AHEAD 2014 Presenter Bios (to date)
Susan Aase, J.D., M.S.Ed., University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
As Associate to the Director for Disability Services at the University of Minnesota, Ms. Aase coordinates:
1) outreach efforts to colleges, departments, and system campuses; 2) training of faculty, staff, and
students; 3) consultation; 4) the development of Web and collateral materials, partnerships, and
opportunities for collaboration. She recently served as the Project Coordinator for the Marcus Faculty
Education Grant: Taking it to the Next Level: Advancing Awareness and Equity of Medical Students with
Invisible Disabilities. She also provides leadership and support for the University of Minnesota's Office
for Equity and Diversity and serves as one of its training team members. Prior to rejoining Disability
Services in 2009, Ms. Aase practiced law for 10 years, doing both litigation and transactional work in
Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. Ms. Aase has been a frequent presenter at local, state, and national
conferences, including AHEAD conferences on numerous occasions. She is a Program Committee cochair for Minnesota Women Lawyers, member of the Women in Legal Profession Committee for the
State Bar Association, and a past member of the Board of Trustees for a private school in St. Paul,
Minnesota.
Quenta Adams, M.Ed., Dalhousie University
Quenta Adams is the Director of Advising and Access Services at Dalhousie University. With 15 years of
Student Services experience, Quenta completed her M.Ed in 2006 with a focus on ‘Race, Retention, and
Communities of Practice in Higher Education’. Through this work she has built partnerships on the
Dalhousie campus with other Student Services providers, faculty and students.Quenta has
complemented her practice/philosophy on inclusion and social justice having worked with a community
youth justice agency implementing, and providing training on, restorative justice initiatives. Quenta
works closely with Dalhousie’s Centre for Learning and Teaching and has presented at several Dalhousiesponsored conferences and symposiums on Student Success, the Evolution of Advising, Defining Access.
Julianne Albiero-Walton, Ed. D, East Stroudsburg University
Dr. Julianne Albiero-Walton is co-founder and vice president of Delta Alpha Pi International Honor
Society. She is a professor and Director of Disability Services with over 15 years’ experience at East
Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Albiero-Walton graduated with an Ed.D. in counseling
psychology, a master's degree in counseling and a diploma in nursing. She is a nationally certified
counselor, licensed professional counselor and registered nurse. She has worked in medical / surgical
nursing and rehabilitation and vocation placement prior to working as a disability specialist. She has
presented at many national and international conferences on adjustment to disability, accommodations
for students with disabilities and research on self-efficacy, social learning theories and the success of
students with disabilities. Selected presentations:Dr. Albiero-Walton has presented: Broken Bodies,
Twisted Minds: Disability as Evil in Literature and Fiction (AHEAD 2010), Rethinking Brain Injury:
Research, Accommodations and Access (AHEAD 2011), and Enhancing Transition and Empowering
Students with Learning Disabilities (LDA 2011), Characters with Disabilities in Contemporary Fiction:
Positive Portrayals (AHEAD, 2012), Developing and Implementing a Flexible, Structured Interview to
Facilitate the Accommodation Process (AHEAD webinar, 2013)
Erica Alley, Masters of Arts in Interpretation, Gallaudet Interpreting Service
Educational Background: Doctoral Candidate at Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. Currently
working on my dissertation in the field of Video Relay Service Interpreting. M.A. from Gallaudet
University, Washington, D.C. (2008)B.A. from the University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y. (2005)where I
majored in American Sign Language and Minored in English. Employment:Staff Interpreter II / Video
Interpreting Program Lead at Gallaudet Interpreting Service (2012 - present)Staff Interpreter II at
Gallaudet Interpreting Service (2008 - 2012).
Presentations:Speaker Gallaudet Interpreting Service; 2013 ‘Department of Public Safety Training’
Speaker; Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf National Conference 2013 ‘Results of Research on
Trilingual (Spanish-ASL-English) VRS Interpreting. Speaker Association on Higher Education And Disability
Conference 2013 ‘Video Remote Interpretation: Working Together to Establish an Inclusive and
Equitable Post-Secondary Environment for Deaf Students’. Speaker Critical Link 7 International
Conference 2013‘Who Makes the Rules Anyway?: Reality and Perception of Guidelines in Video Relay
Service Interpreting’; Speaker CIT National Conference 2012 ‘Who Makes the Rules Anyway?: Reality
and Perception of Guidelines in Video Relay Service Interpreting’; Speaker-CIT National Conference
Gallaudet University; Research Internship Panel 2012 Speaker GU Doctoral Panel Presentation - RID
National Conference 2011 Speaker Deaf Perspectives on the Use of American Sign Language or 2010
Contact Sign When Using Video Relay Service Potomac Chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the
Deaf; Speaker - Deaf Perspectives on the Use of American Sign Language or 2010 Publications Alley,
Erica. (2012). Exploring Remote Interpreting. In International Journal of Interpreter Education (4)Alley,
Erica. (2013). Trilingual Interpreting Literature Review. National Consortium of Interpreter Education
Centers.
Deanna Arbuckle, Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Dayton
I have been the Disability Services and Assistive Technology Coordinator at the University of Dayton for
the past 5.5 years. I have a strong interest in technology including technology specific for the learning
environment. I have presented on topics associated with technology for the past two years at AHEAD
and other state and national conferences. I am also a Ph.D. student.
Cheryl Ashcroft, M.Ed, Lehigh University
Cheryl Ashcroft earned her BA from Kutztown University in 1968 and her M.ED. in Counseling
Psychology in 1978. She obtained her Psychologist license in PA in 1990. She has over thirty year
experience in disability services in higher education. Since 1993, she been the Assistant Dean of
Academic Support for Students with Disabilities at Lehigh University. Prior to her employment at Lehigh,
she was the Director of Disability Services at Northampton Community College for over ten years.
Presentations include workshops and co-facilitator in courses on a university level over the past thirty
years.Other conferences presentations include:2009-Assistive Technology and Disabilities,Faculty
Development Program, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA.2008- Hidden Disabilities & Student
Conduct, Delaware Valley Judicial Affairs Conference.2006- Effective Collaboration: Academic Support
Services for Students with Learning Disabilities and Study Abroad, NAFSA Conference, Montreal,
Canada.She has been a consultant on several research studies with Dr. George DuPaul. The two most
recent studies are:2012-2014-The Trajectories Related to ADHD in College (TRAC) study. The purpose of
the study is to better understand how ADHD affects college students over an extended period of time.
This longitudinal study will examine educational, psychological, social and vocational functioning of
college students with ADHD.Role: Consultant2009-2010-Effects of Vyvanse on the Behavior, Academic,
and Psychosocial Functioning of College Students with ADHD: The purpose of the project is to examine
the effects of Vyvanse on the symptomatic behavior, academic achievement, and psychosocial
functioning of a large multi-site sample of college students meeting the research diagnostic criteria for
ADHD.Role: Consultant
Bea Awoniyi, PhD., MS., BS, Santa Fe College
Dr. Bea Awoniyi serves as the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Student Affairs as well as the College
Ombuds at Santa Fe College. Prior to Santa Fe College, Bea served as a disability services professional
from 1990 to 2012 where she developed programs, wrote standards for services, and participated in
state-wide and interagency collaborations for effective transition, inclusion and engagement of students
with disabilities in many states including: Colorado, Iowa, and Florida. She is highly engaged in national
organizations such as the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) where she is now the
President-Elect, the state affiliate (Florida AHEAD) as one of the founding members and the past
President, the NASPA where she served as Chair of Region III Disability Concerns, and a member of the
International Ombuds Association. Bea has presented on topics such as diversity considerations within
disability services, service delivery models, and interagency collaborations at previous AHEAD
conferences. Originally from Nigeria, Bea received her B.S., magna cum laude, and Master’s degrees
from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and her Ph.D. from Colorado State University in Ft.
Collins, Colorado. Bea is the 2011 recipient of the Ronald E. Blosser Dedicated Service Award, and the
first recipient of the Fredrick A. Fay Pioneer Award from Florida State University.
Jamie Axelrod, M.S., Northern Arizona University
Jamie Axelrod earned a B.A. in Psychology from New York University and an M.S. in Counseling at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison.After graduating with his M.S., Jamie began worked as a mental health
therapist in Valparaiso, Indiana and Lander, Wyoming. After thirteen years at a community mental
health centers Jamie went to work for Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc., a disability rights
advocacy law firm. At Protection and Advocacy Systems, Jamie served as an advocate assisting
individuals with disabilities with claims that their civil rights had been violated.Jamie joined the Disability
Resources team at NAU in August of 2007 as a Program Coordinator and became the Director of the
Disability Resources program in October of 2009. Jamie has served on the Board of Directors for AHEAD
since 2011.
Bryan Ayres, M.Ed, EasterSeals of Arkansas
Bryan Ayres, M.Ed., ATP is a licensed general and special educator, and currently the Director of the
Technology and Curriculum Access Center at Easter Seals Arkansas. He has over 29 years experience
working with children, youth and adults with a variety of disabilities.Bryan holds degrees from
Henderson State University (BME, 83) in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and the University of Arkansas at Little
Rock (M.Ed., 87) in Special Education with an emphasis in severe disabilities and applied behavior
analysis.Bryan is also an Assistive Technology Professional certified by the Rehabilitation Engineering
and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). His special interests include assistive and
adaptive technologies, universal design for learning, and curriculum and assessment access. He
presents trainings in local, statewide and national venues.
Vivian Barnette, Ph.D.; HSP-P, North Carolina A& T University
Dr. Barnette is a Licensed Psychologist. She holds active memberships in the American Psychological
Association, Association of Black Psychologists, American College Personnel Association, and the North
Carolina Psychological Association. Dr. Barnette has presented at many conferences including ACPA in
2012 and at the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors Conference in 2012.
Anna Barrafato, MA, Counseling Psychology, Concordia University
Anna Barrafato is a licensed psychologist and a Disability Accommodation Specialist at the Access Centre
for students with Disabilities at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. She has been working in
Student Services for over 10 years, and has provided individual personal and career counselling to
numerous students. She has also facilitated workshops and groups in the areas of eating disorders,
career development, leadership, communication skills, etc. Ms. Barrafato is also a part-time faculty
member within the Department of Education at Concordia University and has taught courses in inclusive
education, educational psychology, diversity in education, and child development.
Tanja Beck, M.Ed., McGill University
I have been working as an Access Adviser at the Office for Students with Disabilities at McGill University
for the past 3 years. When I came to the field of Disabilities the office was initiating a paradigm shift
from the medical model to the social model of disabilities. Our office now fully embraces the social
model approach as well as UDL as the appropriate theoretical framework to facilitate the social model of
disability and the inclusion of diverse learners. My role as an Access Adviser is to collaborate with
Faculty to support the implementation of UDL in the classroom, to facilitate workshops on the social
model of disability, Ableism, Power and Privilege and UDL for Faculty, students and staff and to
collaborate with other McGill units such as Teaching and Learning Services and the Social Equity and
Diversity Education Office to promote the inclusion of diverse learners and UDL on campus. The Office
for Students with Disabilities has won a MESRST grant to identify the facilitators and stressors related to
the implementation of UDL across 5 participating institutions. With my research partner I am one of the
key figures leading this research project. Publications: Applying Universal Design to Disability Service
Provision: Outcome Analysis of a UD Audit. (submitted to JPED)Conference Presentations: One library
for all users. Universal Design for Learning applied to library environments (CACUSS, 2013)Creating
passionate relationships between Career Advisers and Disability Service Providers. UDL and Career
Advising. (CACUSS, 2013)Universal Design: Audit of a Disability Service Provision (AHEAD 2013)
Mark Beecher, Ph.D., Brigham Young University
I am a clinical professor in the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office at Brigham Young
University, with a joint appointment in the school's Counseling Psychology and Special Education
department. I have previously worked at the university's DSO, including over one year as the interim
director of the office.
Terra Beethe, M.S. Reading, B.A. Elementary/Special Ed, Bellevue University
Terra Beethe, M.S., is the current Secretary for AHEAD and Board Liaison to the Regional Affiliate
Program. Beethe has been also been active in the AHEAD Affiliate program for the past 8 years. She was
President for the regional affiliate WINAHEAD (Western Iowa & Nebraska AHEAD) for three terms and
served as the lead affiliate representative for all affiliates for three years prior to moving into her role on
the AHEAD BOD. Presentations include: 2007 - Infusing Universal Design into your Campus Climate
2008 - Plot Your Path: Navigating through the intersection of Universal Design and Campus Culture 2009
- Affiliates 2012 -The Word Project: A socio-political approach on language 2013 - The Faculty
Development Office: A DS Provider's New Best Friend
Gary Behm, Master Science and Bachelor Science Degr, Rochester Institute of Technology / NTID
Savakis, A., Stump, M., Tsagkatakis, G., Melton, R., Behm, G., Sterns, G. (2012, August 5 ‘ 8). Low Vision
Assistance Using Face Detection and Tracking on Android Smartphones; a paper to be presented during
the 55th International Midwest Symposium on Circuits and systems (IEEE MWSCAS 2012), Boise,
Idaho.Behm, G., Heyden, D. (2012, July 9-14). Finding a Star: Strategic Approach to Working with
Underprepared Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students; a paper to be presented at the AHEAD 2012 Conference
& PEPNet 2.0 Training Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana. Hertzog, K., Mykyta, A., Dannels, W., Behm,
G.W. (2012) Methods for Using Paired Mobile Communication Device for Tactile Signaling and Devices
Thereof, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/642,347, filed 05/03/2012Behm, G.W., Lee, Y.
(2012) Methods for Performing an Alarm Clock Functions with Bed Shaking and Device Thereof, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No.61/642,350, filed 05/03/2012Behm, G., Behm, C., Dooling, R.,
Kurz, C., & Trager, B. (2012). Virtual Two-Way See-Through, Interactive Board Apparatuses and Methods
Thereof. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/588,521, filed 01/19/2012OTHER SIGNIFICANT
PUBLICATIONS:Apparatus and Method for Enhancing Field of Vision of the Visually Impaired, 03/6/2012
Issued as Patent 8,130,262 B2; Co-inventors: Behm; G. W., Noll; A. J., Von Mering; R. E. Method and
Apparatus for Tactile Haptic Device to Guide in Real-time Obstacle Avoidance, 12/13/2011 Issued as
Patent 8,077,020 B2; Co-inventors: Behm; G. W., Von Mering; R. Factory Level and Tool Level Advanced
Process Control Systems Integration Implementation; 03/01/2011 Issued as Patent 7,899,566 B2 in US;
Co-inventors: Behm; G.W., Hwang; E., Li; Y.J., Magtoto; T.Method of Performing Measurement Sampling
of Lots in a Manufacturing Process, 02/22/2011 Issued as Patent 7,895,008 B2; Co-inventors: Behm;
G.W., Li; Y. J., Salem; M. B., Tabakman.Apparatus and Method for Sensing of Three-dimensional
Environmental Information, 08/17/2010 Issued as Patent 7,778,112 B2; Co-inventors: Behm; G.W., Von
Mering; R. SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITIES:1. Virtual See-Through, Life-Size Interactive Board for
Direct/Remote Instruction and Support Services. Chief engineer for development of an educational
prototype (now filed as a provisional patent at USPTO) that incorporates an interactive communication
center enabling information display on both sides of the board. The instructor is able to maintain faceto-face communication while writing, showing illustrations and videos, and pointing to the board. The
prototype is currently being tested. 2. Testing the Concept of a Virtual Alliance for Deaf and Hard-ofHearing STEM Student : Co-PI on an NSF funded project, now successfully completed, to create a virtual
communication support network for D/HH college students around the country who are enrolled in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. 3. Patents: 13 patents granted
4.More than 25 papers presented at international scientific meetings.
Tim Benjamin, Editor & Executive Director, Access Press
Since 2001, Tim Benjamin has been editor and executive director of Access Press, a monthly newspaper
dedicated to issues of importance to Minnesota’s disability community. He is a role model, leader and
advocate for people with disabilities. Tim serves and has served on a number of boards and committees,
including: the St. Paul Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, the Qwest Consumer Advisory
Panel, and the boards of Access for All, AXIS Healthcare Advisor Board. For two consecutive terms he
served as the Chairperson of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living. Tim is active in the
Minnesota Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) and is a member of the Minnesota
Business Leadership Network, an employer organization with a commitment to hiring people with
disabilities. A 1974 diving accident left Tim a quadriplegic. Today, Tim, his wife Lynda and their dog,
Feivel, live in St. Paul’s Como park neighborhood.
Katherine Betts
Katherine Betts currently serves as Intercultural Specialist at The Ohio State University. Prior to serving
in this current position, Katherine held positions in the division of Student Affairs at both The
University of Iowa and Oregon State University. Katherine received her Masters of Science in Student
Affairs and Higher Education Administration from Indiana State University. As an Intercultural Specialist,
Katherine engages the university in educational opportunities that celebrate the rich heritage and
presence of the African Diaspora within the OSU campus community and promotes the intercultural
development of local and global leadership skills for all students. In addition to Katherine's current role
within the university she provides consultation on a variety of diversity issues relevant to educational,
corporate, and non-profit organizations. Katherine identifies as an African American woman with a
physical disability.
Barbara Blacklock, BS, MA, University of Minnesota
Barbara Blacklock holds a M.A. degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and is licensed by the State of
Minnesota, as an Independent Social Worker (LISW). She has worked in Disability Services at the
University of Minnesota for over 25 years and has presented locally, nationally and internationally on
disability issues. As a Program Coordinator, she is currently the Disability Services Liaison to the
University of Minnesota Academic Health Center Programs. Ms. Blacklock is the co-chair of the
University of Minnesota Provost’s Committee on Student Mental Health and coordinated the
development of a new website www.mentalhealth.umn.edu. Along with her role as a direct service
provider, Ms. Blacklock recently completed serving as the Project Director of the Marcus Foundation,
Faculty Education Grant: Taking it to the Next Level: Advancing Awareness and Equity of Medical
Students with Invisible Disabilities. She also was the University of Minnesota, Project Director of a Fund
for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) grant designed to identify the barriers and
opportunities for college students with psychiatric disabilities.She is the chair of the Association on
Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) Special Interest Group (SIG) on Students with Mental Health
Disabilities and was awarded the AHEAD 2001 Professional Recognition Award. Ms. Blacklock is the coauthor of an article, The Emergence of Students with Psychiatric Disabilities in the Postsecondary
Setting, a Research to Practice Brief for the National Center on Postsecondary Education Supports
(2004).
Joanna Boval, Master's in Counseling, University of California San Diego
Joanna Boval is the Director for the Office for Students with Disabilities at UC San Diego and has a
master’s degree in Counseling. She previously worked in social services with foster care children and
established a non-profit foster family agency. Her career in services for students with disabilities began
at Loyola Marymount University where she created their Disability Support Services program. Joanna
and her staff regularly advise and support UCSD students with disabilities to participate in study abroad
and international exchange opportunities.
Michael Brooks, Ph.D., J.D., Brigham Young University
I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology/neuropsychology (as well as a law degree). I have worked in
disability service provision for seven years as the director of a DSO, have served as president of the Utah
affiliate of AHEAD, and have presented several times at the national AHEAD meeting recently in both
lecture and poster formats.
Keith Bundy, Masters in College Personnel Work, Bache, Dakota State university
Keith Bundy was born totally blind in Evansville, IN, and received primarily a mainstream education. HE
received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Evansville, a master’s degree in
college student personnel work from Indiana State University, and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and
religion from Indiana Wesleyan University.HE has been a pastor for 24 years and has worked in a variety
of positions in the human services area. HE has been employed at Dakota State University since 2000,
where HE currently serves as the Assistant Dean for Student Development, the ADA coordinator, and an
online adjunct instructor. HE has chaired DSU’s Barrier Free Learning committee. HE also provides
training in the use of technology to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Keith lives with his
wife, Peggy, in Madison, and they have four sons. His passions in life are preaching the gospel, being
with his family, technology, and talking to others about overcoming difficulties in life.
Bree Callahan, M.Ed, University of Washington
Bree Callahan is the Director at the University of Washington Disability Resources for Students office.
She holds a Masters of Education in Higher Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the
University of Washington. She has twelve year’ s experience in higher education at both two-year and
four year institutions; which includes working with students with disabilities, online learning
environments, and assistive technology.
Catherine Campisi, Ph.D., University of Missouri, Columbia,, UCLA Tarjan Center
Dr. Campisi has had a career of over thirty years in disability services and higher education as well as
rehabilitation. During her career, she served as statewide Coordinator of Disabled Students Programs
and Services (DSPS) at the Chancellor’s Office of the Ca. Community Colleges and as state Director of the
Ca. Department of Rehabilitation. In addition, she served as AHEAD President and Legislative
Committee chairperson and has served as a general session speaker for AHEAD. In the last seven years,
she has been consulting on disability policy and services in the areas of higher education, transition,
youth development, and postsecondary education and employment initiatives for students with
intellectual disabilities (ID). In this capacity, she helped shape and support the development and
implementation of the C2C programs in California. In the last five years, she has made numerous
presentations to CAPED, the Chancellor’s Office new DSPS Directors Training, and the Ca. Workforce
Assoc. Youth Conference. She has also served on a 2012 National Council on Disability (NCD) panel and
spoken at the 2012 OSERS Transition Conference as well as to the Ca. Placement Association, Ca. Youth
Leadership Forum, the Ca. Consortium on Higher Education for Students with ID, and to various
individual various college campus audiences.
Elizabeth Carpenter, B.S. Business Education, SUNY Albany; Ce, University of Rochester
Elizabeth Carpenter has been working in administrative roles in the field of disability resources and
services for over 7 years at the University of Rochester. She has held the position of disability support
coordinator since Fall 2011, and enjoys working as a team to facilitate access for students with
disabilities. Liz is committed to promoting the self-advocacy skills of students as they transition to
college, engages in outreach efforts to prospective students and families, and consults with instructors
and staff to inspire an inclusive campus climate. Liz proposed and successfully led the pilot of a two-day
pre-orientation program, UR Transition, launched this past of Fall 2013. She earned her BS in Business
Education from SUNY Albany, and recently completed Certification in Postsecondary Disability Services
at the University of Connecticut.
Braouch Chai, M.A.Sc.P.Eng, Microscience Learning 4 All USA Inc
Mr. Barouch Chai, has been president and CEO of Microscience since 1980, and is a leading promoter of
assistive technology innovations. He has presented at numerous conferences across the United States
and Canada, including AHEAD and AHG, and continues to promote solutions to support the needs of
disabled students.
Andrew Christensen, Ed.M., Carleton College
Presented at last three AHEAD conferences (six presentations all told). Worked in the field for last 10+
years as service provider and researcher.
Amy Clark, MSEd, Inclusive Education, Nazareth Coll, University of Rochester
Amy Clark joined the University of Rochester in 2011 as a disability support coordinator. In her current
role, she supports students with disabilities and promotes the understanding of diverse learners and
abilities on campus. She assisted in the creation and implementation of the pilot UR Transition program,
supporting incoming students and their families in the transition to the higher education setting. Prior to
her role at the University of Rochester, Amy worked as a certified special education and inclusive
education teacher for six years in the K-12 setting. She earned her BS in Psychology at Penn State
University and her MS in Education at Nazareth College.
Jamie Coccarreli, Masters of Education, North Carolina State University
Jamie Lynn Coccarelli received her Master of Education degree, with an emphasis in postsecondary
administration and student affairs, from the University of Southern California in 2010. During that time,
she completed her thesis titled: Applying Schlossberg’s Transition Theory to Students with Learning
Disabilities in the Transition from High School to College. After graduation, she worked at Indiana
University as a coordinator for students with ADHD and/or Traumatic Brain Injury. As of June 2012,
Jamie is serving as the coordinator for students with ADHD and/or learning disabilities at North Carolina
State University.
Terilyn Colacino, Ed.D. Educational Leadership, USC; M.A., Concordia University Irvine
I served as an Education Specialist in the K12 public school system in Hawaii and California for ten years.
I also worked directly with the Department of Rehabilitation for four years in California, serving as a
teacher in their Transitional Partnership Program, which transitions students with disabilities into
vocational training or higher education settings. For the past five years I have served as Director of
Disability and Learning Services for Concordia University in Irvine, California. My professional career over
the past fifteen years has been dedicated to educating and advocating for students with disabilities and
their families. I support faculty and staff in creating an accessible and equitable learning and social
environment on the university campus by proactively removing environmental and attitudinal barriers. I
also serve my community as a board member for Region 6 Parent Training and Information Center’s
non-profit organization Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK).My dissertation topic for my Ed.D.
from University of Southern California was focused on students learning 21st century skills in a
multicultural context; the theoretical framework was Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with an
emphasis on student engagement during instruction and assessment. I presented on universal design to
SCDC members in Spring 2012 and in September of 2013 I presented on UDL to TASK staff members. I
also presented to USC’s Marshal School of Business in Fall 2012 via webinar on how to design instruction
and assessment based on UDL principles. In Summer of 2012 I presented to SCDC members on
Benchmarking and Gap Analysis using AHEAD Program Standards and Indicators. November 2013, I
presented at the Pacific Coast College Health Association conference in Anaheim; my presentation was
entitled A Multi-disciplinary Approach to college Health Issues: Connecting the college offices of Health,
Counseling, and Disability Services.
Suzanne Colbert, Arts, Psychology and Special Education, Macquarie University, New South Wales AU
Suzanne Colbert is founder of the Australian Network on Disability (AND). AND is resourced by its
members to advance the inclusoin of people with disability in all aspects of business�as
employees, customers and supliers. This organization serves some of Australia’s most successful
companies that, combined, employ approximately 9% of the Australian workforce. Suzanne has been
recognized for her work by the pretigious Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Suzanne has been a
frequent presenter through throughout Australia as well as with partners in UK and Asia www.
businessdisabilityforum.org.uk and www.businessanddisability.orgSuzanne is married to John Little and
assists the Successful Resumes organization in a consultative role.
Lyla Crawford, MS, DO-IT, University of Washington
I have been with the DO-IT program at the University of Washington, for sixteen years. DO-IT works to
promote the inclusion of students with disabilities in challenging academic and career programs. I have
been involved in developing print and electronic resources for students, educators, parents, career
advisors, employers and other support personnel who work with students with disabilities as they
pursue educational and career goals. In addition to developing materials and programs for students,
parents, educators and employers and conducting research on best practices and strategies. I have given
more than 80 concurrent sessions, pre-conference workshops, poster sessions and full day training
sessions at local, regional and national conferences. Topics include; Universal Design of Instruction,
Universal Design of Distance Learning, Accessible Class and Lab Environments, Web Design, Accessible
Computer and Adaptive Technologies, Accommodations in Educational and Workplace Settings, How to
Train K-12 or Postsecondary Faculty and Staff in Disability Awareness Issues as well as General
Accommodations, Online Mentoring, Transition Planning for High School to College and College to
Employment, for students, parents as well as staff at all levels. Conferences presented at include;
AHEAD, NCCE, NECC, NSTA, WAPED, and many local and regional events. Currently I am on the National
Science Teachers Association Special Education Advisory Board. I also served as the Secretary for the
Washington Association on Postsecondary Education and Disability (WAPED) Board for ten years.
Publications:Burgstahler, S. & Crawford, L., (2012). Engaging Students with Disabilities in Accessibility
Reviews. Dimensions, November-December 2012.Burgstahler, S., Moore, E., & Crawford, L. (2011).
Tracking the effectiveness of DO-IT interventions: New longitudinal data on students with disabilities.
Closing the Gap, 30(3), 14-16.Burgstahler, S. & Crawford, L., "Managing an e-mentoring community to
support students with disabilities: A case study.", AACE Journal, p. 97, vol. 15(2), (2007). Burgstahler,
S.E., Crawford, L., & Acosta, J. (2001). Transitionfrom two-year to four-year institutions for students with
disabilities.Disability Studies Quarterly, Winter 2001. [Article in PDF format]
Candida Darling, Master of Social Work, Missouri State Un, Salt Lake Community College
I am currently the Director of the Disability Resource Center at Salt Lake Community College. I am the
co-chair of the Universal Access Committee at SLCC and work hard to build strategic partnerships to
promote accessibility. I have over eleven years of experience in Disability Services. Presentations:
Darling, C., Helquist, M., Stephenson, B., Building Strategic Partnerships through Crowdsourced
Accessibility and Service-Learning, NASPA Community Colleges Division Webinar, November, 2013.
Darling, C., Helquist, M., Engaging the Campus Community Through Crowdsourced Accessibility,
Accessing Higher Ground Accessible Media, Web & Technology Conference, November, 2013. Darling,
C., Helquist, M., Stephenson, B., Crowdsourcing Accessibility: Strategies and Tools for Engaging the
Campus Community, AHEAD Annual Conference, July 2013
Jen Davis, M.A., BScOT, OT, Dalhousie University
Jen Davis is an Advisor in the Advising and Access Services Centre at Dalhousie University. Jen has been a
licensed occupational therapist for the past eight years. She has worked in the areas of mental health,
chronic pain and return to work. As an occupational therapist, Jen brings significant experience to issues
of accessibility and accommodations. She co-presented a paper entitled "Enabling Social Change In
Everyday Practice" at the National conference do the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists in
2010 and she co-presented a paper at OT Atlantic 2013 (a regional occupational therapy conference
entitled "Partnership Within A Post-Secondary Institution: A Timely Opportunity".
Patricia Diaz del Castillo, Degree(s), McGill University
Patricia Diaz del Castillo is the Learning Resources Advisor for the Office for Students with Disabilities at
McGill University. Since the implementation of the Universal Design model, she has been a part of the
team placing Higher Education Disability service providers in synchronicity with larger stakeholders and
wider campus objectives.Presentations:International Conference on Higher Education and Disability
TITLE: Can a ‘Cyber-Advisor’ make a difference? Results of a Pilot Project with students with
DisabilitiesInnsbruck, Austria July 2013AHEAD - Challenging and Changing Disability Perspectives
TITLE: Universal Design: audit of a Disability Service (co-authors: Heather Mole, Tanja Beck, Frederic
Fovet, Brodie Noga)Baltimore, Maryland, USA. June 2013 Canadian Association of Colleges and
Universities Student Services (CACUSS) TITLE: Student voice as a catalyst of change in campus
disability service provision: film makers with a mission.Montreal, Quebec, Canada. June 2013LDA 50th
Annual International Conference- Poster Presentation TITLE: Can a ‘Cyber-Advisor’ make a difference?
Results of a Pilot Project with students with Learning Disabilities and ADD/ADHD will be explored.San
Antonio, Texas, USA. Feb. 2013International Congress of University and Disability
TITLE: From minority discourse to mainstream campus agenda: how the implementation of the
Universal Design model is placing Higher Education Disability service providers in synchronicity with
larger stakeholders and wider campus objectives.Madrid, Spain. Nov. 2012
Gaeir Dietrich, HTCTU
Gaeir Dietrich is the director of the High Tech Center Training Unit (HTCTU) of the California community
colleges. In addition to being the director, she is the alternate media trainer for the center, as well as the
creator of the infamous Braille Boot Camp. Gaeir is a member of the advisory boards for the Association
on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), Bookshare, the Alternate Text Production Center (ATPC),
and the Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC). She also serves as an expert to the board for
the Access Text Network (ATN). In 2010’2011, she served as the chair for the federal Advisory
Commission on Accessible Instructional Materials in Postsecondary Education (AIM).
Gordon Dionne, MA, Counseling Psychology, Concordia University
Gordon Dionne is a licensed psychologist and the Manager of the Access Centre for students with
Disabilities at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. He has worked in Student Services for 13 years
in Career Counselling and Disability Services. He has been the Secretary-Treasurer for the Canadian
Association of Disability Service Providers in Post-Secondary Education since 2006, and is working with
AHEAD’s Diversity Standing Committee and the LGBTQ Special Interest Group. He has done numerous
presentations at conferences on topics including Career Counselling with students with disabilities,
creating and facilitating discussion groups for students with disabilities, and most recently how Mad
Studies can inform our work as Disability Service Providers (AHEAD 2013).
Valerie DuBose, M.Ed, CRC, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Valerie currently serves as Assistant Director of Disability Support Services at UAB. She has been
employed in the field of postsecondary disability services since 2008. She has experience working with
individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including LD, ADHD, sensory, medical, psychiatric, mobility,
and Autism Spectrum Disorders. In addition to coordinating and ensuring the provision of
accommodations, some of her primary responsibilities include reviewing disability documentation to
determine eligibility of services, providing consultation to faculty/staff regarding the delivery of
accommodations, staying current on disability legislation and case law, coordinating interpreting and
captioning services for students with hearing impairments, and overseeing the assessment of programs
and services being offered by DSS.Prior to the addition of a full-time Assistive Technology Specialist on
staff, Valerie was responsible for coordinating assistive technology services for eligible students. She
earned a B.S. in Rehabilitation Services (2006) and a M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling (2008) from
Auburn University. Valerie is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and currently serves on the board of
Alabama AHEAD.
Shelley Ducatt, PhD (ABD), Texas Tech University
Shelley Ducatt received her BA in Communications from Baldwin-Wallace College in 1992 and her MA in
College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University in 1994. Shelley will complete her PhD
in Higher Education at Texas Tech University in May 2014; with her dissertation focusing on the
professional identity development of student disability services providers. Shelley has been a student
affairs professional for 20 years and has worked in student disability services for eight years.
Throughout her career in higher education she has worked in the areas of disability services, student
activities, leadership development, and residence life. She is currently the Associate Director tasked
with managing the day to day operations of the main SDS office. Doctorate of Philosophy in Higher
EducationTexas Tech University (anticipated May 2014) Honors (within the past 5 years) -Guns Up Staff
Award, 2013; Quality Service Award, Texas Tech University, 2010; Nominee, Excellence in Diversity
Award, Texas Tech University, 2008; Recent Presenting Experience ‘What Every New Disability Services
Provider Should Know on a College Campus’, LDA National Conference, February 2014; ‘Access & Equity
for Students with Disabilities’, October 2013, November 2012, October 2011; ‘Providing Academic
Accommodations’, Fall 2013; ‘Ten Things Every New Disability Services Provider Should Know On a
College Campus’, LDA National Conference, February 2013 - ‘Providing Academic Accommodations to
Students ‘ It’s More Than Letters’, Spring 2012 - ‘Universal Design and Accommodations’, Spring 2012 ‘Ability/Disability’, Diversity Summit, Texas Tech University, April 2011 - ‘Ten Tips for New Disability
Service Providers’, AHEAD National Conference, July 2010 - ‘Creating a Legacy of Success for Students
with Disabilities’, NASPA National Convention, March 2010 - ‘Retaining Students with Disabilities: A Ten
Step Plan to Success’, NASPA International Assessment Conference, June 2009 - ‘ The Course for a
Special Population: Texas Tech’s plan to retain students with a disability’, NASPA National Convention,
March 2008 - ‘All Things Considered: Developing Successful, Inclusive, and Accessible Programs and
Services, ACUI Regional Conference, October 2008
Jen Dugger, M.A. Higher Education Administration, Portland State University
I am the co-chair of the LGBTQA SIG and I am a member of the Diversity Standing Committee of AHEAD.
I served as the program chair of the national conference in New Orleans in 2012. I have presented at the
national conference four of the last five years on a number of topics including the session I conducted in
2013 titled, "Identities: The Intersection of Gender, Sexuality, and Disability". The session received a very
good response from participants. I also present regularly for Academic Impressions, Inc regarding online
accessibility.
Samantha Dutra, BA, Colorado State University
Aaron Eakman, PhD, OTR, Colorado State University
Dr. Eakman is the research coordinator of the New Start program and has published regarding persons
with traumatic brain injury; presently researches subjective meaning associated with day-to-day action
and its role in supporting health and well-being.Eakman, A. M. (under review). A prospective
longitudinal study testing relationships between meaningful activities, basic psychological needs
fulfillment, and meaning in life. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health.Eakman, A. M. (2013).
Relationships between meaningful activity, basic psychological needs and meaning in life: Test of the
Meaningful Activity and Life Meaning model. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health. 33, 100-109,
doi: 10.3928/15394492-20130222-02Dye, D. C., Eakman, A. M., and Bolton, K. M. (2013). A Rasch-based
test of the Dynamic Gait Index in a balance and vestibular disorders clinic. Physical Therapy Journal. 93:
809-818. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20120163Eakman, A. M. (2013) The Meaningful Activity Wants and Needs
Assessment (MAWNA): A perspective on life balance. Journal of Occupational Science. Early Online, doi:
10.1080/14427591.2013.769405Eakman, A. M. & Eklund, M. (2012). The relative impact of personality
traits, meaningful occupation andoccupational value on meaning in life and life satisfaction. Journal of
Occupational Science. 19, 165-177. doi:10.1080/14427591.2012.671762Thompson, K., Eakman, A.M., &
Owens, L. (2012). Factors affecting fieldwork student placement in mental health. Occupational Therapy
in Mental Health. 28, 1-19. doi: 10.1080/0164212X.2011.650947Eakman, A. M. (2012). Measurement
characteristics of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey in an age-diverse sample. American
Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66, e20-e29. doi: 10.5014-ajot.2012.001867, NIHMS323257.Eakman,
A. M. & Eklund, M. (2011). Reliability and structural validity of an assessment of occupational value.
Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 18, 231-240. doi:
10.3109/11038128.2010.521948Eakman, A. M. (2011). Convergent validity of the Engagement in
Meaningful Activities Survey in a college sample. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health. 31, 23-32.
doi: 10.3928/15394492-20100122-02Eakman, A. M., Carlson, M. E. and Clark, F. A. (2010). Factor
structure, reliability and convergent validity of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey for older
adults. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health. 30, 111-121. doi: 10.3928/15394492-20090518-01,
NIHMSID320801.Eakman, A. M., Carlson, M. E. and Clark, F. A. (2010). The Meaningful Activity
Participation Assessment: A measure of engagement in personally valued activities. International
Journal of Aging and Human Development. 70, 339-357. doi: 10.2190/AG.70.4.b,
NIHMSID322344.Eakman, A. M. (2007). Occupation and social complexity. Journal of Occupational
Science. 14, 82-91. doi: 10.1080/14427591.2007.9686588Eakman, A. M. (in press). Factors influencing
the personal narrative: meaning, sense-making and spirituality. In C. Baum, C. Christiansen, and J. Bass
(Eds.) Occupational Therapy: Enabling Performance, Participation and Well-Being (4th Ed.). Thorofare,
NJ: Slack.Eakman, A.M., & Rumble, M. (2013, October). Meaning in occupation: A meta-synthesis of
qualitative studies of meaningful occupation from the Journal of Occupational Science. Paper presented
at the 12th Annual Meeting and Conference Society for the Study of Occupation: USA. Lexington, KY.
Eakman, A.M., Cotton, A., & Terry, E. (2013, May). Personal and environmental factors supporting or
hindering participation for persons residing in assisted living facilities. Poster presented at the 2nd
Annual Occupational Therapy Summit. Chicago, IL.Eakman, A.M., Gee, B. Romriell, B. & Rumble, M.
(2012, October). Supports and barriers to occupation: A meta-summary of qualitative studies from the
Journal of Occupational Science. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Meeting and Conference Society
for the Study of Occupation: USA. Portland, OR.Eakman, A. M. & Eklund, M. (2012, May). Disentangling
the role of personality in meaningful activity, occupational value and well-being. Poster presented at the
9th Council of Occupational Therapist for the European Countries (COTEC) Congress of Occupational
Therapy. Stockholm, Sweden.Eakman, A. M. (2012, May). Intrinsic motivation mediates the influence of
meaningful activity upon meaning in life: A latent variable model. Poster presented at the 9th COTEC
Congress of Occupational Therapy. Stockholm, Sweden.Eakman, A. M. (2012, May). Subjectively
assessing occupational balance: Meaningful activity and needs for meaningful activity experiences.
Paper presented at the 9th COTEC Congress of Occupational Therapy. Stockholm, Sweden.Eakman, A.
M. (2012, April). Meaningful activity contributes to meaning in life: Results from a one-year longitudinal
design. Paper presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference,
Indianapolis, IN.Seikel, J., Sorensen, D., Loftin, J., Creelman, J., Devine, N., Dye, D., Urfer, A., Johnson, J.
Eakman, A.M., Calley, K., Holzer, K., Fish, R., Lomen, H., & Peterson, T. (2011, October). Prediction of
oropharyngeal dysphagia risk from signs of oromyofunctional disorder. Poster presented at the Annual
Convention of the International Association of Orofacial Myology, Cincinnati, OH.Eakman, A. M. (2011,
April). Meaningful activity participation supports life meaning and life satisfaction: Applying a metamodel of meaning in life. Poster presented at the American Occupational Therapy Annual Conference
and Exposition. Philadelphia, PA.Eakman, A. M. (2011, April). The Engagement in Meaningful Activities
Survey: How a measure of meaning can inform occupational therapy practice. Poster presented at the
American Occupational Therapy Annual Conference and Exposition. Philadelphia, PA.Lord, P., Eakman,
A. M. & Peterson, T. (2011, April). Sensory deficits affecting social participation and quality of life for an
individual in an assisted living facility. Poster presented at the Division of Health Sciences Research Day.
Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID.Ridgeway, H, Eakman, A. M. & Peterson, T. (2011, April). The
occupations and socialization of a married couple in an assisted living facility. Poster presented at the
Division of Health Sciences Research Day. Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID.Vinson, J., Eakman, A. M.
& Peterson, T. (2011, April). Maintaining occupational independence after the transition to an assisted
living facility: A study of Mary. Poster presented at the Division of Health Sciences Research Day. Idaho
State University, Pocatello, ID.Tanner, N., Eakman, A. M. & Gee, B. (2011, April). Initiating a qualitative
metasynthesis: The process. Poster presented at the Division of Health Sciences Research Day. Idaho
State University, Pocatello, ID.Eakman, A. M. (2010, April). Life meaning, boredom and competence as
predictors of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey. Paper presented at the American
Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.Eakman, A.M. & Thompson, K. (2010,
April). Factors predicting student participation in mental health fieldwork education. Paper presented at
the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.Eakman, A.M., Carlson,
M., & Clark, F. (2009, June). Psychometric properties of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey
with older adults. Poster presented at the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy Annual
Conference, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.Eakman, A.M., Carlson, M., & Clark, F. (2009, April). Factor
structure, reliability and convergent validity of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey for older
adults. Poster presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference,
Houston, TX.Eakman, A.M. (2009, April). Factor structure, reliability and convergent validity of the
Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey in a sample of older adults. Poster presented at the Kasiska
College of Health Professions Research Day, Pocatello, ID.Eakman, A.M. (2008, June). Development of a
measure of meaningful activity for older adults. Paper presented at the Social Futures Institute.
University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, UK.Eakman, A.M. (2008, April). A decade of meaning in
occupational science and occupational therapy. Paper presented at the American Occupational Therapy
Association Annual Conference, Long Beach, CA.Eakman, A.M. (2008, April). Development of a measure
of meaningful activity for older adults. Paper presented at the American Occupational Therapy
Association Annual Conference, Long Beach, CA.
Lisa Elliot, Ph.D., Rochester Institute of Technology
The presenter made over 35 presentations in the last 5 years, including 3 presentations at
AHEAD:Stinson, M., Francis, P., & Elliot, L. (2013, July 10). Mobile speech-to-text captioning services: An
accommodation in STEM laboratory classes. Paper presented at the Association on Higher Education and
Disability Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD.Elliot, L., & Francis, P. (2010, July 15). Supporting students
with disabilities with Tablet PCs in STEM courses. Presentation at the Association on Higher Education
and Disability Annual Conference, Denver, CO. Francis, P., & Elliot, L. (2010, July 16). Captioning for
Mobile Learning Situations to Support Students with Disabilities in STEM. Presentation at the Association
on Higher Education and Disability Annual Conference, Denver, CO.A recent publication concerning the
topic to be presented:Elliot, L.B., Rubin, B., DeCaro, J.J., Clymer, E.W., Earp, K., & Fish, M. (2013).
Creating a virtual academic community for STEM students. Journal of Applied Research in Higher
Education, 5(2), 173-188, DOI 10.1108/JARHE-11-2012-0051.
Christina Fabrey, M.Ed., Green Mountain College
Christina Fabrey, MEd, ACAC, BCC is the Director of Academic Support Services at Green Mountain
College (GMC), having previously served as their disability support provider. Christina is a certified
ADHD and Life Coach, and ADHD Coach Trainer through JST Coaching, and an Edge Foundation Coach.
February 7, 2014:Using a Coach Approach to Disability Support ServicesAHEAD- New England,
webinarJuly 2013:Beyond Accommodations: An In-depth Look at ADHD/EF/LD CoachingAssociation for
Higher Education and Disability ConferenceHilton Baltimore Hotel, Baltimore, MDNovember 2012:From
Science to Strategies: Supporting Students with ADHDCollege Reading and Learning Association
Conference Hyatt Regency Houston, Houston, TXApril 2012:An Introduction to AD/HD Coaching for
Student Success and RetentionCollege Reading and Learning Association and New York College Learning
Skills SymposiumThe Gideon Putnam Hotel, Saratoga Springs, NYMarch 2012:Learning and Attention:
How Post-Secondary Professionals Can Better Support Executive Function NeedsVermont Women in
Higher Education Conference. The Killington Grand Hotel, Killington, VTOctober 2011:An Introduction to
Coaching for College Success and Retention. Learning Assistance Association for New England. Durham,
NH. June 2010:Executive Function, AD/HD and How Coaching Can Improve First Year Transition and
Persistence to Graduation.UCONN Post-Secondary Disability Training Institute. Saratoga, NY. June
2008:There are no IEPs in College. Charting the Course Conference of Vermont Parent-to-Parent.
Killington, VT.PUBLICATIONS:Co-Author for The ADHD Awareness Book Project: 365 +1 Ways to Succeed
with ADHD: a full year of valuable tips and strategies from the world’s best ADHD coaches and experts,
Edited by Laurie Dupar, September 2012.Co-Author for The ADHD Awareness Book Project: 365 Ways to
Succeed with ADHD: a full year of valuable tips and strategies from the world’s best ADHD coaches and
experts, Edited by Laurie Dupar, September 2011.
Multiple Faculty, Varies, Portland Community College
PCC has several faculty and staff voices to bring to the table for this session. Some may be able to travel
in person, but the bulk will join remotely to share information. We will bring a wireless hotspot with us
to enable the remote connection if there is no internet available through the conference itself.
Additional details regarding educational background, publications, and presentations for each of the
additional presenters are available upon request. Brief notes are listed below for each given that we
have several members and each has extensive expertise.Karen Sorensen is the Accessibility Advocate for
Online Courses at Portland Community College. She does course reviews for new online courses and
provides training for faculty who are working to ensure compliance with the College’s online
accessibility standards. She was also a primary point of contact for the faculty working on the
accessibility study during release time. Chris Hughes is a Math Faculty member who participated in the
accessibility study. He has also been heavily involved in the WeBWorK coding and teaches a course in
LaTex.Scot Leavitt is a Math Faculty member who participated in the accessibility study and has been
engaged in analysis and discussion around the accessibility of publisher offerings. Alex Jordan is a Math
Faculty member who has been instrumental in the development of the PCC WeBWorK server and is a
lead for the Accessibility Code Camp that the College will host in August in partnership with MathFest ‘
an annual event of the Mathematical Association of America. Heiko Spoddeck is a Math Faculty member
who has been offering a self-paced alternate math option for over ten years. Carl Yao is a Math Faculty
member who has developed additional alternative math options and who has also been contributing to
the WeBWorK coding efforts.Jessica Bernards is a Math Faculty member who has partnered with
colleagues at other institutions to develop instructor guides as well as student guides to help integrate
study skills directly into math courses. Shane Horner is a Math Faculty member who has been using a
Livescribe pen under a document camera to generate pencasts during lecture which are then made
available to all students in the course. The multimedia pencasts allow students to see the whole page,
but then selectively click to see and hear particular problems being worked out. To ensure equal access,
the pencasts have at times been converted to movie files with an interactive transcript and/or audio
description. Phyllis Petteys is an Accessibility Specialist connecting math faculty members who are doing
the WeBWorK coding with students who use a variety of technologies and experience a range of
learning needs and preferences.
Linda Fitzpatrick, B.A., The College Of Staten Island, CUNY
Linda Fitzpatrick is Director and Founder of The Disability Etiquette Training Company. Her book
"Fundamentals of Disability Inclusion" is being updated for distribution through the American Bar
Association Publications Division (Spring 2014). She is also Director of Successful Resumes America, a
member of the Successful Resumes International Consultancy. She was a keynote presenter at the
organization's international conference in Sydney, Australia in 2012 and is the organization’s central
training resource for "Mining the Gold", the unique Successful Résumés process for
uncovering our candidate’s stand out qualities.
Velvet Fitzpatrick, PhD Candidate in Engineering Education,, Purdue University
I am Velvet Fitzpatrick, a Doctoral Candidate in the School of Engineering Education at Purdue
University. I conduct engineering education investigations on the strengths and weaknesses of
undergraduate engineering students with dyslexia. The aim of my research is to present a balanced
perspective of dyslexia in engineering. I am currently a Graduate Professional Assistant to the Associate
Dean of Graduate Education and Interdisciplinary Programs in the College of Engineering. In this position
I host professional development workshops for engineering graduate students. In 2007, I received my
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Prairie View A&M University and earned a Master of
Science in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in 2009. Here are a list of recent presentations and
research publications:10/2013 Panelist, Dyslexia and Talent. Science, Engineering, and Dyslexia College & Grad School Perspectives Webinar06/2013 Keynote Speaker, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for
Astrophysics (CfA) for Visual Learning (LVL) IncTech Summer Workshop10/2012 Panelist, Mid-America
Transportation Center (MATC) Scholars Program, University of Nebraska Lincoln11/2013Facilitator,
Multicultural/Historically Black Institution (HBI) Visitation Program, College of Engineering Graduate
Programs11/2013 Co-Facilitator, NSBE Grad Fireside Chat with Claude Oliver09/2013 Hostess, PurdueAdvance Women of Color Faculty in STEM Conference06/2013 Panelist, Purdue Summer Research
Opportunities Program (SROP) Graduate Student Panel04/2013 Representative, Emily Hall Tremaine
Foundation Conference on Dyslexia and Talent11/2012 Panelist, Multicultural/Historically Black
Institution (HBI) Visitation Program, College of Engineering panel 11/2012 Presenter, Peer Mentor
Program, Disability Resource Center (DRC)Peer Reviewed Journal PapersOng, G., Fitzpatrick, V., Labi, S.,
Sinha, K. (2012) A Hazard-Based Analysis of Highway Project Development Times. Journal of
Transportation Engineering. http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)TE.1943-5436.0000422Peer Reviewed
Conference PapersFitzpatrick, V., Reed, T., Gilger, J., Brophy, S., Imbrie, P. (2013). First-Year Engineering
Students with Dyslexia: Comparison of Spatial Visualization Performance and Attitudes. Paper presented
at the 43rd Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, Oklahoma City, OK.Fitzpatrick, V., Groh, J., &
Holloway, B. (2011). Partnering with University Faculty and Students to Design Engineering Outreach
Sessions for Middle School Students. Paper presented at the Women in Engineering Proactive Network
2011 National Conference, Seattle, WA.Conference PostersFitzpatrick, V., & Reed-Rhoads, T. (2011).
Exploring the Impact of Dyslexia on the Undergraduate Engineering Experience. Poster presented at the
Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate Fall 2011 Conference, Indianapolis, IN.Pearce, S.,
Fitzpatrick, V., Bazil, J., Groh, J., & Rundell, A. (2010). Middle school students explore biomedical
engineering within the context of diabetes. Poster presented at the Biomedical Engineering Society
Conference, Austin, TX.Pearce, S., Bazil, J., Barcus, C., Jaroch, D., Driskell, L., Fitzpatrick, V., . . . Rundell,
A. (2010). Introducing engineering within the context of diabetes to middle-school students. Poster
presented at the American Society for Engineering Education Illinois-Indiana Section Conference, West
Lafayette, Indiana. Accepted Conference Paper AbstractsFitzpatrick, V., & Fentiman, A. (2014). Future
Engineering Faculty and Professionals: Graduate Student Development. Paper abstract submitted to the
American Society for Engineering Education Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana.Fitzpatrick, V., Fentiman
A., & Cawthorne, J. (2014). Designing Career Planning and Mentoring Materials for Engineering
Graduate Students. Paper abstract submitted to the American Society for Engineering Education
Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana.McClurkin, J., Fitzpatrick, V., & Cox, M. (2014). Development of
Industry Modules for Engineers Pursuing Advanced Degrees. Paper abstract submitted to the American
Society for Engineering Education Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana.Accepted Conference Poster
AbstractsFitzpatrick, V., Reed, T., & Strobel, J. (2014). Using Phenomenology to investigate Dyslexia in
Undergraduate Engineering. Poster abstract accepted to the Emerging Researchers National Conference
in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics, Washington, DC.Fitzpatrick, V., & Fentiman, A. (2014).
Engineering Graduate Student Development: Preliminary Comparison of Participants. Poster abstract
accepted to the American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting, Chicago,
Illinois.Manuscripts in PreparationFitzpatrick, V., Reed, T., & Gilger, J., Cognitive Diversity in Engineering.
Frederic Fovet, McGill University
Frederic Fovet is Director of the Office for Students with Disabilities at McGill University. He has led, for
now three years, a proactive drive for UDL implementation across the McGill campuses. He has been a
teacher and a principal, for over 15 years, and his practice focuses on inclusive education. Recent
presentations:Between support and autonomy? UDL as a framework for inclusion for ASD students in
Higher Education.Australia Pacific Autism Conference, Adelaide, August 2013 (i) Unchartered Paths:
forging successful partnerships with faculty, teaching services and diversity offices for campus wide
Universal Design implementation (co-author: Heather Mole)(ii) Universal Design Audit of a Disability
Service Office (co-authors: Heather Mole, Tanja Beck, Patricia Dias del Castillo, Brodie Noga)(iii)
Managing change as Disability Service Leaders: Surveying Lessons learnt and mapping the future. 2013
AHEAD Conference, Baltimore, July 2013 (i) Like fire to water ‘ building bridging collaborations between
Disability serviceproviders and course instructors to create user friendly and resource efficient UDL
implementation material (co-authors: Heather Mole, David Syncox & Tynan Jarrett)(ii) Easing Transitions
from Program to Field for Students with Disabilities (Lead author: Dr. F.J. Benson; co-author: Dr. Tar
Flanagan)STHLE 2013, Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia, June 2013 (i) Beyond graduation day:
creating collaborative passion between Disability service providers and career advisers (co-author: Tanja
Beck). (ii) When passion for Universal Design encounters stumbling blocks ‘ navigating the thorny issue
of field placements (Lead author: Dr. F.J. Benson; co-author: Dr. Tara Flanagan)(iii) From concept to
hands-on solutions: creating passion about UD amongst exam coordinators (co-authors: Andrew
Bennett & Heather Mole)(iv) Un abdaire pour garer l’interface usager et accroitre l’acces au sein des
services aux étudiants : comment attiser la passion pour la conception universelle au sein des services
aux étudiantsCACUSS 2013, McGill, Montreal, June 2013 Universal Design ‘ When the concerns for
access of a minority become the tools of the majorityEuropean Access Network 22nd Annual
Conference, Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France, June 2013 Sisyphus’ task? Accommodating emerging
clienteles in professional degree paths: Navigating the challenges of practicums and real-world
evaluations (lead author: Dr Fiona Benson; co-author: Dr Tara Flanagan)CSSE 2013, Victoria, BC, June
2013 An uneasy blending of Theory and Practice: dynamic tension in Higher Ed Disability service
provision.NNDR 2013, Naantali, Finland, June 2013 Disability Service Provision in Higher Ed: Beyond UDL
‘ Critical Theory vs. MainstreamingMultiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion, and Disability, Annual ADA
Coordinators’ Conference, Ohio State University, April 2013 Exploring the Links between Access,
Universal Design and Sustainability (interactive workshop) Smart and Sustainable Campuses Conference,
Bethesda, Maryland, April 2013. What is Universal Design for Learning and can it help create a smooth
transition from high school through university? Keynote speaker, LDAQ Chapter 1 Public conference,
Montreal, January 2013.
Wilbert Francis, Bachelor's and Master's degrees, Univ. of UCLA Tarjan Center
Wilbert Francis serves as the project director of Postsecondary Education for the UCLA Tarjan Center.
He has thirteen years of experience at University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
that include leadership in facilitating the collaboration between k-12 school districts, higher education
and other state and local agencies. For the past six years he has provided technical assistance to
California Community Colleges to strengthen their capacity to support students with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (ID/DD). He has experience identifying the training needs of higher education
staff and has coordinated conferences and trainings to address professional development needs.
Wilbert serves as the administrative staff of the California Consortium on Higher Education for People
with ID/DD. He is working collaboratively to support students in postsecondary education and to
highlight the value and need for varied and individualized supports for students with intellectual
disabilities. He collects resources on best and promising practices and disseminates information to K-12,
higher education to develop and improve postsecondary education programs. Wilbert has presented at
numerous conferences, including the California Association of Postsecondary Education and Disability
(CAPED), Partners in Policy Making California and Association of Regional Center Association (ARCA)
conferences and transition fairs at colleges and high schools.
Robin Frye, PhD, Psychology, Clark University; B.A., University of Rochester
One focus of my work as Assistant Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the
University of Rochester is student study skills development. I am enthusiastically engaged in promoting
student learning and academic success. I coordinate the study skills portion of our department along
with teaching leadership classes to workshop peer-leaders. A large part of my job includes working with
students individually, teaching a study skills course and overseeing graduate student study skills
counselors. I assisted in the implementation of the UR transition program by providing an introduction
to study skills for incoming students with disabilities. I have experience presenting my research as a
lecturer in Psychology, as well as an instructor for a variety of courses. I recently presented two sessions
at a teaching and learning conference at Niagara University on using peer-led team learning in
December of 2011. I have also presented locally in Rochester to area schools.
Cynthia Fuller, PhD, L.P., University of Minnesota
Dr. Cynthia Fuller is Associate Director of Student Services for Disability Services at the University of
Minnesota where we serve more than 2200 students with disabilities. She brings experience from her
training as a psychologist and a decade of university counseling center work. Dr. Fuller enjoys
collaborating with others to explore access, inclusion and developmental issues from multiple
perspectives, develop strategies to address them, and share the learning.
Austin Gehret, Ph.D., Rochester Institute of Technology
Presentations:Elliot, L.B., Gehret, A.U., Davis, S., Kushalnagar, R., & Goldmann, W. (2013, June 27). Best
practices in online tutoring in STEM with the Deaf STEM Community Alliance Virtual Academic
Community (VAC). 2013 Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf National Conference,
Rochester, NY.Kimbria Justine Blake, Austin U. Gehret, Regina Puts, Alejandra Rizo Patron, Sebastian
Ramirez, Amanda Strassner, Alessandra Lof, Brandon Wahler, Megan Walling, and Suzanne F.
O'Handley. A Phosphoglycolate Phosphatase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Experimental Biology
2013. Boston, MA FASEB J April 9, 2013 27:806.6Gehret, AU and Hinkle, PM. Protein Phosphatase 1alpha is Involved in the Regulation of the Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor. Experimental
Biology 2012. San Diego, CA FASEB J March 29, 2012 26:lb180Hinkle, PM, Travers JG, Gehret AU.
Recycling of Internalized TRH Receptors Requires Receptor Dephosphorylation. ENDO 2011. Boston, MA
June 4-7, 2011 Endocr Rev 32: P1-167Gehret, AU and Hinkle PM. Regulation of the TRH Receptor Is
Dictated by Regions of the Receptor Outside the Phosphorylated C-Terminal Domain. ENDO 2010. San
Diego, CA June 19-22, 2010 Endocr Rev 31: P2-577Gehret, AU and Hinkle PM. Role of Helix 8 of the
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor in activation of G protein-coupled receptor kinases. 10th
Annual Great Lakes GPCR Retreat. Rochester, NY Oct. 15-17, 2009.Publications:Gehret AU and Hinkle
PM (2013) siRNA Screen Identifies the Phosphatase Acting on the G Protein- Coupled ThyrotropinReleasing Hormone Receptor. ACS Chemical Biology. Mar 15; 8(3): 588-598.Hinkle PM, Gehret AU and
Jones BW (2012) Desensitization, trafficking, and resensitization of the pituitary thyrotropin-releasing
hormone receptor. Front. Neurosci. 6:180. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2012.00180Gehret AU, Connelly SM,
Dumont ME (2012) Functional and Physical Interactions among Saccharomyces cerevisiae e-Factor
Receptors. Eukaryot. Cell. Oct; 11(10):1276-88.Gehret AU and Hinkle PM (2010) Importance of regions
outside the cytoplasmic tail of G protein-coupled receptors for phosphorylation and dephosphorylation.
Biochem. Journal. May 13; 428(2): 235-245.Gehret AU, Jones BW, Greuber EK, Cook LB, Tran P, Hinkle
PM (2010) Role of helix 8 of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor in phosphorylation by G
protein-coupled receptor kinase. Mol Pharmacol. Feb; 77(2):288-97.
Jessica Giles, McGill University
Jessica Giles is an Access Adviser for the Office for Students with Disabilities at McGill University. As a
Sign Language interpreter, she has been the direct provider of a service in the Higher Education setting,
and is now part of a team working with the Social Model of Disability, supported by a UDL framework for
the inclusion of diverse learners on campus.
Brittany Gregg, MA, ALC, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Brittany serves as the Coordinator of Counseling and Services for Disability Support Services at UAB. She
provides counseling and academic coaching services to students with a wide range of disabilities
including ADHD, learning disabilities, sensory impairments, Autism Spectrum Disorders and psychiatric
disabilities. Brittany also assists students who are in the process of registering for accommodations by
reviewing disability documentation, determining eligibility, conducting intake appointments, and
recommending additional services such as assistive technology evaluations. Brittany earned her
undergraduate degree in Psychology from Samford University (2007) and her Master’s degree in
Counseling from UAB (2012). Brittany is an Associate Licensed Counselor and also serves as PastPresident of the Alabama chapter of Association for Psychological Type International.
Derek Griner, Ph.D., Brigham Young University
Derek Griner is a licensed psychologist and assistant clinical faculty member at Brigham Young
University. He currently holds a joint appointment in which he teaches graduate students in BYU’s
Counseling Psychology doctoral program and provides direct clinical services to students at BYU’s
Counseling and Psychological Services. He has worked in several university settings in various capacities,
including BYU’s Accessibility Center (disability service office).
Paul Grossman, J.D., Hastings College of Law
Paul Grossman, J.D. has just retired after 40 years of service in the US Department of Education Office
for Civil Rights, with 30 years of experience as its Chief Regional Attorney and 15 years as the Chair of its
internal disability law training network. For over 12 years Paul has been a recurring adjunct professor
of disability law at Hastings College of Law, University of California. Along with Jo Anne Simon, J.D., Paul
has regularly been reviewing important legal developments for AHEAD for the past 8 years.
Haris Gunadi, M.S., Electrical Engineering and Compute, Portland Community College
Haris Gunadi has worked in higher education accessibility for more than 10 years, first at Oregon State
University and more recently at Portland Community College. In his current role as Alternative Media
Specialist, he analyzes course media for ADA compliance and researches new alternative media formats
and technologies. His relevant publications and presentations are listed below.PUBLICATIONS- Gunadi,
H., Armas, R. (November 2008). ‘Managing Disability Services and Student Accommodation Information
Effectively via Accessible Web Applications,’ CSUN Annual International Technology and Persons with
Disabilities Conferences.-Gunadi, H. (October 2007). ‘Creating Math in Braille and MathML with Word,
MathType, Duxbury, and GrindEQ,’ CSUN Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities
Conferences.PRESENTATIONS- Manage Accommodations via Accessible Web Apps at 2012 CSUN
Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conferences.-Providing Caption to Your
Media at Section 508 Coordinator Meeting in Washington DC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation).-A
Simple Way to Stream Captioned Media through Flash Player at 2009 Annual International Technology
and Persons with Disabilities Conference.-Managing Typewell Networks Effectively at 2009 Annual
International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference.-Managing Disability Services and
Student Accommodation Information Effectively via Accessible Web Applications at 2009 Annual
International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference.-Creating Accessible Math at 2008
Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference.-Captioning Media at 2007
Oregon Association on Higher Education and Disability Conference.-Online Alternative Testing
Management Software at 2003 Oregon Association on Higher Education and Disability
Conference.WORKSHOPS-Oregon State University (2010), providing training to Portland State University
staff to provide accessible media to low-vision students.-Oregon Association of Vocational Special Needs
Personnel (2010), presented to teachers from Oregon school districts on various adaptive technology.Oregon State University (2009), providing training to Lewis and Clark Community College staff to provide
Braille for visually impaired students.-Portland State University (2009), assisting Portland State
University restructuring Alternative Format process.-Oregon State University (2009), providing training
to Portland State University staff to provide Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) for students
with print disabilities.-Oregon State University (2009), providing training to Chemeketa Community
College staff to provide Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) for students with print
disabilities.-Oregon State University (2009), providing training to Western Oregon University staff to
create Braille documents.-Portland State University (2008), Creating Accessible Book for Students with
Disabilities.-Portland Community Colleges (2008), Training on How to Create Captioned Media.- Idaho
School for Deaf and Blind (2008), Creating Accessible Math and Science for the Visually Impaired.George Fox E-Text (2008), Creating Accessible Math and Tactile Graphic.-Corvallis High School (2008),
Various Adaptive Software and Hardware for Students with Disabilities.- Linn-Benton Community
College (2007), Managing Services through Web Applications.-Lane Community College (2007),
Managing Services through Web Applications.-California State University at Channel Islands (2007),
Managing Services through Web Applications.-Student Affairs Communication Group Meeting (2007),
Creating Accessible Materials.
Anne Haga, M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling, Cal Sate, Southwestern Law School
I have not had time to work on publications, but I have been assisting students with disabilities from
obtaining documentation to helping them figure out what accommodations are needed to requesting
accommodations from the bar for the last ten years. I have had great success in helping students apply
for the bar exam accommodations. Like all of our colleagues in SCDC disability services is but a small
part of my duties.
Enjie Hall, Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, The Ohio State University
Enjie Hall is currently serving as a counselor in the Office for Disability Services at The Ohio State
University. She has been in this position for seven years. Enjie has a Masters degree from Bowling Green
State University in Rehabilitation Counseling and dual Bachelors degrees in Speech/Language Pathology
as well as Music from The University of Toledo. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National
Certified Counselor. Enjie identifies as an Asian-American woman with a physical disability. In addition to
working with students, Enjie also guest lectures and leads discussions for faculty/staff and students on
topics such as disability awareness/sensativity, making appropriate accommodations for students, how
media portrays disability, and the transition to college as well as the workplace. Enjie co-chairs the In
Sight (blind/visual impairment) AHEAD SIG and is a member of the Diversity Standing Committee. Enjie
serves on the Columbus Advisory Council for Disability Issues and the OSU's Accessibility Taskforce for
the Office of Student Life.
Barbara Hammer, M.Ed., Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Missouri
Barb Hammer is Director of the Office of Disability Services at the University of Missouri. She has served
in this position for the past 6 years, and worked as a Coordinator in the office for the 6 years prior. Barb
has worked in the field of disability services for over 30 years. In addition to working in disability
services in higher education, she has worked in rehabilitation services in both the private and public
sector in Minnesota, Washington and Missouri. She is a seasoned counselor and consultant and has a
wide range of experience in the areas of education and employment of persons with disabilities. Her
professional interests include: universal design for learning, study abroad opportunities for students
with disabilities, technology accessibility, and supporting students in graduate and professional
programs. She serves as Vice-President for the Missouri chapter of the Association on Higher Education
and Disability (MOAHEAD) and will step into the President role in January 2014, and serves on the Board
of Directors for Services for Independent Living in Columbia, Missouri. In April 2013, Barb presented at
the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) Annual Meeting on
the topic of ‘Rethinking Disability;’ in May 2013, at the national ADA Symposium in San Antonio on the
topic of disability services in higher education; and in June 2013 at the University of Connecticut’s
Postsecondary Training Institute (PTI) on the implementation of an online accommodated exam request
process. Barb co-presented a poster session at the Association on Higher Education and Disability
annual conference in 2012, and a session titled ‘Shifting the Paradigm’ at the AHEAD annual conference
in 2011.
Emily Harris, M.A. Bowlingreen State University, Occidental College
Emily Harris has worked in the field of higher education for the past eight years, and is currently the
Director of Student Advocacy and Accountability at Occidental College. She has worked in disability
services for four years and has attended several AHEAD conferences, pre-conference institutes, and
other related professional development workshops. Emily is a founding member of the Southern
California Disability Services Consortium and has been on the leadership team since its inception.
Lois Harris, M.S. Special Education (Learning Disabilities), The Ohio State University
Currently serves as the Director of Ohio State University's Office Disability Services and has served this
office in various capacities for 28 years. Mater's Degree in Special Education, specializing in cognitive
and severe behavioral disabilities. Presentations include presenting at Ahead on Intellectual Disability
Collaboration and various workshops on campus for faculty and staff for disability awareness and
provision of services. 28+ years of disability experience in higher education.
Elizabeth Harrison, PhD, University of Dayton
The presenter/facilitator has been part of AHEAD’s universal design initiatives since 2001 and has won
an AHEAD award for that work. The presenter has done faculty development work in higher education
since 1996 and has led many workshops and conference sessions on the home campus, at conferences,
and at institutions around the country. The presenter currently directs a unit that includes disability
services and learning support at the home university. Recent sessions delivered include ‘Teaching
Strategies That Work for All Students’ (August 2010, Madison Technical College, Madison, WI), ‘It’s All
about Design!’ (co-presented for the Project ShIFT grant program, July 2010, Minneapolis, MN),
‘Disability Service Providers as Faculty Developers: It’s a New World’ (2010 AHEAD concurrent session
attended by 50+ people), ‘Pencils and Pixels for All: Inclusive Design in Faculty Development’ (October
2012, POD-Network annual faculty development meeting preconference workshop), ‘Universal Design:
What Is It and What Do We Do with It?’ (not my title!) (November 2012, Michigan Education Association
state conference on issues in higher education). The presenter was co-editor of JPED 25 (3), a special
issue on just, usable, sustainable, and transformational design and is a member of the JPED Editorial
Board.
Teresa Haven, Ph.D., AHEAD Technology Standing Committee
Multiple years in the field; multiple AHEAD and other presentations on related topics. Examples:2013
Applying Knowledge of Access Technology to Working with Users. Accessing Higher Ground Conference,
Westminster, Colorado, 4-8 November 2013.2013 I’m Supposed to Understand Computers (and
Alternative Formats) Too?!?! AHEAD Fall Workshop, Charlotte, North Carolina, 18-19 October 2013.2013
Access Technologies, an A-Z Introduction. With Ron Stewart. Association on Higher Education And
Disability Conference, Baltimore, Maryland, 8-13 July 2013.2013 AT Open Forum ‘ Quiz The Experts.
Association on Higher Education And Disability Conference, Baltimore, Maryland, 8-13 July 2013.2012
Review of Design Meets Disability. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability. September 2012
Issue.2012 Applying Knowledge of AT to Working with Users (Parts 1 and 2). With Ron Stewart.
Association on Higher Education And Disability Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, 11-15 July 2012
2012 Out of the Box: I’m Supposed to Understand Computers, Too?!. Association on Higher Education
And Disability Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, 11-15 July 2012 2012 Producing More Accessible
Digital STEM Content. Association on Higher Education And Disability Conference, New Orleans,
Louisiana, 11-15 July 2012 2012 Access Technologies: an A-Z Introduction. Full-Day Workshop presented
with Ron Stewart. Association on Higher Education And Disability Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana,
11-15 July 2012 2012 Technology Accessibility: Transforming our Institutions with New Guidance and
New Perspectives (Update). AHEAD-To-You Audioconference Series, 19 April 2012.2011 Assessing
Potential Alt-Format Users: Determining What’s Needed Before Production. AHEAD-To-You
Audioconference Series, 27 October 2011.2011 Strategies and Case Studies for Improving Digital Access
on the College and University Campus. Accessing Higher Ground Inter-Conference Webinar, 25 August
2011.2011 Why Change? Technology in Education for the 21stadministration and faculty of Texas
Woman’s University, Denton, Texas, 15 April 2011. Century. Invited lecture for the 2011 How Change?
Putting Theory into Practice in the Educational Environment. Invited lecture/workshop for the faculty of
Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas, 15 April 2011.2011 Technology Accessibility: Transforming
our Institutions with New Guidance and New Perspectives. Association on Higher Education And
Disability Conference, Seattle, Washington, 11-16 July 2011 2011 Alternative Format Production
Considerations, Issues, and Techniques. Full-day workshop co-taught with Dahvede Wood. Presented for
the production staff of Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ, June 2011.2010 Foreign Language E-Text
Production. Association on Higher Education And Disability Conference, Denver, Colorado, 12-17 July
2010.2010 Alternative Format Production Considerations and Issues. Full-day workshop co-taught with
Dawn Hunziker, University of Arizona. Presented for Arizona Technology Access Program, University of
Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, June 2010.
Paula Hentz, M.S., Stetson University-WORLD/Study Abroad
Kelly Hermann, MS, Empire State University
Kelly Hermann has been the director of disability services for Empire State College since February of
2005. She is responsible for the overall coordination and provision of accommodations for students
with disabilities at the college's 36 regional locations in the state of New York as well as the college's
Center for Distance Learning, which offers online courses. Ms. Hermann has published and has
frequently presented at national conferences, including AHEAD and the Sloan Consortium's
Asynchronous Learning Network, on her experiences working with students with disabilities online. She
is the co-chair of AHEAD's online and distance education special interest group and was the chair of
AHEAD's public policy committee from 2009 until 2012. Ms. Hermann is completing her doctorate in
educational administration and policy studies, with research interests in higher education policy related
to students with disabilities and distance education.
Ashley Holben, B.A. International Studies, B.A. Economi, Mobility International USA (MIUSA)
Ashley Bryant serves as Project Coordinator of the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, a
project sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Mobility International USA. In
addition to responding to study abroad inquiries from disability service providers and others, she
regularly develops and updates web-based resources and publications to increase the participation and
inclusion of students with disabilities in education abroad. In addition to presenting international
exchange-related sessions and posters at past national and international higher education and disability
conferences, Ashley has submitted articles for the AHEAD ALERT newsletter, presented an AHEAD
audioconference on sending and welcoming students with disabilities across borders, and hosted a
forum for professionals in international exchange and disability, including members of AHEAD. Last year,
Ashley was honored to accept AHEAD’s Honor for Meritorious Contribution on behalf of Mobility
International USA.
Annazette Houston, M.S. Organizational Communication, B.S., University of Tennessee
Currently serves as the Director of Disability Services at the University of Tennessee. Served as Equal
Opportunity Officer and ADA/Coordinator for 15 years at an institution of higher education. Conduct
presentations on campus and community on disability related topics. Appointed by the Governor's of
Kentucky and Tennessee to serve on the Human Rights Commission addressing Civil Rights across the
state. 20+ years of disability experience in higher education.
Ken Hsu, M.S.S.W., Stanford University
Ken is the Assistant Vice Provost and Director of the Graduate Life Office at Stanford University. He has
held roles as Graduate and Undergraduate Residence Deans at Stanford since 2000. He has presented
on Depression Among Asian American Students at the Ncore conference.
Lori Hunter, M.S. Educational Psychology, B.A. in Soc, Maryville College
Currently serves as the Academic Support Center and Disability Services Director, has served as a
Learning Disability Specialist, Educational specialist and Counselor. Facilitates campus-wide training
around disability related topics and serves as adjunct professor. 17+ years of disability experience in
higher education.
Neera Jain, M.S., Rehabilitation Counseling, University of California, San Francisco
Neera Jain has worked in Disability Services for almost 7 years, and in vocational rehabilitation for 3
years. Currently, she serves as the Disability Consultant to the University of California, San Francisco
(UCSF) office of Student Disability Services (SDS). UCSF is a wholly graduate and professional institution
in the health sciences, part of the UC system. Prior to this role, she served as the Director of SDS at
UCSF, and the Assistant Director of Disability Services at Columbia University in New York City. While at
Columbia, she was hired as the first dedicated staff person to serve the Columbia University Medical
Center graduate and professional schools, and over the years also served graduate students with
disabilities in various programs in the arts and humanities. Neera has presented on developing
accommodations for clinical placements and practicums at the Eighth International Conference on
Higher Education and Disability (2013), the International Dyslexia Association Conference (2011),
University of Connecticut’s Postsecondary Training Institute (2011), and the University of Pennsylvania
Annual Disability Symposium (2011). She is currently writing and editing for a collective work titled
‘Navigating Accommodations for Law Students and Prospective Lawyers with Disabilities’ with the
American Bar Association, Commission on Disability Rights. She has served as the co-chair for the AHEAD
Graduate and Professional Schools SIG since 2011, and is on the Practice Brief Review Board for the
Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability.
Jane Jarrow, Ph.D., Disability Access Information & Support
Veteran in the field, having successfully presented at every AHEAD conference since 1979. Former
Executive Director of AHEAD, Jane Jarrow provides online professional development for several hundred
disability service providers each year, and has been conducting site visits, faculty training, program and
grant reviews within the field for more than 30 years.
Cindy Jepsen, M.Ed., Educational Technology, Mesa Community College
Cindy has worked in the field of Disability Resources & Services (DRS) at the Post Secondary Level for the
past 10 years. She currently manages the DRS at Mesa Community College, the largest community
college in the Maricopa Community College District. Cindy presented at the AHEAD conference last
year.
Donna Johnson, M.A., M.S., University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
As Director of Disability Services at the University of Minnesota, Ms. Johnson oversees services for more
than 2,300 graduate, professional, and undergraduate students with disabilities as well as services for
more than 2,600 faculty and staff with disabilities and medical conditions. Since assuming the role of
director in 2009. Ms. Johnson has led the strategic planning effort for one of the largest disability
services offices in the nation. Ms. Johnson is a former Senior Research Fellow for the Institute on
Community Integration (ICI). In that role, Ms. Johnson co-led the development of the National Alliance
for Secondary Education and Transition (NASET) and facilitated the development of its Transition
Toolkit, co-led the National Leadership Summits with representatives from 50 states and US territories,
managed Capacity Building Institutes and national teleconferences, and facilitated the US Department of
Education's Exiting Community of Practice.Prior to her work with ICI, Ms. Johnson served as Assistant
Director for Disability Services at the University of Minnesota, where she led the development and
implementation of projects funded by the US Department of Education. Ms. Johnson is a frequent
presenter at national and state conferences, including AHEAD conferences on numerous occasions.
Tim Kamenar, BA, MA, Univesity of Minnesota
Tim Kamenar holds a Masters Degree in Counseling and Student Development and has worked in higher
education since 1989. He currently serves as the Assistant Director-Student Services in Disability
Services, a department within the Office for Equity and Diversity, University of Minnesota. Aside from
project work and staff supervision, Tim serves as a Disability Services liaison to the University of
Minnesota-Rochester (UMR) as well as the Mayo School of Health Professions joint program with UMR.
His caseload consists of students pursuing degrees in Physical Therapy, Dental Professions (Dentistry,
Dental Therapy, Dental Hygiene), Occupational Therapy, and Health Professions.
Joshua Kaufman, MS, University of North Carolina - Asheville
Joshua Kaufman is the President-Elect of the NC affiliate of AHEAD (NC AHEAD) after having been a
board member for over 5 years. He also serves on the board of the NC Statewide Independent Living
Council (NC SILC) and is Chair of NC SILC’s Policy Committee and Co-Chair of the Growth and Leadership
in Independent Living Committee. Joshua co-authored an article in for the Journal of Postsecondary
Education and Disability (JPED) titled ‘A Paradigm Shift on Providing Alternative Formats of Textbooks’,
and has presented at multiple state and national conferences. His presentations have covered multiple
topics including the provision of alternative text formats, ADD/ADHD, roles and responsibilities of both
the student and institution in adaptive technology on college campuses, and animals as
accommodations on campus. His favorite places to present have been Multiple Perspectives on Access,
Inclusion, and Diversity at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH, Accessing Higher Ground in
Boulder, CO, and of course at his home NC AHEAD affiliate conferences.
Ron Kelly, Professor, Ph.D Degree, Rochester Institute of Technology / NTID
Berent, G. P., Kelly, R. R., Albertini, J. A., & Toscano, R. M. (2013). Deaf students’ knowledge of subtle
lexical properties of transitive and intransitive English verbs. American Annals of the Deaf, 158(3), 344362. Foisack, E., Pagliaro, C. M., & Kelly, R. R. (2013). Matematikprestationer och elever med vhet eller
rselneds - ttning (Mathematics achievement and students with deafness or hearing loss). EDUCARE, 1,
68-92. Berent, G. P., Kelly, R. R., & Schueler-Choukairi, T. (2012). L2 and deaf learners’ knowledge of
numerically quantified English sentences: Acquisitional parallels at the semantics/ discourse-pragmatics
interface. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 34, 35-66. doi: 10.1017/S0272263111000490
Albertini, J. A., Kelly, R. R., & Matchett, M. K. (2012). Personal factors that influence deaf college
students’ academic success. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 17(1) 85-101.
doi:10.1093/deafed/enr016 Kelly, R. R., & Berent, G. P. (2011). Semantic and pragmatic factors
influencing deaf and hearing students’ comprehension of English sentences containing numeral
quantifiers. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 16(4), 419-436. doi:10.1093/deafed/enr013
Berent, G. P., Kelly, R. R., & Schueler-Choukairi, T. (2009). Economy in the acquisition of English universal
quantifier knowledge: Sentence interpretation by deaf and hearing students and L2 learners at the
college level. Applied Psycholinguistics, 30(2), 251-290. doi:10.1017/S0142716409090110 Berent, G. P.,
Kelly, R. R., Schmitz, K., & Kenney, P. (2009). Visual input enhancement via essay coding results in deaf
learners’ long-term retention of improved English grammatical knowledge. Journal of Deaf Studies and
Deaf Education, 14(2), 190-204. doi:10.1093/deafed/enn032 Kelly, R. R. (2008). Deaf learners and
mathematical problem solving. In M. Marschark and P. Hauser (Eds.), Deaf cognition: Foundations and
Outcomes (pp. 226-249). New York: Oxford University Press. Stinson, M., Elliot, L., Kelly, R. R. & Liu, Y.
(2009). Deaf and hard of hearing students memory of lectures with speech-to-text and interpreting/note
taking services. Journal of Special Education, 43(1), 52-64. doi:10.1177/0022466907313453Kelly, R. R.
(2008). Technology for individuals with vision or hearing challenges. In J. D. Lindsey (Ed.), Technology
and exceptional individuals, Fourth Edition (Chapter 12, pp. 445-479). Austin, TX: PRO.ED. Berent, G. P.,
& Kelly, R. R. (2008). The efficacy of visual input enhancement in teaching deaf learners of L2 English. In
Z-H. Han (Ed.), Understanding second language process (pp. 80-105). Clevedon, UK: Multilingual
Matters. Berent, G. P., Kelly, R. R., Porter, J. E., & Fonzi, J. (2008). Deaf learners’ knowledge of English
universal quantifiers. Language Learning, 58(2), 401-437. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9922.2008.00445.xSixty-
four publications in peer reviewed journals and invited book chapters.More than 80 presentations and
papers presented at national and international conferences.
Tole Khesin, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tec, 3Play Media
Tole Khesin is one of the owners of 3Play Media, which provides captioning and transcription services to
hundreds of colleges and universities. Tole often speaks on the topics of captioning best practices,
accessibility laws, and emerging standards. His relevant publications and presentations are listed
below.PRESENTATIONS- Distance Teaching & Learning Conference, 8/7/2013 - Video Captioning Laws
and Emerging Standards for Distance Education and Online Learning-Sloan-C Blended Learning,
7/8/2013 - Accessible Video Captioning for Blended Learning and Lecture Capture-UBTech, 6/11/2013 Strategies for Deploying Accessible Video Captioning-ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association),
1/30/2013 - Making Lecture Capture Accessible & Captioning Technology for Interactive & Searchable
Access- AHG (Accessing Higher Ground), 11/15/2012 ‘ Video Captioning and Accessibility-Boston
Accessibility Conference, 9/15/2012 ‘ Quick Start to Captioning - Campus Technology 7/19/2012 ‘
Captioning Workflows Demonstration at Penn State University - AHEAD 7/13/2012 ‘ Video Captioning
and AccessibilityPUBLICATIONS2014 Roadmap to Web Accessibility in Higher Education (white paper),
8/20/2013
Lisa King, M.Ed, St. Catherine University, College Autism Spectrum
Lisa King obtained her Master’s Degree in Education from the College of William and Mary. As a
Disability Specialist for the past 20 years and consultant in higher education, she has worked extensively
with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Under the guidance of national experts, Jane Thierfeld
Brown, Ed.D. (UCONN) and Lorraine Wolf, Ph.D. (Boston U), Ms. King led a two year pilot program at the
University of Minnesota implementing a model of service: Strategic Education for Asperger Students
(SEAD) She is currently co-director of College Autism Spectrum where she provides training and
assistance to college campuses and direct support to students. She is a co- author of The Parents’ Guide
to College for Students on the Spectrum, and Social Behavior and Self-Management: 5 Point Scales for
Adolescents and Adults.
Scott Kupferman, Ph.D., University of Colorado
Dr. Scott Kupferman is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado in the Department of Special
Education. His research interests revolve around accessibility and universal design in postsecondary
education. He has served as principal investigator, co-principal investigator, and/or grant writer for 4.3
million dollars in grants from the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies and
foundations. Dr. Kupferman has written several peer-reviewed journal articles and one book chapter. He
has presented at both national and state conferences. Dr. Kupferman has developed widely used
educational and assistive technology products (software and hardware). His research and other
scholarly efforts have led to several honors and awards, including selection as a National Council on
Disability delegate and recipient of the U.S. Department of Education's Commissioner's Award for
Excellence. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Kupferman worked in a variety of two-year college and fouryear university disability service offices.
Carole La Grenade, M.A. Linguistic, College Montmorency
Doctoral student in Education at Universite de Montreal, I have been a French teacher (language and
literature) at college level for 31 years at College Montmorency. I am working as a Language Support
Center coordinator and French Department coordinator at the Collège Montmorency and I am
also acting as a Resource consulting teacher at the Learning Support Center of the Collège
Montmorency.Research interest : Associate researcher in the Action-Research Team Funded for the
Implementation of a Team Model of Professional Support to Meet the Needs of College Students with
Disabilities. Doctoral research subject : The college teachers social representation of students with
disabilities in postsecondary education.
Donna Lange, MS, Software Development and Management, Rochester Institute of Technology
Donna Lange is the Principal Investigator (PI) for DeafTEC: Technological Education Center for Deaf and
Hard-of-Hearing Students, a National Center of Excellence funded by the National Science Foundation's
Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program. Formerly, Ms. Lange was PI for the NSF ATE projects
Deaf Initiative in Information Technology I & II, #0070982 & #0302790, offering professional
development training for deaf adults, and Co-PI for the NSF ATE dual credit program Project Fast
Forward #0903167.Ms. Lange also actively serves on the following advisory boards and
committees:oNational Alliance for Partnerships Equity (NAPE) Professional Development
CommitteeoVision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education II Advisory Boardo NSF ATE, Ebooks and Mobile Apps for Technician Education (E-Mate) Advisory Committee An associate professor at
NTID/RIT and former chair of the Applied Computer Technology Department (now known as the ICS
Department), Ms. Lange has been a faculty member at NTID/RIT for over 20 years. She holds a BS in
Computer Science from SUNY Brockport and an MS degree in Software Development and Management
from RIT.Presentations (2012-2013):o ATE National Principal Investigator Conference, Washington,
DC, October 23-25, 2013, ‘Using Universal Design Principles to Improve Student Learning and Success’
oHigh Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC), Austin, TX, July 21-24, 2013:-Preconference
workshop: ‘Using Universal Design Principles to Improve Student Success and Learning’- Presentation:
‘Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People: An Untapped Resource for Employment in STEM’ oConvention of
American Instructors for the Deaf, Rochester, NY June 26-28, 2013: -Presentation: "Improving Access to
STEM Education for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students: Critical Resources for Teachers, Parents,
Students and Employers’ Presentation: "Project Fast Forward: Best Practices and Lessons Learned from a
National STEM Dual-Credit Program"oNational Alliance for Partnerships Equity (NAPE) Professional
Development Institute, April 16-17, 2013, Washington, DC, ‘ Using Universal Design Principles to
Improve Student Learning and Success’ oWinter ICT Educator Conference in San Francisco on January 34, 2013, ‘Engaging Students with Disabilities Using Universal Design Principles for Instruction.’o NEW
2012: National Educators Workshop, in Fort Wayne IN on November 4-7, 2012 Fort Wayne IN, ‘Applying
Universal Design Principles in a Mainstreamed Classroom’oSTEMtech Conference in Kansas City, MO on
October 28-31, 2012, ‘Success of Deaf Students in STEM.’ oATE National Principal Investigator
Conference in Washington, DC on October 24-26, 2012. Birds of a Feather Session: ‘Engaging Students
with Disabilities/Universal Design Principles.’o Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools
and Programs for the Deaf in West Hartford, CT April 28, 2012, DeafTEC: Technological Education Center
for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students.
Dana Lawson, BSW, MSW, McDaniel College
Dana received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from McDaniel College. She earned her Master of
Social Work degree with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Maryland,
Baltimore. She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland. Dana worked as a
Mental Health Therapist for three and a half years before returning to her Alma Mater as an employee.
Currently, Dana works as an Academic Counselor in the Student Academic Support Services office at
McDaniel College, providing academic support to a caseload of students with disabilities. She is also the
Assistant Director of McDaniel Step Ahead. In addition to working at McDaniel, Dana works as a private
tutor for all age levels; her primary interest is in helping high school and college students with learning
disabilities acquire important skills such as time management, organization, and study skills. She co-
presented McDaniel Step Ahead: A Transitional College Summer Program Specifically for Students with
Disabilities at the Post-Secondary Disability Training Institute in 2013.
Robert Lindsay, M.S. Instructional Technology, Salt Lake Community College
I've worked in the eLearning industry for over 20 years. I currently manage eLearning projects at Salt
Lake Community College, which involves working with faculty and staff to design and build meaningful,
authentic, engaging, learner-centered and problem-based online courses. My concern for our learners
has led me to find solutions to ensure our online courses are accessible and inclusive. I've also been
working with Candida Darling, SLCC's Director of Disability Resources, to design materials to introduce
faculty to the principles of universal design. Presentations over the last five (5)years. - Lindsay, R.,
Michniewicz, P., Moulder, A., Online Course Accessibility, presented at the Utah Valley University
Instructional Design Summit, July 2013. - Lindsay, R., Beyond Strunk and White: Writing Tips for
eLearning Designers, presented to the Utah chapter of the Society for Technical Communication (STC),
November 2008.
Neal Lipsitz, Ph.D., College of the Holy Cross
Dr. Lipsitz is the Associate Dean for Student Development at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester,
Massachusetts. As an Associate Dean, Lipsitz oversees the Counseling Center, Health Services, Wellness
Programming, and Disability Services. He also serves as the Director of Disability Services at Holy Cross.
A licensed psychologist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, he has specialized in college mental
health. Earning his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Lipsitz was Director of the Counseling Center at Holy
Cross prior to becoming an Associate Dean. He had also worked as a staff psychologist at several college
counseling centers. Lipsitz has taught a number of psychology and counseling courses at Holy Cross and
at Boston College. He also maintains a private practice in Newton Centre, Massachusetts where he sees
adolescents and adults. Lipsitz lives in Sutton, Massachusetts with his wife and family. He can be
reached at: nlipsitz@holycross.edu.
John Little, College Graduate (Hons), Fine Arts & Graphic Design, UK
John Little is an Australian based business professional responsible for developing and driving multiple
businesses. John is CEO of the Successful Resumes International Group operating on four continents.
John is responsible for training and development of more than forty business owners, maintaining a
vibrant teaching schedule to assure adherence to quality standards and best practices.John, a
wheelchair user himself, is also co-founder of The Global Network for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
(GNED) which is committed to becoming the foremost global resource to which business owners and
entrepreneurs as well as potential business owners with disability can turn at any stage of their business
journey. Presented the launch of GNED at the 2011 USBLN National Conference.
Gary Long, PhD, Cognitive and Mathematical Psychology, Rochester Institute of Technology
Gary Long is Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) for the DeafTEC: Technological Education Center for Deaf
and Hard-of-Hearing Students funded by National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological
Education (ATE) program. Gary Long is Senior Advisor to the President, NTID/RIT and an associate
professor in the Department of Liberal Studies. He more than 25 years experience teaching and
conducting research on the teaching/learning process with deaf and hard of hearing students. He was
Co-PI on two Department of Education grants to develop "Project Access" which focused on improving
the classroom communication and learning for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in mainstream classes.
Gary has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology at NTID, RIT and the University of
Rochester and has been an invited speaker and workshop leader at numerous state and national
conferences during his career. Gary received his BA from the University of Akron and his MA and PhD
from Texas Christian University where he focused on Cognitive and Mathematical Psychology.
Presentations:o Southeast Regional Institute of Deafness (SERID) Conference, Lake Buena Vista, FL,
October 29, 2013. Presentation: ‘Improving Access to STEM Education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Students: A Resource’o ATE National Principal Investigator Conference, Washington, DC, October 23-25,
2013, ‘Using Universal Design Principles to Improve Student Learning and Success’ o High Impact
Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC), Austin, TX, July 21-24, 2013:- Preconference workshop:
‘Using Universal Design Principles to Improve Student Success and Learning’-Presentation: ‘Deaf and
Hard-of-Hearing People: An Untapped Resource for Employment in STEM’ oConvention of American
Instructors for the Deaf, Rochester, NY June 26-28, 2013: -Presentation: "Improving Access to STEM
Education for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students: Critical Resources for Teachers, Parents, Students and
Employers’ -Presentation: "Project Fast Forward: Best Practices and Lessons Learned from a National
STEM Dual-Credit Program"oNational Alliance for Partnerships Equity (NAPE) Professional Development
Institute, April 16-17, 2013, Washington, DC, ‘ Using Universal Design Principles to Improve Student
Learning and Success’ o Winter ICT Educator Conference in San Francisco on January 3-4, 2013,
‘Engaging Students with Disabilities Using Universal Design Principles for Instruction.’o NEW 2012:
National Educators Workshop, in Fort Wayne IN on November 4-7, 2012 Fort Wayne IN, ‘Applying
Universal Design Principles in a Mainstreamed Classroom’oSTEMtech Conference in Kansas City, MO on
October 28-31, 2012, ‘Success of Deaf Students in STEM.’ oATE National Principal Investigator
Conference in Washington, DC on October 24-26, 2012. Birds of a Feather Session: ‘Engaging Students
with Disabilities/Universal Design Principles.’o Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools
and Programs for the Deaf in West Hartford, CT April 28, 2012, DeafTEC: Technological Education Center
for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students.
Kathryn Lutes Ebel, Ed.D Candidate Learning and Leadership,M, Chattanooga Community College
In the past five years Ebel presented at AHEAD, Pre-Conference,topic: Statewide Initiative, Tennessee's
Disability MegaConference,topic: Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities,
Orange Grove Center, topic: Communication Access. Various presentations for faculty and staff on
disability related topics. 30+ years of disability experience in higher education.
Michael Lyman, Ph.D., University of Maine - Counseling Center
I have a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Special Education from Brigham Young University, and this
presentation is based on my doctoral dissertation research.
Jill Malolepszy, M.A. (Women's Studies), B.A. (Ethics), Dalhousie University
Jill Malolepszy, M.A. is an Advisor in the Advising and Access Services Centre at Dalhousie University. Jill
completed her M.A. in Women's Studies with a research focus in eating disorder treatment trends. Jill's
experience working in higher education began as a Graduate Assistant in the Disability Support Services
Office at Texas Woman's University. Additional disability service positions in the U.S. included her
former role as the Disability Support Services Coordinator at Edison Community College (Piqua, Ohio)
and as a Counselor in the Office for Disability Services at The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio).
Prior to moving back to Canada, Jill was teaching in the Social and Bahavioral Sciences at Central Ohio
Technical College (Newark, Ohio.)Within the last five years, Jill has presented at various disabilityspecific conferences including: The Ohio Rebabilitation Services "Gateways to Change: Surviving and
Thriving," conference, The Educational Services Center of Central Ohio's "Postsecondary Transition
Planning", and served as a student panel moderator at The Ohio State University's "Multiple
Perspectives on Access, Inclusion & Disability," ADA Coordinator's Office conference.
Susan Mann Dolce, Ph.D. Rehabilitation Science,, University at Buffalo
I developed and direct the Universal Design Yoga program at UB, 2008-present. The second "Opening
Yoga to Everyone" training with a focus on participatnts with sensory issues was presented at UB this
year. I have presented on various topics at AHEAD since 2009, when I introduced Universal Design Yoga
at an AHEAD presentation.
Ken Marquard, Ph.D. Learning Disabilities & Reading, M, Miami Dade College
I have served as Director of disability services at Miami Dade College for the last 16 years and have
served on State disability related committees and help found the Florida AHEAD affiliate (FL AHEAD). I
have presented many times over the years at AHEAD national conventions.
Kathy McGillivray, M.A., Hamline University
I worked as a Disability Specialist at the University of Minnesota between 1995 and 2000. Following that,
I served as Bethel University's first Director of Disability Services until 2011. I currently am the Director
of Disability Resources and ADA/504 Coordinator for Hamline University where I have served for the
past three years. I served as chair of the AHEAD Independent Colleges and Universities SIG for a number
of years, so am well acquainted with issues faced by those who work at small or private institutions.
Additionally, I served on the AHEAD Board of Directors from 2006-2011.During the past five years, I have
presented at AHEAD conferences on accommodating blind/low vision students and on disability and
spirituality. While at Bethel, I taught a course on Disability and Society for seven years. At Hamline, I
have presented on a variety of topics including disability as a form of diversity, supporting students with
executive functioning challenges, requirements of the ADAA and Section 504, and universal design of
instruction.
Jon McGough, BA, University of Washington
Jon McGough is the Assistant Director at the University of Washington Disability Resources for Students
office. Over the last 10 years he worked at a construction company specializing in custom home
remodels for individuals with disabilities, before managing a disability service office at a small private
university.
Mica McGriggs, B.S. - Psychology; now 2nd year Counsel, Brigham Young University
Mica McGriggs is a 2nd year doctoral candidate in Counseling Psychology at Brigham Young University.
She earned a Baccalaureate of Science in Psychology from Northern Arizona University. Mica worked as
an undergraduate research intern with the National Science Foundation, previous research experience
includes qualitative studies in familial relations, and neuropsychology studies on physiological responses
to stress.
Lisa Meeks, PhD, University of California-San Francisco
Lisa specializes in working with individuals with ASD during periods of transition and has consulted on
the topic at some of the leading colleges in the US, including: The University of Pennsylvania and
Columbia University. Her work is especially relevant to transitions into college and from college to work.
She is committed to advancing the employability of individuals with ASD and serves on the Board of
Directors for Mindspark Training Academy, an organization dedicated to employing individuals with
ASD.Lisa's programmatic experience includes the development of support groups for students with ASD
at the University of Alabama, John Carroll University, and Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Meeks
frequently presents on ASD topics at conferences and workshops across the United States and recently
signed her a contract with Jessica Kingsley Publishers for her first book entitled, "It's all in my head".
Adam Meyer, Ph.D., University of Central Florida
Currently Adam is working at the Student Disability Services office at the University of Central Florida
with past experience at Eastern Michigan University for three years which followed five years at Saint
Louis University. Adam was part of a now completed national US Department of Education grant that
explored ways in which concepts of social justice could be more regularly and routinely incorporated
into the operations of the disability services office. This grant project fell very much in line with how
Adam has wanted to operate since entering the field. By taking this knowledge and blending it with a
passion for building alliances and relationships with other people, Adam has been able to make positive
steps at different campuses for students with disabilities. Adam is currently on the AHEAD Standing
Committee for Professional Development, which seeks to develop ways to create greater professional
growth opportunities and access to necessary information for AHEAD members. Previously, he was
actively involved with AHEAD as the Missouri AHEAD affiliate president. Adam has presented at the past
four AHEAD conferences on documentation, social model of disability and office implementation, initial
student interviews, office data and budget basics and leadership lessons learned.
Rachel Meyer, Ph.D., M.A., Ursuline College
I hold a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Special Education from Temple University and a Masters
Degree in Community Counseling from John Carroll University. I am the Disability Specialist at Ursuline
College and have been working with college students with learning differences for the past 7 years. I
have previously presented at AERA and LDA. I also have a lifetime of personal experiences in the field of
disabilities.
Paula Michniewicz, M.Ed. Educational Technology, Utah State, Salt Lake Community College
For the last 13 years I have been engaged in web design, designing and developing online classes, and
teaching how to use technology in the classroom to future K-12 teachers as well as community college
faculty. Through my teaching and consulting, I strive for learners to be engaged with the content as well
as be able to complete the objectives of the class through creative activities and assessments. I've also
been working with Candida Darling, SLCC's Director of Disability Resources, to design materials to
introduce faculty to the principles of universal design. Publications or presentations over the last five (5)
years - Lindsay, R., Michniewicz, P., Moulder, A., Online Course Accessibility, presented at the Utah
Valley University Instructional Design Summit, July 2013. - Michniewicz, P., Shirkey, K., Effective Use of
Technology in Your Classroom, presented at Professional Development Day at Salt Lake Community
College, March 2013 - Lundstrom, M, Michniewicz, P. Enhance Your Teaching Using Canvas, presented
at Adjunct Faculty Convention at Salt Lake Community College, October 2011 - Kasai, S., Michniewicz,
P., Faculty and Instructional Designers Collaboration: Key To Successful Online Course Development,
presented at STEM Tech Conference, November 2010
Cherie Miller, Education Program Manager, Bookshare/Benetech
Bookshare is the world's largest online digital library for people with print disabilities. As an Education
Program Manager, I market this resource to Disability Service professionals at colleges and universities
in the United States as well as to programs serving veterans with print disabilities.
Thanks to an award from the Office of Special Education Programs, at the U.S. Department of Education,
Bookshare books and two reading tools on the site are free for all students in the United States.
Bookshare is also a resource for disabled veterans through VetSuccess.gov.
Edith Miller, Ed.D., Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society
Dr. Edith F. Miller co-founder and president of Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society. She is a
distinguished professor emerita and former Director of Disability Services at East Stroudsburg University
of Pennsylvania. She has served as an adjunct faculty member in the reading, media communications
and technology, special education, and academic enrichment & learning departments. Currently, she is
a partner with Lehigh Valley School Neuropsych Associates, LLC. She earned her BA degree in English
from Gettysburg College; special education certification, reading specialist certification, and M.Ed. at
East Stroudsburg University; and an Ed.D. in the psychology of reading from Temple University. She has
several journal publications and numerous national and international presentations on successful
strategies for students with learning disabilities, transition to higher education, and reading instruction
for college-age readers. Selected presentations:Dr. Miller has presented: Broken Bodies, Twisted Minds:
Disability as Evil in Literature and Fiction (AHEAD 2010), Rethinking Brain Injury: Research,
Accommodations and Access (AHEAD 2011), and Enhancing Transition and Empowering Students with
Learning Disabilities (LDA 2011), Characters with Disabilities in Contemporary Fiction: Positive Portrayals
(AHEAD, 2012), Developing and Implementing a Flexible, Structured Interview to Facilitate the
Accommodation Process (AHEAD webinar, 2013) and Enhancing Transition and Empowering Students
with Disabilities (International Conference on Higher Education & Disabilities, 2013)
Gregory Moorehead, Ed.D., The University of Chicago
Nearly a decade as director of Disability Services at a large public university, and a large private
university. Previous work with under-represented minority populations as director of TRIO Programs.
Presented at ACPA in 2012, and Ivy League Health Service Providers in 2012.
Cheryl Morgan, Ed.S., University of Florida
In 2006, Mrs. Morgan joined the faculty of Abraham Lincoln Middle School where she served as a
teacher of students with varying exceptionalities until June, 2008. Morgan completed her Education
Specialist degree and began her doctoral studies in August 2008. Morgan had a variety of experiences
which enhanced her academics including providing grant support on federally funded programs,
supervising special education graduate students in their final teaching internships, helping develop a
post-secondary education program for young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities,
building a network of mentors to support these students, teaching undergraduate and graduate classes
in-person and on-line. Morgan co-authored a book chapter, and presented her work at two international
conferences and at a state level conference. Morgan is currently completing her dissertation research
investigating the implementation of post-secondary education programs for young adults with
intellectual disabilities in a very high research university. Publications and Manuscript
Preparation:Crockett, J.B, Filippi, E.S., & Morgan, C.L. (2012). Providing specially designed instruction for
students with learning disabilities. In B.Y.L. Wong, (Ed.) Learning About Learning Disabilities (3rd ed). San
Diego, CA: Academic Press.Conference Presentations:Morgan, C.L. & Filippi, E.A. Negotiating the
boundaries blurred by RtI: Voices from the field. Presented at The 32nd International Conference on
Learning Disabilities, Myrtle Beach, SC on October 9, 2010. Morgan, C.L., Filippi, E.A. & Steinberg, M.A.
Kaleidoscope of opinions: Varying perceptions of public school experience. Presented at the Qualitative
Report’s second 2nd Annual Conference at Nova Southeastern in Fort Lauderdale, FL on January 7,
2011Morgan, C. & Voelker, S. On track to transition: University of Florida’s post-secondary education
program. Presented at Transitions from High School Mini-Conference, Santa Fe College, Gainesville, FL
on May 19, 2012.
Marci Muhlestein, Occupational Therapy, OTR/L, Bellevue College
Marci earned her Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Puget Sound. She
has also completed specialized training and has professional experience with autism spectrum disorders,
assistive technology, sensory integration, and behavior management. Marci has 15 years of experience
as an Occupational Therapist in K-12 school districts in Longmont, CO and Issaquah, WA. She was
instrumental in creating and implementing two innovative transition programs focused on increasing
community and workplace independence for young adults with disabilities. Marci joined OLS in 2008
and she brings unwavering commitment in her role as OLS Director to solidifying a student-centered
approach for the program. Under her leadership the goals are for each OLS student to earn a college
degree, strengthen self-determination and achieve their life and occupational goals. Finally, OLS
students are given opportunities to serve their communities and encouraged to continue to be
contributing citizens. Marci has presented at various national conferences including AHEAD, ACCT,
NCCET, and Social Thinking. She recently received the 2013 LENi Innovative Leader of the Year award
regarding her work with the OLS program. OLS is in the beginning stages of being reproduced on various
college campuses. She was recently promoted to National Director of OLS to support this initiative.
Jennifer Murchinson, MA, University of Memphis
I have worked in disability services for 12 years, starting at Ole Miss and continuing at the University of
Memphis. I manage the LD/ADHD/ASD caseload at the University of Memphis and meet weekly with
students to work on time management, executive functioning, and some social issues as needed. Each
Fall and Spring, my director and I lead a Prospective Student Meeting. This meeting helps parents and
students look at what their needs are when it comes to accommodation, services, and colleges. It is a
community service we offer to help educate interested parties (including high school personnel) on the
differences between K-12 and post-secondary institutions.
Paul Nolting, Degree(s)Ph.D., State College of Florida
For the last 30 years I have been helping college students with disabilities. During that time I was a
disabilities coordinator, learning specialist, instructor or counselor that helped all types of students
become successful in math. I have publications in the Journal of Developmental Education and the
American Mathematical Association of Two-Year College journals. I have written books on math study
skills, on math disabilities for professional on helping LD, ADD, TBI, PTSD and wounded warriors improve
their math success. My last book which was published this year was at the request of disability
coordinators. The workbook combines math study skills and understanding accommodations that
students can use to pass math. In October, 2013 I was the main person who developed the first National
Math Summit that was sponsored by AMATYC and NADE,. In the last few years I was the main presenter
for the New Jersey, Colorado, Georgia and Washington state college conferences on disabilities. I have
presented at national conferences like AHEAD, AMATYC and, NADE and have consulted with a large
number of various colleges and universities campuses regarding math study skills and students with
disabilities and wounded warriors.
Emily Norenberg, BS Education, MA Educational Leadership, University of Minnesota Duluth
I have worked with college students for 5 years in my current role of Disability Specialist at the
University of Minnesota Duluth. In my current job I work with students to determine and implement
reasonable accommodations to ensure access. Another key component of my role as Disability
Specialist includes collaborating with other service providers in the region to ensure full access to
resources that meet the goal of providing access to students. Prior to working at the University of
Minnesota Duluth, I spent 6 years teaching special education at the high school level, which included a
strong emphasis on working with students to develop the skills necessary for a successful postsecondary transition.
Kim Ochsenbein, ABD, Educational Leadership, University, Tennessee Technological University
Assistant director of Disability Services at Tennessee Technological University.20 years of experience
working with individuals with disabilities both university and community college settings as well
experience working in mental health and prison settings.Two master's degrees: Educational Psychology
& Counselor Education, Curriculum and Instruction. I am currently a doctoral student studying
educational leadership with a concentration in Educational Psychology.Serves as the Lead Affiliate
Representative for AHEAD.Serves as President of The Tennessee Association for Higher Education and
Disability (TNAHEAD), previously served two terms as Education Chair for TNAHEAD. TNAHEAD is made
up of professionals from public and private postsecondary institutions in Tennessee, currently serves
over 51 institutions with over 180 members. Presented two state transition workshop in the state of
Tennessee, co-presented workshops for students, staff and administrators at Tennessee Technological
University. Represented Tennessee at national and state AHEAD affiliated conferences.
Amber O'Shea, M.S., Ed.S., Temple University
I am a PhD student in Educational Psychology. I hold a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and
a Specialist degree in Education. I have previously presented my research at a national conference on
disability disclosure in higher education.
Paul Paire, M.B.A.- Information Systems, B.S.- Cmmpu, Temple University
Paul Paire has served as Executive Director of Special Projects in Computer Services at Temple University
since 2007. As an Executive Director, Paul has been responsible for implementing technology solutions
through solo efforts, traditional project management, and crowdsourcing. Paul brings the end users’
perspective to projects he works on as a result of his 20 years of experience in desktop support and
client services before becoming Executive Director of Special Projects and spearheading the accessibility
initiative at Temple University. He has been a speaker at WordCamp Philly, and most recently presented
at Accessing Higher Ground 2013 as a co-presenter on ‘An ATHEN Workshop on Implementing
Accessibility on Campus ‘ A-Z,’ touching on the topics of Section 508 and Policy, and also presented at
the same conference on ‘A Journey to Accessibility, how Temple University is implementing an
accessibility initiative university wide.’
Marisa Park, MA, Psychology, Mesa Community College
Marisa has eight years experience coordinating interpreting services, 6 years at Mesa Community
College, the largest community college in the Maricopa Community College District. She brings to this
presentation innovative and dynamic strategic planning that emphasizes student retention and success.
Kaela Parks, M. Ed. Adult Education with a focus on D, Portland Community College
Kaela Parks has worked in Disability Services for over 15 years. She has been serving as the Director of
Disability Services at Portland Community College since February 2012 and spent the 10 years prior to
that in a similar role at the University of Alaska Anchorage.She is currently serving as the President of
ORAHEAD and is the liaison between the Disability and Technology Knowledge Communities within
NASPA. She is also co-editor of a text slated for publication in Spring 2014 titled ‘Beyond the ADA:
Proactive Policy and Practice for Higher Education.’She developed a web accessibility initiative within
the State of Alaska that she has continued to nurture and has worked to cultivate Disability Awareness
events such as the Reel Eyes Showcase of Films By and About People who Experience Disability, which
ran annually across the State of Alaska from 2004-2012.Published WorksParks, Kaela. ‘Making Online
Paths Navigable: Leading the Way from Student Affairs’ Celebrating Ten Years of Educating for Lives of
Purpose. National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, 2011. OnlineParks, Kaela. ‘Laurie:
Returning Veteran with Acquired Disability.’ More Than Listening: A Casebook for Using Counseling Skills
in Student Affairs Work. Eds. Nona Wilson and Ruth Harper. Washington DC: National Association of
Student Personnel Administrators, 2010. 165-182. Print. Parks, K. & Thompson, T. ‘Keep Information
Technology Accessible.’ Leadership Exchange Volume 7 Spring 2009: 32-33. Print and OnlineTeaching
ExperienceAccessible Multimedia ‘ JPC 393Service Learning course Assistive Technology and Universal
Design - EDSE 670 and EDSE 591Offered at graduate and continuing education levels Reel Eyes:
Disability in the Media - PSY 112, GUID 104, SWK 490, EDSE 590Offered at both undergraduate and
continuing education levels Survival Skills for College Students ‘ GUID 150Offered at undergraduate level
Conference Presentations ORAHEAD Fall Conference 2013Review of ‘A Clear Standard for Access to
Instruction’ORAHEAD Spring Conference 2012Making Math More AccessibleNASPA National
Conference, 2012Pre-Conference - Thinking Outside the Box: Service Learning and Web
AccessibilityGeneral Sessions:Putting our Best Foot Forward: A View Through Policy and Practice Web
Accessibility: What Higher Education Must Understand Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference,
2011 Lead Presenter in both Web Accessibility and Education Tracks NASPA National Conference,
2011Ensuring Web Accessibility through Collaboration and Innovation Access Conference, 2010Lead
Presenter in both Web Accessibility and Education Tracks Association on Higher Education and Disability
Conference, 2010Diversity, Disability and Design: A Panel of PerspectivesNASPA National Conference,
2010Ancillary Events and Business Meeting Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference, 2009Lead
Presenter in both Web Accessibility and Education Tracks Association on Higher Education and Disability
Conference, 2009College Access Project for Rural Alaska: Training Small Campuses in Universal
DesignNASPA National Conference, 2009Ancillary Events and Business MeetingCoordinated Exhibit of
Disability History NASPA Western Regional Conference, 2008Web Accessibility: Implementing best
practices through institutional policy developmentHawaii International Conference on Education,
2008Increasing Access on Rural Campuses: A Collaborative ModelLily Arctic Adult Education Conference,
2008Increasing Access on Rural Campuses: A Collaborative ModelAlaska Statewide Special Education
Conference, 2008Accommodation and Assistive Technology
Martin Patwell, EdD, West Chester University
Authored a text on Disability Studies, taught DS class. Disability services director 23 years. Received over
30 grants. Published a dozen peer reviewed journal articles.
Myra Pelz, MS, Computer Science, Rochester Institute of Technology
Myra Pelz is the Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) for the DeafTEC: Technological Education Center for
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students funded by National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological
Education (ATE) program. Formerly, she was the PI of the NSF ATE "Project Fast Forward" #0903167 and
Co-PI for the NSF ATE project ‘Deaf Initiative in Information Technology #0302790,"Myra Pelz is an
associate professor at NTID and has taught there for over 30 years. As a faculty member in the NTID
Information and Computing Studies Department, she has provided teaching and tutoring to deaf
students in both associate and BS level programs in Computer Science and Information Technology.Ms.
Pelz holds a BA degree in English from Douglass College and an MS degree in Computer Science from
RIT.Presentations (2012-2013):oATE National Principal Investigator Conference, Washington, DC,
October 23-25, 2013, ‘Using Universal Design Principles to Improve Student Learning and Success’ oHigh
Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC), Austin, TX, July 21-24, 2013:- Preconference orkshop:
‘Using Universal Design Principles to Improve Student Success and Learning’-Presentation: ‘Deaf and
Hard-of-Hearing People: An Untapped Resource for Employment in STEM’ oConvention of American
Instructors for the Deaf, Rochester, NY June 26-28, 2013: -Presentation: "Improving Access to STEM
Education for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students: Critical Resources for Teachers, Parents, Students and
Employers’ -Presentation: "Project Fast Forward: Best Practices and Lessons Learned from a National
STEM Dual-Credit Program"o National Alliance for Partnerships Equity (NAPE) Professional
Development Institute, April 16-17, 2013, Washington, DC, ‘ Using Universal Design Principles to
Improve Student Learning and Success’ oWinter ICT Educator Conference in San Francisco on January 34, 2013, ‘Engaging Students with Disabilities Using Universal Design Principles for Instruction.’o NEW
2012: National Educators Workshop, in Fort Wayne IN on November 4-7, 2012 Fort Wayne IN, ‘Applying
Universal Design Principles in a Mainstreamed Classroom’oSTEMtech Conference in Kansas City, MO on
October 28-31, 2012, ‘Success of Deaf Students in STEM.’ oATE National Principal Investigator
Conference in Washington, DC on October 24-26, 2012. Birds of a Feather Session: ‘Engaging Students
with Disabilities/Universal Design Principles.’o Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools
and Programs for the Deaf in West Hartford, CT April 28, 2012, DeafTEC: Technological Education Center
for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students.Myra Pelz is the Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) for the
DeafTEC: Technological Education Center for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students funded by National
Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program. Formerly, she was the PI of the
NSF ATE "Project Fast Forward" #0903167 and Co-PI for the NSF ATE project ‘Deaf Initiative in
Information Technology #0302790,"Myra Pelz is an associate professor at NTID and has taught there for
over 30 years. As a faculty member in the NTID Information and Computing Studies Department, she has
provided teaching and tutoring to deaf students in both associate and BS level programs in Computer
Science and Information Technology.Ms. Pelz holds a BA degree in English from Douglass College and an
MS degree in Computer Science from RIT.Presentations:oATE National Principal Investigator Conference,
Washington, DC, October 23-25, 2013, ‘Using Universal Design Principles to Improve Student Learning
and Success’ o High Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC), Austin, TX, July 21-24, 2013:Preconference workshop: ‘Using Universal Design Principles to Improve Student Success and Learning’Presentation: ‘Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People: An Untapped Resource for Employment in STEM’
oConvention of American Instructors for the Deaf, Rochester, NY June 26-28, 2013: -Presentation:
"Improving Access to STEM Education for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students: Critical Resources for
Teachers, Parents, Students and Employers’ -Presentation: "Project Fast Forward: Best Practices and
Lessons Learned from a National STEM Dual-Credit Program"oNational Alliance for Partnerships Equity
(NAPE) Professional Development Institute, April 16-17, 2013, Washington, DC, ‘ Using Universal Design
Principles to Improve Student Learning and Success’ oWinter ICT Educator Conference in San Francisco
on January 3-4, 2013, ‘Engaging Students with Disabilities Using Universal Design Principles for
Instruction.’oNEW 2012: National Educators Workshop, in Fort Wayne IN on November 4-7, 2012 Fort
Wayne IN, ‘Applying Universal Design Principles in a Mainstreamed Classroom’o STEMtech Conference
in Kansas City, MO on October 28-31, 2012, ‘Success of Deaf Students in STEM.’ oATE National Principal
Investigator Conference in Washington, DC on October 24-26, 2012. Birds of a Feather Session:
‘Engaging Students with Disabilities/Universal Design Principles.’oConference of Educational
Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf in West Hartford, CT April 28, 2012, DeafTEC:
Technological Education Center for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students.
Holly Perry, PhD, The College at Brockport, SUNY
Holly Bosley Perry, Ph.D. teaches courses within the Tourism Management concentration in the
Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at The College at Brockport, State University of New York,
where she has been an Assistant Professor since 2009. She completed her graduate work (M.S. & Ph.D.)
at North Carolina State University in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.
Prior to her arrival at Brockport, Dr. Perry coordinated the recreation and volunteer programs at a nonprofit agency in Connecticut serving adults with developmental disabilities for two years, and also
coached a Special Olympics aquatics team in North Carolina. Dr. Perry co-presented a poster at the
2011 Northeast Recreation Research Symposium entitled ‘Family travel experiences when one member
has a developmental disability,’ the results of which will be published in the conference proceedings. In
addition, she also co-presented a session at the 11th Annual Diversity Conference, held at the College at
Brockport, entitled ‘Access to travel and tourism opportunities for individuals with developmental
disabilities.’Perry, H. B., & Kozub, M. (2011). Family travel experiences when one member has a
developmental disability. Paper to be published in the Northeast Recreation Research Symposium’s
2011 Proceedings.Kozub, M. L., & Perry, H. B. (2011, Sept.). Access to travel and tourism opportunities
for individuals with developmental disabilities. Presented at the 11th annual Diversity Conference, The
College at Brockport, Brockport, NY.
Janet Peters, B.A., M.Ed, Great Lakes ADA Center
Janet Peters is the Project Coordinator on Educational and Assistive Technology with the Great Lakes
ADA Center. Janet has 20 years of experience and knowledge in the area of technology for people with
disabilities. She has worked extensively with transition teams and higher education institutions to
improve service delivery of assistive technology. She is the creator and developer of Punch-in a selfdirected employment resource for young adults with disabilities. Janet also codirects, with the
Southwest ADA Center, the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology in Post Secondary (QIAT-PS)
project which provides tools and training for students and campuses to improve assistive technology
service delivery.
Anne Peterson, M.S., Rehabilitation Counseling, Stanford University
Anne has been a Disability Adviser at Stanford University since 2000, working with undergraduate and
graduate students. Prior to that she held a similar position at the community college level and spent
many years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor. She participated in a panel presentation on
Promoting Inclusion: Changing Faculty Perception in Law, Medical and Health Science programs at the
International Conference on Higher Education and Disability in 2010.
Karen Pettus, Ph. D. in Educational Psychology, University of South Carolina
As the Director of Disability Services, I work with all campus partners to provide accessible educational
opportunities to all students.
Mark Pousson, Doctor of Philosophy, Leadership and Hig, Fontbonne University
My twenty year professional background in medical and psychiatric social work prepared me well for the
transition into disability services work in 2009. During my fifteen year tenure at Saint Louis University I
completed a Doctor in Philosophy in Leadership and Higher Education that resulted with a dissertation
that researched the attitudes of community college students toward their peers with disabilities. While
in the various positions I held at Saint Louis University, I took an active role in strategic planning and
development of learning outcomes at both the department and division level. Since 2009 I have
participated in ACPA and AHEAD conferences. Listed below are the presentations I have given and
major publication in the past three years.Conferences2012 ACPA College Student Educators
International, Louisville, KY, March 2012: Attitudes Matter: Perceptions of Disability2010ACPA College
Student Educators International, Boston, MA, March 2010: Social Norming and Disability Student and
Faculty Groups2010 - 2012 Executive Functioning Skill Building for the student with Attention Deficit
Disorder and/or Processing DisorderStudent Leadership2010 - 2012 ‘Disability Services: Primer
101’Faculty/Staff Training:2010 ‘ present ‘Disability Services: Faculty concerns’2013 ‘Disability Services
101’Publications2011 Dissertation title: ‘The Attitudes Community College Students Have Toward Their
Peers with Disabilities’
Chad Price, M.Ed, Arizona State University
Chad Price is the Director of Arizona State University Disability Resource Center at the Downtown
Phoenix office. He holds a Masters of Education in Higher Educational Leadership from Arizona State
University. He is a nationally certified sign language interpreter and has worked with students with
disabilities in higher education for nineteen years.
Olivia Raynor, Ph.D., Educational Psychology, UCLA; M.A, UCLA Tarjan Center
Dr. Olivia Raynor currently serves as the Director of the Tarjan Center at UCLA, a Center on Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities service, research, and education. She also is the President elect of the
Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD). In her current capacity, Dr. Raynor also is
Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of
Medicine, UCLA. Dr. Raynor has significant experience lecturing on disability studies and on the topic of
persons with disabilities in the Arts, including Founding Director of the National Arts and Disability
Center at the Tarjan Center at UCLA. In the area of postsecondary education (PSE) for students with
intellectual disabilities, Dr. Raynor served as Chair of the Planning and Education Committees for
Pathway at UCLA, a PSE program for students with ID at the university. In addition, Dr. Raynor has
served as the Principal Investigator on numerous disability related grants including a current $3 million
systems change grant to the Tarjan Center from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental
Disabilities to create new opportunities for integrated, competitive employment for individuals with
intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Dr. Raynor is also a member of the Ca. State Council
on Developmental Disabilities. In the last five years, she has given dozens of presentations on various
topics related to persons with disabilities at the national and state levels. Along with Dr. Campisi, Dr.
Raynor was a key leader in the development and guidance of the C2C programs in California.
Theodoto Ressa, B.Ed (2002), M.A. (2010), Currently doct, The Ohio State University
In 2007 I won a Ford Foundation Scholarship for a master's program for advocating for education of
children with special needs. I have two degrees in special education and I am a doctoral candidate in
Multicultural and Equity Studies and Global Education. I have been co-teaching inclusive education
classes for M.Ed. students since 2010, held different positions in two student organizations at OSU,
Abilities: Organization of Students with and without Disabilities (Vice President) and Disability Studies
Graduate Students Association (DSGSA, Treasurer), and also volunteered at many disability forums;
presented in workshops, classes, and conferences; and participated in different disability focus groups.
These experiences have exposed me to a wide range of possible placement models and debates on
education of children with special needs. I have co-published a chapter of a book with Scot Danforth (in
print) on education of children with learning disability. I have contributed to Disability Studies Quarterly
journal.
Michelle Rigler, EdD, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education-Severe Affective Needs in 1998
from Western Michigan University. This degree focused heavily on educating students with autism.
While working full time as a special education teacher, she earned her Master of Arts degree from
Prescott College in Special Education-Severe Affective Needs. In Chattanooga, Tennessee, she began her
career in higher education in 2004. Following the defense of her dissertation which focused on
improving the retention of college students with disabilities, she received a Doctorate in Education from
the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) in Learning and Leadership with a focus on Higher
Education Administration. Her career in higher education has focused on creating equal access for
students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities. By remaining fluent in the language of the
Americans with Disabilities Act-Amendments Act through all of its changes, she has been able to create
and manage an effective Disability Resource Center at UTC. In this role, she has been able to rejuvenate
her passion for studying and working with students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In
partnership with colleagues, she developed a successful comprehensive and holistic program to support
students with ASD as they transition to and move through their college careers with a hopeful outcome
of appropriate career attainment.Dr. Rigler is a professional member of several organizations, and
served in many leadership roles within these organizations. In addition, she has presented at several
local, regional, national and international conferences regarding the varying aspects of accommodations
and programming for people with ASD and has recently completed her first book titled Charting the
Course: Navigating the social world of college.
Georgia Robillard, BS Psychology, Lake Superior College
Georgia has worked with adults with disabilities for over 25 years. Over the last 12 years, she has
worked as the Disability Coordinator at Lake Superior College, a community and technical college. She
has put great effort into preparing students transitioning to college, collaborating with resources, and
with involvement with non- traditional students entering into college. She has a strong passion for
working with students with disabilities and and assisting them with thier education, employment, and
success!
Benjamin Rubin, MFA, Rochester Institute of Technology
Publications:Elliot, L.B., Rubin, B., DeCaro, J.J., Clymer, E.W., Earp, K., & Fish, M. (2013). Creating a virtual
academic community for STEM students. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 5(2), 173-188,
DOI 10.1108/JARHE-11-2012-0051.Presentations:Elliot, L., Rubin, B., & Easton, D. (2013, September 20).
Deaf STEM Community Alliance. Presentation at the Rosica Hall Research Fest, Rochester Institute of
Technology, Rochester, NY.Elliot, L.B., Rubin, B., DeCaro, J.J., Clymer, E.W., Earp, K., & Fish, M.D. (2013,
January 14). Creating a virtual academic community for underrepresented students in STEM.
Presentation for 2013 International Higher Education Teaching and Learning Conference, Orlando,
FL.Clymer, B., Monikowski, C., & Rubin, B. (27 February, 2013). Videoconference communication
support. Presentation at the CSUN Technology for Persons with Disabilities Conference, San Diego, CA.
Lisa Ruebeck, MA Ed, Lehigh University
Lisa Ruebeck earned a BA from the University of Michigan and an MA Ed. from Harvard Graduate School
of Education. She spent her early career working as an elementary teacher and reading specialist before
beginning work at the Kennedy Krieger Institute as an educational evaluator. For the past twelve years,
Lisa has supported students with learning disabilities at the college level, and is currently serving as
Director of Learning Disability Support at Lehigh University. One of her roles as director is to provide
advising to the Peer Mentors.
Danette Saylor, BS (Psychology), MEd (Counselor Education), Florida A & M University
I am an experienced manager and administrator in higher education with proven skills that will enhance
student services, performance, and satisfaction. During my fourteen years in higher education, I have
developed a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive community for students of all
backgrounds. I believe that my broad and successful experiences in student affairs, and post-secondary
teaching experience, combined with my learning-centered philosophy, educational background, and
crisis management skills, create a winning formula for success. presently I serve as the Director of the
Center for Disability Access and Resources (CeDAR) at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
(FAMU).As director of the CeDAR, I am directly involved with matters of admissions, retention,
counseling, financial aid and scholarships, internships, volunteer/civic development, housing,
registration, advising of clubs and organizations, and judicial affairs. This involvement is in addition to
the standard duties of providing academic support services to students with disabilities through the
implementation of reasonable accommodations. I have stepped out of the box within this role and
demanded a seat at the table to advocate for students with disabilities at various institutional levels.
This extraordinary experience has greatly strengthened my skills as a higher education administrator,
and I have met great success in this role. The following are a few highlights of some of my
accomplishments in this position: -Successfully changing the name of the center to better reflect
services offered and population served. - Increased the number of registered participants from 245 in
2008 to over 730 presently. -Reestablished the College Study Skills Institute- a summer transition
program for profile students with disabilities. Maintained a 90% retention rate of those students
remaining for fall term. -Established a Learning Assessment Center to provide psycho-educational
assessments to students and community members. Creating a revenue stream for the center. Established ‘Volunteer CeDAR’- a volunteer program for FAMU students. - Recipient of the Division of
Student Affairs 2013 Vice President’s Leadership Award
Cathy Schelly, M.Ed., OTR, Colorado State University
Ms. Schelly is the director of New Start for Student Veterans, having procurred nearly two million dollars
for the program through grants and philanthropic support. She also has directed the CSU Center for
Community Partnerships for the last 20 years.Davies, P., Schelly, C., & Spooner, C. (2013). Measuring the
Effectiveness of Universal Design for Learning Intervention in Postsecondary Education, Journal of
Postsecondary Education and Disability, 26(4).Schelly, C., Davies, P., & Spooner, C. (2011). Student
Perceptions of Faculty Implementation of Universal Design for Learning. Journal of Postsecondary
Education and Disability, 2405/11/2013 45 minutes New Start for Injured Student Veterans:
Intervention Strategies in Higher Education Environment. Denver, CO ‘ CSU Denver Center05/27/2013 2
hours(Ms. Schelly, 1 hour) Transition Success for Students with Disabilities: Using Goal Attainment
Scaling as an Intervention Strategy and Measurement Tool. (Co-presented with Dr. Patti Davies) San
Diego, CA03/26/2013 1 hour Opportunities for Postsecondary Success for Students with Disabilities.CSU
Lory Student Center12/2012 30 minutes (Ms. Schelly, 25 minutes)Developing, Measuring and Achieving
Transition Goals through Goal Attainment Scaling. (Co-presented with Dr. Patti Davies)
Teleconference11/2012 1 hour New Start for Repp Distinguished Veterans Program Expansion.Newport
Beach, CA07/2012 2 hours (Ms. Schelly, 1 hour) Opportunities for Postsecondary Success for Students
with Disabilities through Goal Attainment Scaling. (Co-presented with Dr. Patti Davies) New Orleans,
LA07/2011 2 hours(Ms. Schelly, 1 hour) Postsecondary Success for Students with ASD. (Co-presented
with Julia Kothe) Seattle, WA05/2011 2 hours(Ms. Schelly, 1 hour)Opportunities for Postsecondary
Success for Students with ASD. (Co-presented with Julia Kothe) CSU Lory Student Center05/2011
1 hour Universal Design for Learning: From Research to Practice. CSU Lory Student Center04/2011
1 hour ACCESS for College Students with ID. Broadcast Nationally from Washington DC via
Teleconference03/2011 1 hour Learning Supports Provide Opportunities for Postsecondary Success for
Students with Asperger’s. CSU Lory Student Center10/2010 30 minutes Connecting UDL to Your
University’s Strategic Plan around Persistence and Retention of Students (WIIFMs) Washington,
DC07/2010 2 hours (Ms. Schelly, 30 minutes) Strategies for UDL Research, Campus Change and
Dissemination at CSU (co-presented with Spooner, C., Roll, M. and Hausler, J.) Denver, CO02/2010 6
hours New Start for Injured Veterans CO State Capitol Bldg., Denver, CO10/2009 1 hour New Start for
Injured Veterans Aurora, CO10/2009 1 hour(Ms. Schelly, 30 minutes) Finding Help to Live Their Lives:
Adults with TBI (co-presented with Dr. Pat Sample) Northglenn, CO10/2009 1 hour Institutionalization of
UDL and Best Practices in Teaching Washington, DC09/2009 1 hour(Ms. Schelly, 30 minutes) Problembased Learning and UDL: Making the Connection (Co-presented with Spooner, C. and Suchman, E.) CSU
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Science (CVMBS)05/2009 1 hour Passport to Recreation
and Employment for Transitioning Youth Fort Collins, CO Adaptive Recreation Opportunities 02/2009 1
hour(Ms. Schelly, 30 minutes) Impact of UDL Implementation on Student Engagement (Co-presented
with Spooner, C.) CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences01/2009 1 hour
Community-based OT: Strategies for Supporting Injured Veterans Cheyenne, WY12/2008 1 hour UDL
Potential Impact on Persistence and Retention CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological
Science (CVMBS)10/2008 1 hour Occupational Therapy Role with Victims of Trauma Fort Collins, CO
(Larimer County)06/2008 2 hours(Ms. Schelly, 1 hour) Universal Design for Learning: Impact on
Persistence and Retention for College Students with Disabilities (Co-presented with Spooner, C.)
Arapahoe Community College, Denver, CO02/2008 1 hour UDL Implementation in Gateway Courses CSU
Psychology Department
Heidi Scher, M.S., CRC, University of Arkansas
Heidi Scher, the Associate Director at the University of Arkansas’ Center for Educational Access, has a
master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling specializing in Deafness. She has 17-years’ experience in higher
education at both two-year and four-year institutions, which includes working with students with
disabilities, assistive technology, as well as federal grant projects related to PEPNet outreach activities
and faculty development ("Demonstration Projects to Ensure Students with Disabilities Receive a Quality
Higher Education." - U.S. Department of Education, Office of Post-secondary Education (OPE))
Dorothy Schmitt, Master of Science in Rehabilitation Coun, St. John’s University
I have a 30 year career in higher education, notably in college counseling. Currently I am the Associate
Director of the Center for Counseling and Consultation at St. John’s University, as well as the
Coordinator of Disability Services. I have been in my role as Disability Coordinator for 3 and half years,
building the operation from a service that reached under 100 students, to a current census of 350
students in a dedicated Office of Disability Services. I have expanded the office to now include an office
assistant, an assistant accommodations coordinator, and two graduate assistants. I also oversee
operations in the Counseling Center and carry a clinical caseload. I am a member of AHEAD as well as
The American Counseling Association. I have presented at The American College Counseling Association
Conference in Biloxi Mississippi in 2007 and have published in the Journal of College Counseling in 2007.
Faculty/Staff Training:Documentation and Accommodations for the College Student- Presentation to
Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions Advisors- 2012Accommodating Students in the ClassroomImplications for Faculty- University Faculty Council- Spring 2013
Steve Schoenbauer, BA Elementary Ed BS Special Ed, Northern Lights Special Education Coop
High School Special Education for 26 years; 13 years as Transition Coordinator. Have published several
transition related curriculum; train teachers in transition services provision; assisted in creating state
transition guidelines toolkit; collaborated with multiple interagency organizations on service provision;
organized multiple transition related events.
Jared Schultz, Ph.D., Utah State University
Jared Shultz is currently an Associate Professor and the Program Director for the Rehabilitaiton
Counseling Program at Utah State University. As the director of the Rehabilitation Counseling program,
he has been instrumental in the development of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Transition Services,
and currently serves as co-director of that organization. He has also created a Transition Concentration
within the Rehabilitation Counseling master’s degree program, which includes an internship for
rehabilitation counselors in a high school setting working directly with studnts praparing for
employment and post-secondary education. Graduate students are also able to get experience working
with transition age students in the EmployAbility Clinic.
Krysten Schwartz, BA, MS, University of Minnesota
Krysten Schwartz holds a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and is Nationally Certified as a
Rehabilitation Counselor. She began working at the University of Minnesota four years ago. Prior to that
Krysten was employed as a Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC) working in the field of Workman’s
Compensation. In the fall of 2011, Krysten began utilizing the College Model specifically with students in
Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Mortuary Science, the School of Nursing (BSN, MN, PhD), the School of
Public Health and Bachelor of Health Sciences on the University of Minnesota, Rochester campus. She
also has a general caseload that mostly consists of students with mental health conditions. She serves
as the Disability Services liaison to several offices on campus. Krysten has presented at both the state
and national levels on disability related issues.
Lynn Shattuck, MS Communication Disorder, Rock Valley College
Lynn is the Coordinator of Disability Support at Rock Valley College in northern Illinois, a medium-sized
community college and has been active in the ILLOWA AHEAD chapter. She holds a MS degree in
Communication Disorders and is hard of hearing, having worked previously as a specialist for individuals
who are deaf-blind. Her department has grown from a single staff member to four staff
Allen Sheffield, M.A.- Counseling, B.S.- Psychology, Temple University
As a disability services professional at Oklahoma State University before coming to Temple, Allen
worked to create more accessible environments for students with disabilities through individual
contacts. Since coming to Temple, Allen has been working on the Instructional Materials and Captioning
subgroup, as the DRS representative, working to shape policy to lead Temple into the next era of
accessibility. In only one year at Temple University, he was awarded the Temple Student Affairs
divisional award for "Creativity and Innovation" and continues to work for an accessible campus through
partnerships and education.
Emily Shryock, BA, Disability Studies, working toward M, The University of Texas at Austin
Emily Shryock has a strong academic and professional background working in the disability field. Her
B.A. is in Disability Studies from Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis and she is currently
working toward her MSSW at the University of Texas at Austin. At both universities, Emily worked in the
Disability Services office. Her current position as a Disabilities Services Coordinator at UT Austin has
given her the opportunity to manage outreach efforts for the SSD office and to develop new ways of
connecting to campus through website development, social media, and creative campus partnerships.
Emily helped to develop curriculum for the disABILITY Advocate Training, which, since its beginning in
2011, has trained more than 1,000 students, faculty, and staff at The University of Texas at Austin. Past
job experiences that have provided unique perspectives on disability include Director of Client Services
for the Indiana Canine Assistant Network and Team Representative for the United States Quad Rugby
Association.Presentations of note: - Creating a disABILITY Advocate Program: developing ready, willing,
and able partnerso AHEAD National Conference, 2012 - Assistance Animal Policy ConsiderationsoCopresenter, Big 12 (Housing) Directors Conference, 2011
Rebecca Sitton, BS Engineering, ATP, RET, North Carolina State University
Rebecca Sitton is currently Assistant Director and Assistive Technology Coordinator in the Disability
Services Office at North Carolina State University. She has 14 years experience recommending
technology accommodations for individuals with disabilities through employment as a Rehabilitation
Engineer with NC's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and as an Assistive Technology Consultant with
the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program. She has presented at the local NC Ahead Conference,
NC Augmentative and Alternative Communication Conference, NC Assistive Technology Expo, and
Nationally at the Assistive Technology Industry Trade Association Conference.
Jodi Sleeper-Triplett, B.A., JST Coaching, LLC
Jodi Sleeper-Triplett, MCC, SCAC, BCC is the founder of the movement for ADHD coaching for youth. As
the creator of the ADHD youth coaching model used as the basis for a groundbreaking two- year
coaching research study (2010), Jodi is seen by many of her peers as the foremost expert in the field of
ADHD coaching for youth. She has 20 years in the ADHD Coaching field as a coach for youth and adults
and a program developer/trainer/speaker on the subject. Details below. Program Developer and
Lead Trainer for JST Coaching, LLC Training Programs 2005- present. - Presenter, Tips for Transitioning
to College, 2013 ADHD Awareness (Online) Expo, October 20-26, 2013. Speaker and Trainer.
Coaching Teens & College Students with ADHD. Istanbul, Turkey, October 1-4, 2013. - Trainer, 3-Day
Intensive Training: Coaching Teens & College Students with ADHD, University of Alabama, July 31, 2013.
Presenter, Beyond Accommodations: An In-Depth Look at ADHD/EF/LD Coaching, 36th Annual
AHEAD Conference, July 9, 2013 Trainer, 3-Day Intensive Training: Coaching Teens & College
Students with ADHD, Flint Hill Prep School, April 8, 2013. Presenter, The Challenges of Life
Transition for Young Adults with ADHD, ADD Resources, January 8, 2013 Presenter, Empowering
Youth with ADHD: Coaching Toward Success, NYS AHPERD 75th Annual Conference, November 14-17,
2012 - Presenter, Making your ADHD Coaching Practice Work for You and Your Clients with Nancy A.
Ratey and ADHD Coaching ‘ A Family Affair, 24th Annual International Conference on ADHD, November
8-11, 2012 Presenter, Coaching Youth and Adults with ADHD - An Empowering Process, NOVA
CHADD Conference: ADHD Across the Lifespan, October 20, 2012 Presenter, Social Skills Issues for
Teens & Young Adults, 2012 ADHD Awareness Expo, October 16, 2012 - Presenter, Managing the
Challenges of Life Transitions for Young Adults with ADHD, 5th Annual Virtual AD/HD Conference,
October 1, 2012 Presenter, Empowering Youth with ADHD: Coaching Toward Success, 1st Annual
UVU Symposium on ADHD, September 28, 2012 Presenter, Coaching Youth and Adults with
ADHD, Accomplishment Coaching, September 26, 2012 Interview with Christopher McAuliffe on
The Coaching Show, September 19, 2012 Presenter, Student ADHD Coaching at ImpactADHD's 1st
Tele-Summit. August 29, 2012 - Presenter, Empowering Youth with ADHD: Coaching Toward Success.
Recovery Coaches International teleseminar. July 18, 2012 Presenter, The Challenge of Life
Transitions for Young Adults with ADHD: Coaching Can Help. CHADD Regional Educational Conference,
Baltimore, MD. May 19, 2012 - Speaker and Trainer. Coaching Teens & College Students with ADHD.
Istanbul, Turkey. March 16-18, 2012 - Trainer, Coaching Skills Training. Ocean County Community
College, Toms River, NJ. February ‘ April 2012 - Presenter, Empowering Youth With ADHD: Coaching
Toward Success. ADDResources Webinar. January 10, 2012 - CHADD 23rd Annual Conference,
Orlando, FL November 20112o Presenter, Empowering Youth With ADHD: Coaching Toward Success.o
Facilitator, Coaching Networking Session Presenter. Coaching Strategies for
Overwhelmed Families: Bring Back Balance. CHADD of Northern VA. November 2, 2011 Trainer,
Coaching Skills Training. Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria, VA. September 2011January 2012. - Trainer, Coaching Teens & College Students with ADHD, 3-Day Format. Provo, UT.
September 14-16, 2011 Trainer. Coaching Skills Workshop. Woodberry Forest School,
Woodberry Forest, VA. August 2011 - Guest Speaker, Empowering Youth With ADHD. Succeed with
ADHD Telesummit. June 23, 2011 Presenter, Masterful Coaching. ADHD Coaches Organization, 4th
Annual Conference. April 30, 2011 Presenter, Effectiveness of Coaching for Children & Teens with
ADHD. Virginia Nurses Association Group. Reston Hospital Center, Reston, VA. April 13, 2011 - Trainer,
Coaching Adolescents and Young Adults, Coaching Skills Workshop. Ocean County Community College,
Toms River, NJ. Six week course. February ‘ April 2011. - Presenter, Empowering Goal Setting Strategies
for ADHD/LD Young Adults. LDA Annual Conference, Jacksonville, FL. February 25, 2011. Presenter, Empowering Youth with ADHD. ADD Classes Teleseminar. January 18, 2011 - Trainer,
Coaching Adolescents and Young Adults, Coaching Skills Workshop. College Success Foundation. Seattle
WA. January 11-12, 2011. Presenter, From High Risk to High Potential: Transition Issues for High
School and College Students with ADHD. CHADD of Northern VA, Fairfax, VA. November 18, 2010. Presenter, Coaching Youth and Adults with AD/HD ‘ An Empowering Process. Metro DC ICF
Chapter, Vienna, VA. November 16, 2010. CHADD 22nd Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.
November 2010o
Presenter, The Positive Impact of Coaching on Family Dynamicso
Panelist, ADHD Coaching Examined: Results from a Study on Quantifying the Effects of ADHD
Coaching for Students in Higher Education.o
Facilitator, Coaching Networking Session Presenter, Empowering College Students with AD/HD, 3rd Annual Virtual ADHD Conference,
October 6, 2010. Presenter, ACO Expert Speakers Series, Coaching Youth with ADHD. September
21, 2010 Presenter, Coaching Youth with AD/HD ‘ An Empowering Process, ASTD/CBODN SIG,
September 7, 2010 - Presenter, Discover the Power of LD/ADHD College Coaching. 2009 AHEAD
Conference, Denver, CO. July 14, 2010 - Guest Speaker, Coaching For Teens with ADHD. Ask the Expert
Series, CHADD National Resource Center on ADHD. April 2010 - Presenter, Empowerment through
Coaching: Success for Middle and High School Students with ADHD.CHADD of Northern VA, Fairfax, VA.
March 2010 - Presenter, ADHD/Executive Function Coaching: The Premises, the Promises, and the
Potential. LDAMC, CHADD, and the GT/LD Network of Montgomery County, MD. November 2009. Guest Trainer, Mentor Coach. November 23, 2009 Guest Speaker, Attention Talk Radio.
October 30, 2009 Trainer, Coaching Teens with AD/HD. Silverton School District, Silverton, OR.
October 21-23, 2009 - CHADD Annual Conference, Cleveland, OH October 2009o
Presenter,
Discover the Power of Coaching for College Students with AD/HDo
Panelist, Panel of Masterful
Coaches: Striking a Delicate Balanceo Moderator, Managing the Nuances of Coaching for Adolescents
and Young Adults with AD/HD: A Panel Discussiono
Facilitator, Coaching Networking Session Presenter, Coaching Kids and Teens: Discover the Fountain of Youth! ICF DC Metro Annual
Conference June 2009 - Trainer, AD/HD Coach Training. University of the Ozarks, Clarksville, AR. May
2009 - Presenter, Balancing Your Daily Life: Coaching Strategies for Adults with AD/HD. CHADD
Educational Conference, Baltimore, MD. May 2009 Trainer, Coaching Skills Training, GrossmontCuyamaca Community College (GCCCD) El Cajon, CA March ‘ May 2009 - Presenter, Chesapeake
Psychological Services. February 13, 2009 Presenter, ADDvisors. The Power of Coaching for Teens
& College Students with AD/HD. January 2009 - CHADD Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA November
2008o Presenter, Pre-conference Workshop, Empowering Teens & College Students with AD/HDo
Presenter, Put Life into Your ADHD Coaching Skillso
Facilitator, Coaching Networking
Session Presenter, Virtual AD/HD Conference, Success Strategies for Teens & College Students
with AD/HD. September 2008 - Trainer, Edge Foundation Coaching Courses. September 2008 to January
2009 - Trainer, Coaching Teens & College Students. Newfield Network telecourse. October 2008 Trainer and Co- Facilitator, AD/HD Coaches Organization, St. Louis, MO. Managing AD/HD
Coaching Challenges. May 2, 2008PublicationsSuccess At School ‘ Ask The Expert, ADDitude Magazine
Fall 2013Like the Teen You Love, ADDitude Magazine
Spring 2012
Tips from the ADHD Coach, ADDitude Magazine
Fall 2011Strategic Coaching for LD and ADHD, Ratey & Sleeper-Triplett. Chapter 15, Learning and
Attention Disorders in Adolescence and Adulthood, Assessment and Treatment. Goldstein, Naglieri,
DeVries March 2011What is ADHD Coaching? Keath Low, ADD.About.com January
2011http://add.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/a/What-Is-Adhd-Coaching.htmADHD and Risky
Behaviors in Adults, Katherine Kam, WebMD.com; January 2011http://www.webmd.com/addadhd/features/adhd-dangerous-risky-behaviorCoaching and Youth with ADHD, Attention Magazine,
CHADD; October 2010Empowering Youth With ADHD: Your Guide to Coaching Adolescents and Young
Adults with ADHD for Coaches, Parents and Professionals. Specialty Press; 2010 Coach Assisted
Transitioning to College and Independence. LDAU Newsletter; October 2009The Effectiveness of
Coaching For Children and Teens with AD/HD. Pediatric Nursing. Volume 34, Number 5.
September/October 2008.Coaching Kids and Teens with AD/HD ‘ It Works!
Linda Snell, PhD, The College at Brockport, SUNY
Linda Snell, Ph.D. is Associate Dean of the School of Health and Human Performance and Associate
Professor of Nursing at the College at Brockport. She completed her graduate studies at the University
of Buffalo. An experienced nurse practitioner, Dr. Snell developed clinical expertise in the health care of
women with disabilities while practicing in several clinics dedicated to their care. Over the past decade,
she has promoted the health care of women with disabilities in multiple presentations and publications.
Her passion for the well-being of persons impacted with disabilities has expanded in recent years to the
many students she interacts with who are coping with disabilities. A sample of her scholarship related
to the care of women with disabilities is listed below:Snell, L. & Piotrowski, K. (2010). Reproductive
Health Care of Women with Physical Disabilities across the Lifespan. Podium presentation at the
AWHONN National Convention, Las Vegas, NV.Snell, L. (2008). Health Care Needs of Women with
Disabilities across the Lifespan. Podium presentation at the University of Colorado School of Nursing
Nurse Practitioner Convention; Keystone, CO.Piotrowski, K. & Snell, L. (2007). Health needs of women
with disabilities across the lifespan. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 36, 7987.Snell, L. & Piotrowski, K. (2007). Guest Edited a Clinical Issues Series of 4 articles on the Health Care
of Women with Disabilities, published in the January/February 2007 Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, &
Neonatal Nursing.
Jessica Sniatecki, PhD - Counselor Education; MS - Rehabili, The College at Brockport, SUNY
Jessica L. Sniatecki, Ph.D., C.R.C. is an Assistant Professor of Health Science at the College at Brockport,
SUNY(State University of New York), and teaches primarily in the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies
concentration. She holds her doctorate in Counselor Education from the University at Buffalo, SUNY and
has held national certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor since 2004. Sniatecki has clinical experience
with individuals and groups in a variety of treatment settings. Her research focuses on the college
experience for students with disabilities, positive aspects of disability, and career development for
students with disabilities.Relevant Publications/Presentations:Sniatecki, J.L., Ashton, J., & Perry, H.B.
(2013, October). Rigor and Accommodation: Students with Disabilities in Your Classroom. Workshop
presented at The College at Brockport, SUNY, Brockport, NY.Sniatecki, J.L., Perry, H.B, & Snell, L.N.
(2013, July). Faculty Attitudes Toward College Students with Disabilities. Presented at the Association for
Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) conference: Challenging and Changing Diversity Perspectives,
Baltimore, MD.Dipeolu, A., Sniatecki, J.L., Storlie, C.A., & Hargrave, S. (2013). Dysfunctional career
thoughts and attitudes as predictors of vocational identity among young adults with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 82(2), 79-84. doi:
0.1016/j.jvb.2013.01.003.Dipeolu, A., Hargrave, S., Sniatecki, J.L., & Donaldson, J. (2012) Improving
Prediction of Significant Career-Related Constructs for High School Students with Learning Disabilities.
The Career Development Quarterly, 60(3), 207-220. doi: 10.1002/j.2161-0045.2012.00017.xDipeolu, A.,
Sniatecki, J.L., & Lalin, M. (2011). In Melanie Reinersman; Abiola Dipeolu, Ph.D. (Ed.), Career
Development Keys to Post-School Transition Success for Students with ADHD. Broken Arrow, OK: Career
Convergence/National Career Development Association.
associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/career_convergenceSniatecki, J. (2011, September). The
College Experience for Students with Physical Disabilities. Presented at the Diversity Conference, The
College at Brockport, SUNY, Brockport, NY.Sniatecki, J.L. (2010). In Melanie Reinersman; Abiola Dipeolu,
Ph.D. (Ed.), Soldiers Returning from Deployment: Considerations for School Counselors. Broken Arrow,
OK: Career Convergence/National Career Development Association.
associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/career_convergenceKane, J.L. (2009). The College
Experience for Students with Physical Disabilities. Available from ProQuest/UMI:
http://search.proquest.com/docview/305087086.
Pam Spallacci, University of Rochester
Pam Spallacci began working at the University of Rochester in 2004 as a disability support coordinator.
Shortly after joining the University, she pursued a Post Degree Certificate in Medical Family Therapy at
the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry to further develop her passion in therapy
and family systems. In her current role, she works closely with students to help sort through the
challenges that come with transitioning to college, using a behavioral and strength based approach. In
the fall of 2011 she began working with the University's Counseling Center to launch the undergraduate
support group for students with Asperger's, and continues to serve as group facilitator. Prior to her role
at the University, Pam worked as a counselor in the Counseling Center and Disabilities Office, at The
College at Brockport: State University of New York where she earned both her BA in Psychology, and
MSEd in Counselor Education.
Allison Solomon, MS, CRC, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Allison Solomon has served as the Director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Disability
Support Services since July 2010. She began her career at UAB in the Disability Support Services office as
a Disability Specialist in June of 2002. Allison earned both of her degrees from Auburn University, a
Bachelors degree in Communication Disorders (2000) and a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
(2002). She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and currently serves on the board of Alabama AHEAD.
Allison was most recently named UAB’s 2011-2012 Employee of the Year and she serves on numerous
committees within UAB as well as external agencies. Allison and her staff were the driving force behind
UAB’s development of an Existing and Emerging Technologies Committee- a committee which is now
supported by the university president, provost as well as numerous departments across campus. Allison
previously presented on fostering a collaborative relationship with legal counsel at the 2008 AHEAD
conference.
Teresa Spoulos, Doctor of Education, San Diego State University
Teresa Spoulos is a counselor in Student Disability Services at San Diego State University. She has
worked in the disability services field for 20 years with various disability groups, having earned advanced
degrees in both Rehabilitation Counseling and Education Leadership. An avid traveler, Teresa
photographs accessibility features and potential barriers in the countries she visits. She shares these
with students with medical or mobility concerns who plan to go abroad in order to help them prepare.
Teresa also works with students to discuss traveling with medication and navigating medical
emergencies.Teresa has presented workshops on preparing students with disabilities for study abroad at
the California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability conference, and, more recently,
she presented a similar workshop on preparing students for study abroad at the International
Conference on Higher Education and Disability, Innsbruck, Austria. Last year she presented a poster
session at AHEAD that displayed her travel photos, illustrating access concerns in preparing students for
study abroad.
Joseph Stanislow, Master Science and Bachelor Science Degr, Rochester Institute of Technology / NTID
Stanislow, J., and Kushalnagar, R. (2013), Adapting STEM Lectures for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
Classrooms, Presentation, 2013 IEEE Integrated STEM Education Conference (ISEC), Princeton, March 89, 2013.Stanislow, J. and Behm, G. (2012), Microcontroller Platform for the Accessibility Application
Development, Presentation, 2012 New York State Engineering Technology Association (NYSETA),
Rochester, NY, October 25-26, 2012.Stanislow, J., and Kushalnagar, R. (2012), Maximizing Content
Learning for English as a Second Language Students, Poster Presentation, 2012 New York State
Engineering Technology Association (NYSETA), Rochester, NY, October 25-26, 2012.Kushalnagar, R., and
Stanislow, J. (2012), Enhancing the Student-Interpreter-Teacher Team with Note-takers, Poster
Presentation, 2012 New York State Engineering Technology Association (NYSETA), Rochester, NY,
October 25-26, 2012.Stanislow, J., and Kushalnagar, R. (2012), Maximizing Content Learning for Deaf
Students and English as Second Language Students, 2012 Special Interest Group Computer Science
Education (SIGCSE) Conference, Raleigh, NC, 02/29-03/04/12. Stanislow, J., (2011), Patterns of
Conceptual Problems: A Best Practices Approach for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Learners, 2011 CAID
Conference, Fort Worth, TX, June 21-24, 2011.Stanislow, J., (2011), Patterns of Conceptual Problems: A
Best Practices Approach for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Learners, 51st CAL-ED Conference, Norwalk, CA,
March 11-13, 2011.Using Virtual World of Second Life to Teach Technology, (PS4.6) under PS4
Assessment, Achievement and Goal: Mallory, J., Long, G., and Stanislow, J., 2010 International Congress
on the Education of the Deaf (ICED), Vancouver, BC. July 18-22, 2010.StepWise Method for Deaf and
Hard of Hearing Students in Solving Word Problem’, (PS18.1) under PS 18 Links between Language and
Literacy: Bellinger, S., Stanislow, J., and Behm, G., 2010 International Congress on the Education of the
Deaf (ICED), Vancouver, BC. July 18-22, 2010.Utilizing Technology to Improve Comprehension of
Programming Concepts among Deaf Students, (PS24.5) under PS24 Educational Technology: Trager, B.,
and Stanislow, J., 2010 International Congress on the Education of the Deaf (ICED), Vancouver, BC. July
18-22, 2010.Patterns of Conceptual Problems: Best Practices, (P06.02) under PS06 Technology in
Education, Poster: Stanislow, J., and Trager, B., 2010 International Congress on the Education of the
Deaf (ICED), Vancouver, BC. July 18-22, 2010.Patterns of Conceptual Problems: Best Practices (P06.02)
under PS06 Technology in Education, Poster: (with Brian Trager). 2010 International Congress on the
Education of the Deaf (ICED), Vancouver, BC. July 18-22, 2010.Second Life as a Learning Tool (W10D)
under Using Technology to Support Learning: (with James Mallory, Gary Long, and Werner Zorn). 2010
Tech Symposium, Rochester, NY. June 21-23, 2010.StepWise Method for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
STEM Students in Solving Word Problems (AC 2010-1808): (with Scott Bellinger and Gary Behm). 2010
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Conference & Exposition, Louisville, KY. June
20-23, 2010.Instructional Software Tool: A visual-oriented learning approach to address conceptual
barriers: (with Brian Trager). 2009 Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf (CAID) National
Conference, Washington, DC. June 2009.PDA / Cell Phone Notification System Project: (with Gary Behm,
Cory Behm, and Wendy Dannels). An NTID Center on Access Technology (CAT) Funded Projects; Lead
Institutions were Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and National Technical Institute for the Deaf
(NTID) by James J. DeCaro, E. William Clymer, and Gary Behm, Rochester, NY. June ‘ November 2009.
Summit to Create a Cyber-Community to Advance Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals (DHH CyberCommunity): (with William Clymer, Dr. Jorge Diaz-Herrera, and Dr. Richard Ladner). An NTID Center on
Access Technology (CAT) Funded Projects. Member of the STEM Faculty Group with Richard E. Ladner
and Caroline Solomon, Rochester, NY. June 25-28, 2008.Published DHH Cyber-Community Summary
Report Final 2009.The National Science Foundation under Award No. OCI-0749253Instructional Software
Tool: A visual-oriented learning approach to address conceptual barriers: (with Brian Trager). 2008 Tech
Symposium, Rochester, NY. June 23-25, 2008.SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITIES:1. PDA / Cell Phone Notification
System Project: An NTID Center on Access Technology (CAT) Funded Projects; Lead Institutions were
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) by James J.
DeCaro, E. William Clymer, and Gary Behm, Rochester, NY. June ‘ November 2009.2. Second Life as a
Learning Tool Project: Lead Institution is National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), Rochester, NY.
2009 ‘ 2011.
Gavin Steiger, Master of Education, College Student Aff, University of Houston-Clear Lake
I’ve been working in the field of Disability Services since 2002 when I was a graduate student at UGA.
Upon graduating from UGA, I worked at Purdue University where I served as the Assistant Director for
Compliance and Disability Services. I handled the ADA Coordinator responsibilities (providing
accommodations to employees with disabilities and ensuring general campus compliance) and oversaw
the faculty hiring process. From August of 2007 to June of 2013, I was the Coordinator of Disability
Services for Students at Trinity University, a small, private, residential university of approximately 2500
students. During my time here, I served as a member of the Division of Student Affairs’ Divisional
Assessment Team (DAT) since its creation in 2008. The DAT oversees all of the assessments connected to
the Division’s 5 year strategic plan. I conducted a number of assessments measuring the self-advocacy
skills of students with disabilities, including a longitudinal assessment. As the Director of the Disability
Services office at UHCL, one charge I have been given is to reconstruct the office and realign it with the
university. I will use strategic planning during this reconstruction. Along with these experiences, I
currently serve as the President of AHEAD in Texas and I have started my third year as a co-chair for the
Private Colleges Special Interest Group in AHEAD. Presentations - ‘Beyond Access: Self-advocacy is a
Measurable Outcome (That You Need!).’ AHEAD Conference, New Orleans, LA. July 2012. - ‘Designing
Collaborative Strategies to Maintain Balance (and Sanity) in a One-Person Office.’ AHEAD in TX
Conference, San Antonio, TX. April 2012. - Crossing Over into the Twighlight Zone: Demystifying the
Transition Process for Students with Disabilities Pursuing Higher Education.’ Winston School Learning
Disabilities Symposium, San Antonio, TX. January 2012. - ‘Where’d You Learn That?: Assessing Student
Learning Through our Programs and
Services.’ AHEAD in TX Conference, Houston, TX. April
2011.Publications - Snitker-Magin, M. & Steiger, G. (2013). Help students to learn to self-advocate by
information sharing, confidence building. Disability Compliance for Higher Education, 18(7), 4. - SnitkerMagin, M. & Steiger G. (2013). Measuring self-advocacy learning holds many benefits. Disability
Compliance for Higher Education, 18(7), 5.
Mary Anne Steinberg, Ph.D., University of Florida
I am currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida. I have a Ph.D. in Special
Education and am currently the coordinator for the Postsecondary Learning Support (PLuS) graduate
certificate at UF. I also teach the following graduate courses at UF: - EEX 6098 Students with Disabilities
in Higher Education - EEX6299 Understanding Assess for Students with Disabilities - EEX6269 Academic
Strategies for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities - EEX6777 Organization and Life Skills for
Students with DisabilitiesPublications:Gagnon, J. C., Murphy, K. M., Steinberg, M. A., Gaddis, J., &
Crockett, J.IDEA-Related Professional Development in Juvenile Corrections SchoolsThe Journal of Special
Education Leadership (In Press)Steinberg, M. A. & McCray, E. Listening to Their Voices: Middle
Schoolers’ Perspectives of Life in Middle SchoolThe Qualitative Report (2012)Conference
Presentations:International:June 2012: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education:
Poster Session Ed Media Conference: Secondary Special Education Teachers’ Usage of Technology for
InstructionJanuary 2011: The Qualitative Report 2nd Annual Conference: Kaleidoscope ofOpinions:
Varying Perceptions of Public School ExperienceNational:June 2013: National Association of Academic
Advisors for Athletics: Supporting Struggling Learners in Higher Education with TechnologyJuly 2012:
Cambium Learning Technologies Keynote Address: StrugglingLearners in Higher EducationNovember
2011: Educational Strategies & Student Engagement Institute: Reading Progress Monitoring in Juvenile
Corrections: A Case StudyMay 2011: OSEP Project Directors’ Conference Poster Session: Project
LITERACY: Literacy Intervention and Teacher Education for Reaching All Children and YouthApril 2010:
Council for Exceptional Children Kaleidoscope Poster Session: Secondary Teacher Knowledge of Reading
Instruction and AssessmentFebruary 2010: Pacific Coast Research Conference: Teacher Knowledge of
Reading Instruction and AssessmentApril 2009: Council for Exceptional Children Kaleidoscope Poster
Session: Secondary Teacher Knowledge of Reading Instruction and AssessmentRegional:August 2010:
Juvenile Justice Education Institute and Southern Conference on Corrections: Curriculum in Juvenile
Correctional Schools & Secondary Teacher Knowledge about Reading InstructionState:October 2013:
2013 Educational Strategies and Student Engagement Institute:Strategies and Tips for Preparing
Students with Disabilities for CollegeNovember 2012: Association of Florida Colleges Conference:
Inclusion and Accommodation of Students with Disabilities
Ron Stewart, MS, Alt Format Solutions LLC
Internationally recognized as one of the leading experts in the fields of Technology Mediated Education,
Educational Access and service provision to individuals with learning differences. Blosser Award winner,
former AHEAD board member, leader of AHEAD's IMAG project.
Heather Stout, M.S. and Post-graduate work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Saint Louis University
I have been working in Higher Education and Disability for fourteen years and four years in vocational
rehabilitation and employment accommodation. My professional career began working with ADA
compliance and survey/institutional self-assessment. I identify as a person with a disability and in
college worked with peers to create an organization for students with disabilities. I am a Certified
Rehabilitation Counselor and am involved in continuing education support for my CRC colleagues. I
began my career, wanting to encourage students to develop their skills in self-advocacy. I have worked
extensively in the area of physical disability and physical accessibility. My research interests include deaf
culture and disability identity. I have been active in AHEAD since 1999 and have served on the boards of
ILLOWA and OR-AHEAD. Student and Faculty Groups2013 Graduate Student Orientation, Working with
Students with Disabilities in the ClassroomAcademic Tutor training, Facilitating Equal Access for
Students with DisabilitiesFaculty/Staff Training:2013 ‘Facilitating Equal Access for Students with
Disailities: An Interactive Process’
Jane Thierfeld Brown, Ed.D.; M.S., Counseling; M.A. Education, University of Connecticut School of
Law
Jane Thierfeld Brown is Director of Student Services at the University of Connecticut School of Law. She
has worked in Disability Services for 34 years. Dr. Brown received her B.A. from the University of Rhode
Island in Speech Pathology. While coordinator of disability services at URI she received her M.S. in
Counseling and M.A. in Education. She holds an Ed.D from Columbia University, Teachers College. At
Barnard College she directed a federal grant program on women with disabilities in higher education. Dr.
Brown’s main research interests are students with Asperger's Syndrome in higher education and
students with disabilities in high stakes graduate programs. She consults at many higher education
institutions and is a frequent speaker at conferences on Asperger’s Syndrome. She co-authored,
‘Students with Asperger’s : A Guide for College Professionals,’ which was published in 2009. The second
volume, ‘The Parent’s Guide to College for Students on the Autism Spectrum,’ was published in 2012
and ‘Social Behavior and Self Regulation,’ also published in 2012. Dr. Brown consults with colleges,
students and families around the country on issues for students with autism spectrum disorders. She
has three children, the youngest being a 21 year old son on the spectrum.
April N. Thompson, Master's of Science in Rehabilitiation C, Stetson University/Accessibility
April N. Thompson is the Assistant Director of the Academic Success Center and the University
Accessibility Coordinator at Stetson University. In this capacity, she works collaboratively to provide
leadership in the development, facilitation, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive array
of academic services and supports to ensure equitable access for persons with disabilities. Among these
and other duties, April has a commitment to represent and ensure the equitable consideration of
persons with disabilities advocating beyond the University community. April Thompson received her MS
in Rehabilitation Counseling from The University of Memphis, where her research & advocacy interests
include disability acknowledged as a form of diversity/inclusion in higher education; vocational and
career readiness for persons with disabilities, and the psychosocial aspects of disability. She holds
memberships with The Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), FL AHEAD, and NAFSA
The Association for International Educators. She has presented at the National Rehabilitation
Association's National Conference; the NAFSA: Association for International Educators Regional
Conference (2013), and has had a proposal accepted for the NASPA Multicultural Institute (2013).
Tom Thompson, Degree(s) MA and BA, Higher Education Consultant
Tom has 30+ years in Disability Services and has been a consultant evaluator to colleges and universities
for 20 years. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses related to disability, including
Disability in Society. He has presented on Disability Services Management and Resource Development
at numerous AHEAD conferences and at the 2013 Management Institute. He is currently the chair of the
AHEAD Task Force on Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Postsecondary Education and the outgoing
chair of the Disabilities Advisory Committee of the Illinois Board of Higher Education. He is running for
election (in 2014) as the co-chair of the NASPA Disability Knowledge Community.
Nathalie S. Trepanier, Ph.D. Education, Universite de Montreal
Associate professor at Universite de Montreal in the field of special education regarding inclusion of
students with disabilities, I've been teaching classes there since 1992. My past and present work is on
service delivery models to promote inclusion. Over the years, I've been developing a model of school
integrated services involving teachers through a resource-consulting team. I am a regular researcher at
the Laboratoire international sur l'inclusion scolaire (LISIS).Actual researchPrincipal investigator of a
research-action project involving 3 Colleges in the Montreal area about the Implementation of a teacher
support team in College to address the needs of students with disabilities Coinvestigator of a researchaction project on implementing a resource-teacher model at secondary level. Numerous publications.
Melanie Tucker, Ed.D.(in progress) Adult & Higher Education, Northern Illinois University
Ms. Melanie V. Tucker serves as the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Student Affairs & Enrollment
Management at Northern Illinois University (NIU). She was formerly the Director of the Disability
Resource Center at NIU and prior to that, she was the Director of Learning Assistance Programs &
Disability Support Services at Southeast Missouri State University. Currently Ms. Tucker is working on a
doctorate degree in Adult & Higher Education at NIU, with a focus on Student Affairs. She has a
Specialist degree from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master’s degree from the University of
New Orleans, both in Counselor Education, and a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University
in Applied Psychology. All degrees were earned with honors. Ms. Tucker is licensed as a mental health
counselor and is a nationally certified counselor. Melanie is currently a member of the ACPA Equity &
Inclusion Advisory Board and ACPA Standing Committee on Disability AHEAD liaison; a member of the
NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program Advisory Board and NASPA Disability Knowledge Community
Leadership Team; and a member of the AHEAD Board of Directors. Ms. Tucker formerly was the Chair of
the ACPA Standing Committee on Disability, served on the AHEAD Standing Committee on Membership
Development, and served on the AHEAD Diversity Initiative Leadership Team. Ms. Tucker was recently
published on fulfilling Acting roles within upper administration, and has a publication in press at the
time of writing addressing successfully navigating cultural challenges during executive transitions within
higher education. She has previously published on topics including assisting academically at-risk
students, universal design, and the role of gender in supervision. Ms. Tucker has actively presented at
the national level for AHEAD, NASPA, and ACPA on myriad topics such as: professional development,
universal design, policy development, engagement and retention, leadership, threat assessment,
women in higher education, and academic collaborations.
Christopher Turner, North Platte Community College
Chris is currently the ADA Coordinator for the North Platte Community College Area. He serves as a
board member of North Platte Citizen Advocacy and as a crisis advocate, member of the Nebraska
Association of Blind Students as Treasurer, Co-Chair of In-Sight SIG for Ahead, the Assisted Technology
Partnership Counsel of Nebraska, Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska
Platte Valley Chapter, the Public Relations Committee of the National Federation of the Blind. He is
involved with a number of other local groups and associations.
Marcie Van Meter, MA, Cedarville University
Marcie is the Coordinator of Disability Support within a larger unit, known as the Cove which provides a
variety of support, academically and socially to students on this liberal arts campus in central Ohio. She
has worked with individuals with disabilities for many years in other capacities.
Mary Lee Vance, Ph.D., Purdue University Calumet
Dr. Vance directed disability services at the four-year and two-year campuses of George Mason
University, UW Superior and University of Montana. She is past co-chair of the NASPA Disability KC. She
lead edited the 2009 NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) monograph Advising Students
with Disabilities: Striving for Universal Success, 2nd edition. In 2007 AHEAD published an anthology she
lead edited DISABLED Faculty and Staff in a Disabling Society: Multiple Identities in Higher Education.
She served six consecutive years as an AHEAD Board of Directors member, and as a Practice Brief
Reviewer for the AHEAD JPED (Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability). In addition she has
published over 23 chapters and articles in textbooks, refereed journals, and periodicals on a wide range
of topics including accommodating wounded warriors, and UD in the curriculum. She co-authored the
2013 revisions to the disability service standards with the Council for the Advancement of Standards in
Higher Education (CAS). Currently she serves on the Editorial Board for the AHEAD JPED, is a reviewer for
the NACADA National Academic Advising Association Journal, and a consultant on a variety of higher
education topics.
Boris Vukovic, M.Ed., Educational Counselling (Universi, Carleton University, McGill University
I have worked for 11 years in the disability service field, at Carleton University, in Ottawa, Ontario. Over
the years, one specific focus of my work has become faculty outreach, training, and development in
teaching and supporting university students with disabilities. This work is informed by my academic
study in the Learning Sciences program at McGill University, where I am presently a Ph.D. Candidate.
The specific focus of my doctoral research is on accessibility of learning environments, reflecting both
my academic background in the areas of disability-related faculty awareness and instructional practices,
and the relevant faculty development work I do in my position as a Disabilities Coordinator at Carleton
University.As a key expert in this area at Carleton University, I have presented regular workshops,
lectures, and development programs for the teaching faculty and instructors, at Carleton University and
a number of other postsecondary institutions. Most recently I have been tasked with the responsibility
of developing and implementing a broad educator training strategy at Carleton University in response to
a recent legal requirement under Ontario’s AODA legislation.
Melissa Watschke, MSW, LGSW, The College of St. Scholastica
Melissa has a 16 year history serving students who are academically at-risk and students with disabilities
K-16, primarily working in higher education teaching and mentoring programs. Melissa has worked at
The College of St. Scholastica for ten years, five years in the field of Disability Services.and previously
served in Academic Support Services coordinating program for academically at-risk college freshman,
many of which were students with disabilities. A large and successful piece to this program was a
mentoring relationship with successful college students who previously "walked the walk" . Before that,
Melissa worked with the Wilder Foundation and St. Paul Public Schools on a Education reform initiative
and implemented a mentoring program for academically at-risk students K - 8. Prior to that position,
Melissa coordinated a college-based Americorps reading program which paired college students with K 5 students who struggled with reading.
Garrett Westlake, PhD, Arizona State University
An entrepreneur and higher education professional with over 10 years of experience working in support
of exceptional individuals, Dr. Westlake leads by example. He uses his personal experience with dyslexia
to inspire, motivate, and change attitudes about the role of diversity and disability in society. Dr.
Westlake has served as the Coordinator of Disability Services for Volunteer State Community College,
and in leadership roles for the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), Student Affairs
Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA), and the Tennessee Department of Education. He is
currently an Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Disability Resources at Arizona State University,
and the CEO and Founder of STEM Force Technology ‘ a social impact company dedicated to improving
employment outcomes for individuals on the Autism Spectrum in science, technology, engineering, and
math. Recognized for his significant contributions to the fields of disability and education, Dr. Westlake
has received multiple awards for program development, teaching, and student support. Notable
achievements include a 2006 President’s Award from Volunteer State Community College for Exemplary
Service, an Outstanding Support of Student Leadership Award from Arizona State University in 2010, a
President’s Award for Excellence from Arizona State University in 2011, and the 2013 Spirit of Carleton
alumni award from Carleton College. Dr. Westlake is an expert on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD),
student development, and entrepreneurship in higher education. He is a respected speaker and
consultant appearing at national conferences, colleges and universities, and local parent and advocacy
organizations. Dr. Westlake has a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. He
holds an MEd in Special Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, and a BA in Cognitive
Science from Carleton College, where he graduated with distinction.
Amy Wilms, MEd, College Student Personnel, Universi, University of Redlands
Certificate: Autism Spectrum Disorder, University of California Riverside Extension.Areas of Expertise:
Disability Services, Academic Counseling, Career & Graduate School Exploration, Resume Development,
Personality Assessments (MBTI, SII, Real Colors, Strengths)Professional Background: Amy currently
serves as the primary contact for Disability Services in the College of Arts & Sciences and consults with
Disability Services liaisons in the Schools of Business & Education. Amy previously served as Assistant
Dean of Student Life with responsibilities in Conduct, Sophomore Success programming & Parent
programs. She also supervised Student Services, including the offices of Career Services, Student
Employment, and Academic Support & Disability Services. When she first arrived at the University of
Redlands, Amy began in Career Services where she worked for thirteen years. Amy also has experience
in Orientation, Judicial Affairs, Residence Life, and Admissions, both at the University of Redlands and
other institutions.Professional Memberships: Association of Higher Education & Disability (AHEAD)
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)Regional Organization: Southern
California Disability Consortium (SCDC) ‘ founding memberAdvisor: Alpha Theta Phi sorority, 2007present Mortar Board senior honor society, 2004-present
Linda Wolford, M.S., University of Minnesota
Linda Wolford currently works as the Manager of Student Services at Disability Services at the University
of Minnesota, a position that she has held for the past seven years in which she supervises staff and
works with students with disabilities. Linda has worked in the field of higher education disability services
for 10 years and in the field of disability policy and multicultural education for over 20 years. She has a
lifelong congenital disability and uses a power wheelchair for mobility. Linda has done numerous
presentations on the local and national level, including the 2012 keynote speaker at the Minnesota
Rehabilitation Association's statewide conference and 2013 keynote for the Minnesota State Services
for the Blind statewide conference. Most recently Linda has co-presented three sessions in the past two
years at the Association of Higher Education and Disability's national conference.
Cynthia Wong, Ph.D., Brigham Young University
Cynthia Wong is an educational psychologist and assistant clinical professor in the Academic Support
Office at BYU. She is interested in the fields of self-regulated learning, motivation and educational
equality.