I am a Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA) Certified Assistive Technology Professional who has been providing assistive technology services to individuals with all disabilities for over 30 years. I am also a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). My undergraduate degree is in both Elementary and Special Education from George Peabody College for Teachers of Vanderbilt University. My graduate degree is in Special Education/ Severe Disabilities from the University of Virginia. As a licensed educator with the State of Tennessee in Elementary Education and Special Education, I have taught students with severe disabilities. I have provided assistive technology services in California and Tennessee. Currently, I serve as the Technology Specialist for Disability Services at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville TN, providing technology access to students receiving accommodations. I have 40+ years in related to work with individuals with a wide range of disabilities and learning issues. I was introduced to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) in the early 1990's and have actively engaged in professional development since that time, including presentations. I also serve as the East Tennessee Accessibility Specialist for the Tennessee Board of Regents in providing training on accessible instructional materials and technical support. I have provided training and technical support services in California regarding inclusion of students with significant severe disabilities. Currently, I am an adjunct instructor at Pellissippi State for the Freshman Seminar series. I served as Conservator for an adult with multiple disabilities for almost 40 years, and also am a sibling to an adult with high functioning autism.
Alice Wershing
Disability Services, Pellissippi State Community College