Disability-Inclusive Strategies
by Dr. Charnessa Warren
Four Step AP Approach to Disability Inclusion
Acknowledge Prevalence
Action Plan
Accountability Promotion
Assess Performance
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