Disability Resources is excited to welcome Laura to the department as Assistant Director for Assistive Technology. In her role, Laura serves a DR’s primary Assistive Technology (AT) and technology-for-access expert, working directly with students to identify appropriate technologies to address disability-related barriers, and provide necessary training to equip students to have the greatest opportunity for success with their usage. Additionally, Ms. Dieckhaus coordinates the interpreting, communication, and text remediation needs of DR-connected students, and acts as a University leader in best practices for the assessment, procurement, and utilization of accessible technology.
Prior to WashU, Laura was as an Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) for Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT) where she provided AT support for all areas of AT including: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Alternative Access, Aids for Daily Living, and Educational Support. Most recently, Ms. Dieckhaus was an Assistive Technology Specialist for Forbes AAC covering Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas.
Laura’s expertise and knowledge of AT has lead to her presenting at national conferences, including ATIA and Closing the Gap, and being an invited lecturer at EYWA Women’s University in Seoul, South Korea. Laura is comfortable speaking on a wide range of topics, including Universal Design for Learning, Alternative Access, AAC Feature Matching, and Assessment. Laura has been featured on the “Big Purple Blob” podcast, a collective of professional coaches that support Foreign Service Families around the globe.
Laura earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, and her Masters at George Mason University’s School of Education, with a focus on Assistive Technology. In her free time, Laura enjoys family time with her husband, Sam, their six sons, three daughters-in-law, and five grandkids. She and Sam can be seen on the water, walking their dog, playing pickleball, or out listening to live music.