The Ashland University Student Accessibility Center has appointed a new Director of Student Accessibility, Julie Donatini, who now follows in the footsteps of previous director Silvia Henriss.
Student Accessibility Director Donatini role in Ashland University is to work with students to ensure equal access to education and university life according to Ashland University’s accessibility statement.
“It is a collaborative effort between the student, staff, faculty members and Student Accessibility Center to facilitate access, promote inclusion on campus and provide equal educational opportunities at Ashland University,” Student Accessibility Director Donatini said.
Faculty members are thrilled to welcome Student Accessibility Director Donatini to Ashland University.
“We are thrilled and honored to welcome Julie Donatini as our new Director of Student Accessibility Services. Her expertise and student-centered approach have already had a positive impact in a short time,” Assistant Provost of Student Success Catherine Williams said.
Student Accessibility Director Donatini holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus in specific learning disabilities and developmental handicaps. She also holds a Master of Education with a focus in Early Education of the handicapped. Both come from Bowling Green State University.
Previous to working with Ashland University, Donatini worked with K-12 students as a special education teacher for ten years. She also worked in marketing and communication coordinator for Healing Care Ministries for four years, and taught as an adjacent instructor at Ashland University before becoming director.
“It felt like such an honor to have the opportunity to teach in higher ed and to teach what I was most passionate about…children with disabilities.”
During her time as Student Accessibility Director, Donatini intends on collaborating with all faculty and staff.
“And with my role as director, that collaboration will be key in helping students access their environment on campus from housing to social to academic,” Student Accessibility Director Donatini said.
She also intends to combat the issues she’s already faced as the 2024-25 school years begins, such as further collaborating with students to aid them in communicating their accommodation with faculty.
“Once school begins, I will continue to work with students and faculty to ensure that they feel comfortable on how to put accommodations in place,” Student Accessibility Director Donatini said.
Newly appointed Student Accessibility Director Donatini is ready to take on her new role that feeds into her passion pertaining to students with disabilities.
“I feel as if all of my training and employment have greatly prepared me for this role,” Student Accessibility Director Donatini said. “I am passionate about my relationships with students, staff and faculty and cannot wait for the school year to begin.”
