April Coughlin

April Coughlin has been a “wheeler” since the age of 6. She is an accomplished teacher, disability rights activist and former competitive triathlete, competing in several races and marathons. She earned her doctorate in Special Education with a focus on Disability Studies at Syracuse University. She is a passionate advocate for accessibility, particularly regarding physical environments. A champion of spatial access, April has a portfolio of considerations and suggestions to improve the usability of most physical locations. For years, April has also worked closely with individuals with spinal cord injuries to mentor them and ease them into their new reality. Likewise, she has worked with doctors and care providers to deliver sensitivity workshops and advice. April currently works as an Assistant Professor of Adolescent Special Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at the State University of New York at New Paltz. Her research is focused on disability, access, and equality, and she is committed to increasing awareness and education about the need for physical access and inclusion for students with disabilities.