlighted the partnership between Stephen Gaynor School and NCLD — an organization dedicated to shaping policy, fostering community, and promoting equity for students with learning and attention issues. Both institutions share a belief that true equity begins with awareness and continues through action.
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon joined the event to share her ongoing work to improve educational access for students with learning differences. She was recognized for her leadership on state legislation related to dyslexia identification, insurance coverage for evaluations, and incorporating the science of reading into graduate teacher education. She was accompanied by Stephanie Brown ’13, her Communication Coordinator & Community Liaison and a proud Gaynor alumna, underscoring how advocacy begins in school and continues well into adulthood.
New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal was also in attendance and has also been a leader in the state’s literacy and dyslexia legislation.
Midway through the event, Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor took the microphone to reflect on the meaning of the day and to encourage attendees to continue their advocacy beyond the school’s walls.
“October is LD Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the incredible diversity of how we learn and to raise our voices for equity,” he said. “Teaching students to understand who they are as learners and how to ask for what they need is at the heart of advocacy, and it’s the foundation of what we do at Gaynor.”
He reminded the audience that while the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 set an important precedent for student rights, the work of ensuring equitable access to education is ongoing. “Fifty-two years later, we’re still fighting to make sure every student with a learning difference receives the support they deserve,” he said.
As both Gaynor’s Head of School and a board member of NCLD, Dr. Gaynor spoke about the connection between local education and national policy. “We see every day how the right educational strategies can change lives,” he said. “But many students across the country still don’t have access to the same opportunities. That’s why advocacy matters, because every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential.”
Following his remarks, attendees watched a video message from Congressman George Latimer, who commended both Gaynor and NCLD for hosting the event and inspiring civic engagement.
“Events like this are powerful because they allow us to learn about critical policy issues and come together as a community to make our voices heard,” Latimer said. “I commend Stephen Gaynor School and NCLD for advocating for the full funding of IDEA.”
When the video concluded, Dr. Gaynor turned back to the audience with a message that perfectly captured the spirit of the day: “This is the start of something that’s going to get bigger.”
The applause that followed reflected a shared sense of hope and determination, and a belief that the seeds planted that afternoon would continue to grow.
The success of the LD Advocacy Fair was driven in large part by the leadership of Gaynor’s students. Blue Cluster students guided guests through the booths, answered questions about legislation, and helped visitors write postcards. For many, it was their first experience engaging directly with civic action, an experience that embodied Gaynor’s mission to unlock potential and celebrate differences.
Emily Barnes, Director of Outreach and Innovation, who spearheaded the event, reflected on its success the following day. “This was the first time we hosted this event, and I was so pleased with how it turned out,” she said. “Guests felt welcomed and engaged, and they left knowing they made a real impact. We also had so many opportunities for our students to shine; that was such a special part of the day.”
By the end of the afternoon, Gaynor’s community had done more than raise awareness, they had built momentum. Already, twelve schools across the country (including Westmark School, The Gateway School, Forman School, Hill Learning Center, Noble Academy, The Schenck School, and Spring Valley School) have committed to hosting their own advocacy events, expanding the reach of this grassroots movement and continuing the work started at Gaynor.
The LD Advocacy Fair affirmed Gaynor’s enduring belief that advocacy begins with understanding and grows through action. As the school looks ahead, it plans to continue its partnership with NCLD to broaden this initiative and inspire even more schools, families, and policymakers to join the cause.
As Dr. Gaynor reminded attendees, “When we come together as a community to advocate for change, we remind our students that their voices matter, and that’s where lasting change begins.”