What is the Education Matters Unit?

The Education Unit helps people incarcerated in New York state prisons, including those with learning disabilities, with their academic and vocational education needs and programming. We help people with disabilities to access education programs and services pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including obtaining a high school diploma, and enrolling in vocational, trade or college degree programs. The completion of education programs increases an incarcerated person’s chances to obtain parole and early release, and to successfully re-enter society.