Joy's Strategic Alliances, Partnerships, and Affiliations
These are the organizations Joy worked with and supported
Dr. Zabala received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from the University of Florida, her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education from Florida Atlantic University, and her Doctorate in Special Education Personnel Preparation from the University of Kentucky. She was a strong supporter of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Assistive Technology as complementary supports for student achievement and was a pioneer in special education and assistive technology. In the 1980s - after many years as a distinguished general educator in schools in Georgia, Florida, and Caracas, Venezuela - she began exploring ways to use technology to extend learning opportunities to all students, including those with disabilities. As a technologist, special educator, and teacher trainer, Dr. Zabala earned national recognition for her work and played a significant role in the following organizations:
Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services
Dr. Zabala is a founding member of the QIAT Community of AT professionals and was a facilitator of the QIAT List.
Assistive Technology Industry Association
Dr. Zabala served as ATIA Conference Education Chair for many years and led the talented team of ATIA Strand Advisors, leaders, and experts in their content areas in curating the conference education program and ensured each education session met the diverse needs of conference attendees. The Joy Zabala Spirit Award was established in Joy's honor as a recognition program hosted by ATIA, that celebrates Joy Zabala's work in assistive technology and education.
National Center on Accessible Educational Materials
Dr. Zabala served as the Senior Technical Assistance Advisor and Co-Director of the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM Center) from 2010 to 2017. She was also the Director of Technical Assistance for the AIM Consortium from 2007 to 2009 and Co-Director of the National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials from 2009 to 2014. The National AIM Center worked closely with state and local education agencies, as well as other stakeholders, to develop effective systems for delivering high-quality accessible instructional materials to students with print disabilities. Dr. Zabala brought a wealth of experience to her role, having previously served as the Project Manager of the AIM Consortium, a federally funded 15-state initiative led by CAST (2007-2009) aimed at improving the quality, availability, and timely delivery of accessible instructional materials for K-12 students with print disabilities.