Burton Blatt Institute

The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI), located at Syracuse University, is an organization that aims to advance civic, economic, and social participation of persons with disabilities in a global society. BBI, takes its name from Burton Blatt (1927–85), a pioneer in humanizing services for people with mental retardation, a staunch advocate of deinstitutionalization, and a national leader in special education. Blatt was dean of the School of Education and Centennial Professor at Syracuse University, served as director of SU’s Division of Special Education and Rehabilitation, and founded the Center on Human Policy to promote a more open and accepting society for persons with disabilities. Dr. Peter Blanck, a University Professor at Syracuse University, is chair of BBI.