Susan Coll-Guedes
Education. Accessibility. Systems Change.
I design learning experiences, professional learning, and policy initiatives that make education more accessible, responsive, and connected to lived experience.
EDUCATOR · LEARNING DESIGNER · ADVOCATE · RESEARCHER
Areas of Work
For more than two decades, I have worked across K–12 schools, higher education, family leadership, and policy spaces. My work brings together inclusive practice, creative learning, and the systems that shape full participation in community life.
About
I am an educator, scholar-practitioner, and policy advocate. I hold a Master’s in Inclusive Education; New Jersey certifications in Supervisor, K–12 Art, and N–8 General Education; and I am pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.My practice is shaped by teaching, research, disability community leadership, and family life. I believe good systems make room for the people who use them.
Selected Work
My work brings together education, research, advocacy, and lived experience. These selected areas reflect a continuing commitment to inclusive learning, human rights, family leadership, and meaningful systems change.
Learning Design
I design curriculum and learning experiences that are rigorous, inclusive, and usable in real classrooms. My work includes art education, teacher preparation, curriculum development, UDL-informed course design, and accessible digital learning environments.Selected projects:
- AAE 280: Art in Special Education
- Accessible Canvas course design
- Preservice teacher preparation
Training & Consultation
I offer practical, participant-centered training and consultation for educators, families, and community organizations. Sessions connect policy and research to the decisions people have to make every day.Topics include:
- Universal Design for Learning and inclusive instructional design
- Art education and disability inclusion
- Person-centered IEPs and collaborative planning
- Family leadership, self-determination, and transition to adult life
-Inclusion and responsive learning environments
Policy & Advocacy
My advocacy centers human rights, family leadership, and meaningful access to community life. I work on self-direction, Medicaid Home-and Community-Based Services, transition, person-centered systems, and inclusive public education.This work includes public testimony, coalition leadership, technical assistance, and policy engagement grounded in both lived experience and systems knowledge.
Research & Speaking
My doctoral research is a qualitative study of parent advocacy examining how families navigate the transition from school-based entitlement to adult systems.I speak and write on inclusive education, policy, parent advocacy, transition, and the arts. My work includes keynotes, professional-development sessions, conference presentations, public testimony, and community conversations.
Let's Work Together
For training, consultation, speaking, research collaboration, or a conversation about inclusive systems: