The Joy Zabala Fellowship Announces 2024-2025 Fellows: Empowering the Future of Assistive Technology and Accessibility
Date:
Monday, October 14, 2024
The Joy Zabala Fellowship Steering Committee proudly announces the 2024-2025 cohort of Joy Zabala Fellows. These outstanding individuals will continue the work and legacy of Joy Smiley Zabala, EdD, whose career in assistive technology (AT) and accessible educational materials (AEM) has left an indelible mark on education, promoting inclusion for learners with disabilities in K-12, postsecondary, and workforce settings.
The 2024-2025 Joy Zabala Fellows are:
- Judith Nomura (Mentee), Assistive Technology Specialist, Hawaii Department of Education.
Mentor: Dr. Brian Wojcik, Assistive Technology Partnership Supervisor, Nebraska Department of Education. - Amy Comford (Mentee), Supervisor, OT and PT Department, Columbus City Schools.
Mentor: Sayard Bass, Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association for Special Education. - Amy Thompson (Mentee), Occupational Therapist, Rapid City Schools.
Mentor: Judie Schoonover, AT Consultant, National Expert. - Lindsey Fountain (Mentee), Speech-Language Pathologist & AT Consultant, Intermediate District.
Mentor: Stacy Alvare, Instructional Support & Inclusion Specialist, Florida School System.
These dynamic mentorship teams will work together to build capacity in AT and AEM, with a focus on improving accessibility and educational equity for students with disabilities. The collaborative efforts of the mentors and mentees will be supported by “connectors” in the field who help guide the Fellows in spreading their innovations and solutions across educational settings.
“Heartfelt congratulations on your selection as recipients of the Joy Zabala Fellowship! Your commitment to the field of Assistive Technology and Accessible Educational Materials honors our mother’s remarkable legacy and helps to reflect her values far and wide. Many people say that Joy made them feel like the most special person in the room— we know you will make so many others feel that way as you further your meaningful work in AT and AEM under the auspices of the Joy Zabala Fellowship! Very best wishes in the year ahead and beyond," stated Adriana Zabala, on behalf of the Zabala Family.
Continuing the Legacy of Joy Smiley Zabala
Joy Smiley Zabala (1946–2021) was a pioneer in AT and UDL. With over 40 years dedicated to creating more inclusive educational environments, Joy’s SETT Framework revolutionized AT services, and her leadership fostered a stronger, more connected community of AT professionals. The Fellowship honors her lifelong dedication by supporting emerging leaders who continue her work of expanding access to AT and AEM in schools and workplaces.
Quotes from the 2024-2025 Fellows and Supporters
I am honored to be selected as a fellow for the 2024-2025 Joy Zabala Fellowship. I am excited to begin working with our Connector and meeting other members of the Fellowship.
Judith Nomura
It is an honor to be selected for this opportunity. I met Joy early in my career and have been utilizing her tools and strategies for many years! I look forward to learning more about the world of Assistive Technology from my mentor, connector, and Joy Zabala fellows to support my district, it's staff, and ,especially, our students.
Amy Comford
I am excited to hear that Amy [Comford] has been selected as a mentee for the Joy Zabala Fellowship. Rapid City Area Schools and the Special Education Department support her in this endeavor as we know it will provide great benefits to our district with her participation. We are fortunate to have her knowledge and innovativeness as part of our district.
Keyra Comer, Ed.D, Director of Special Services, Rapid City Area Schools
Thank you for this amazing opportunity! I am excited to grow as a professional and improve practices within the organization I work in with the Joy Zabala Fellowship and Stacy Alvare’s support.
Lindsey Fountain
Visit the Joy Zabala Fellowship page to make a donation and learn more about the Joy Zabala Fellowship program.
About the Joy Zabala Fellowship
The Joy Zabala Fellowship was established in 2021 to support early-career professionals in assistive technology and accessible educational materials. Working alongside seasoned mentors, fellows strengthen their skills in providing AT and AEM services and share their knowledge with a broader audience. The Fellowship aims to foster innovation and accessibility in educational settings, honoring the work of Joy Smiley Zabala.
About CAST
CAST is a nonprofit education research and professional development and learning organization that created the Universal Design for Learning framework and UDL Guidelines, now used the world over to make learning more inclusive. At the foundation of UDL is accessibility and accessible educational materials, as such, CAST runs The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) and The Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES).
Your support keeps Joy's legacy alive.
Please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Joy Zabala Fellowship in Assistive Technology & Accessible Educational Materials. Every dollar goes toward the maintenance and extension of the Fellowship program, supporting collaboration and mentorship for educators in assistive technology and accessible educational materials.