Debra Fitzgibbons

Debra Fitzgibbons is an independent consultant for accessibility, recently retired as Coordinator for the Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP). Deb carries a Master’s in Assistive Technology and more than twenty-five years’ experience in providing AT and AEM supports to learners in K-12 and higher ed. Deb supported students, families and teams across Oregon through virtual and face to face professional development and a strong community of practice. Deb led the Oregon AEM Cohort in partnership with the National AEM Center to develop a statewide system for equitable provision of AEM to all learners, across the lifespan. Deb is a recipient of the 2024 Penny Reed Award for Excellence in Assistive Technology Innovation and Leadership. She was awarded the Joy Zabala Spirit Award for presentation of the Cohort’s successes with “Advocating For My Accessible Educational Materials: An AEM Guide for Students” at the Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference in 2025. Empowering learners who use AAC and their families to access the AEM student guide and find the words for self-advocacy is a natural next step.

Disclosures:

Financial:

Debra Fitzgibbons has no financial disclosures to report.

Nonfinancial:

Debra Fitzgibbons has no nonfinancial disclosures to report.