About Betsy
Elizabeth Smith, affectionately known as Betsy, one of the founding Board members of New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education, passed on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Betsy was an advocate, leader, inspiration, and a friend.
Throughout her life, Betsy Smith was a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, working hard to break down barriers and promote inclusion. As one of the first students with Down syndrome to be included in general education classes in New Jersey, she has achieved many impressive accomplishments. These include graduating with honors from Montclair High School, living independently in her own apartment, attending classes at Montclair State University, and thriving in her more than 20-year career at the Montclair YMCA. In addition to these achievements, Betsy also delivered speeches and keynotes, participated in panels across the country, and was recognized as a role model by Exceptional Parent magazine in 2000. She was an active member of the board of the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education and has previously served on the boards of the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center, and President Clinton’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
