Disability-Inclusive Strategies

by Dr. Charnessa Warren

New Disability Inclusion Research

Four Step AP Approach to Disability Inclusion

Acknowledge Prevalence

Action Plan

Accountability Promotion

Assess Performance

Download the Four Step AP Approach Worksheet

picture of charnessa, a black woman with brown curly hair wearing a grey suit and burgundy blouse, smiling

Charnessa Warren, Ed.D., Certified DEI FaciliTrainer (CDFT)

Charnessa holds a Master of Science degree in Disability and Human Development, with a concentration in Rehabilitative Technology. Charnessa earned a doctorate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership, with a concentration in Diversity & Equity in Education. Charnessa is also a Gateway Equity Institute certified DEI FaciliTrainer. Charnessa currently works with the University of Chicago as the Director of Student Disability Services. She is also a Board Member of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), and currently leads the Ivy Plus Disability Services Group for higher education disability service providers. With 25 years of experience as a disability accommodation specialist and assistive technology subject matter expert, she has grown into a well-respected disability inclusion advocate, speaker, leader, and thought partner in establishing innovative ways to incorporate disability as a part of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Charnessa's Engagements

2025

AHEAD Ingenuity Conference (New Orleans) - January 2025

2024

University of Maryland - October 2024

ILLOWA AHEAD - October 2024

Roosevelt University - August 2024

AHEAD Virtual Conference - August 2024

AHEAD Annual Conference (Baltimore) - July 2024

UPENN Diversity Training - April 2024

Justice For All Summit - April 2024

2023

AHEAD Fall Session (panelist) - November 7, 2023

CUNY: Disability Perspectives at Work (panelist)- Oct. 26, 2023

ILLOWA AHEAD (panelist) - August 2023

AHEAD Annual Conference - July 2023

35th Annual Postsecondary Training Institute - May 30-June 2, 2023

AHEAD Master's Class - May 22-24, 2023

University of Chicago's Diversity Dialogue - May 3, 2023

New England AHEAD - April 21, 2023

DuPage County School District Training Day - March 3, 2023

2022

Colorado Wyoming AHEAD - October 21, 2022

Clemson University NDEAM Event - October 25, 2022

AHEAD Annual Conference - July 2022

34th Annual Postsecondary Training Institute - June 2022

Chaffey College - Accessibility Activism Event - April 12, 2022

NADOHE Conference - March 2022