Biography

https://sites.uw.edu/sherylb/

Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler founded and directs the DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) team and the IT Accessible Technology Team (ITAT). These two teams promote (1) the use of mainstream and assistive technology and other interventions to support the success of students with disabilities in postsecondary education and careers and (2) the development of facilities, academic and administrative software, websites, multimedia, and online learning programs and services that are welcoming and accessible to individuals with disabilities. ITAT focuses its efforts at the University of Washington (UW) campuses in Washington State; the DO-IT Center reaches national and international audiences with the support of federal, state, corporate, foundation, and private funds. Dr. Burgstahler is also an affiliate professor in the UW College of Education. Her teaching and research focus on the successful transition of students with disabilities to college and careers and on the application of universal design to technology, learning activities, physical spaces, and student services. Her current projects include the Alliance for Students with Disabilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (AccessSTEM), the Alliance for Access to Computing Careers (AccessComputing), AccessCSforAll: Including Students with Disabilities in Computing Education for the Twenty-First Century, AccessEngineering, and the Center for Universal Design in Education.

Dr. Burgstahler has published articles and delivered presentations at national and international conferences that focus on universal design of online learning, IT, instruction, student services, and other applications in education; and the management of electronic communities, work-based learning activities and transition programs for youth with disabilities. She is the author or co-author of eight books on using the internet with pre-college students and directing e-mentoring and transition programs and editor of the second edition of Universal Design in Higher Education: From Principles to Practice. Dr. Burgstahler has degrees in mathematics, education, and administration of higher education. She has taught precollege and postsecondary mathematics, computer programming, assistive and accessible technology, and preservice/inservice courses for teachers on the use of technology applications.

Dr. Burgstahler and her projects have received many awards, including the Professional Recognition Award for the Association for Higher Education and Disability, the National Information Infrastructure Award in Education, the President’s Award for Mentoring, the Golden Apple Award in Education, the Harry J. Murphy Catalyst Award, the Frances Pennell Economic Opportunity Award, induction of DO-IT into the Susan Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame, the Diversity in Technology Leadership Award of the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity Education Foundation, and most recently, the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE) Diversity in Technology Leadership Award.