AccessTECH: Building Strategic Partnerships for VR Participants and Tech Career Advancement

Dr. Darrenn Cadet is a senior operations specialist at Florida Atlantic University, where she focuses on workforce development and career readiness for individuals with disabilities. With a strong background and experience in vocational rehabilitation, Dr. Cadet is integral to AccessTECH’s mission of connecting participants with meaningful employment opportunities. She coordinates the program’s five-phase process, managing recruitment, training coordination, technical certifications, and ensuring overall project and student success.

Dr. Javad Hashemi is a professor of mechanical engineering at Florida Atlantic University, where he focuses on advancing education and innovation in technology. With a strong academic background in engineering and years of experience in higher education, Dr. Hashemi has been instrumental in developing AccessTECH’s specialized training programs in fields like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and 3D printing. His commitment to fostering innovation and accessibility has helped bridge the gap between education and employment for individuals with disabilities.

Natalie serves as a Tech-Prep Coordinator, leading hybrid learning cohorts that empower adults with disabilities to develop the technical and professional skills needed to thrive in STEM and technology careers. She brings a passion for inclusive education, workforce development, and supporting diverse learners in achieving their goals.

Dr. Tansey received his Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is a professor in the Rehabilitation Counselor Education program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Tansey has over 20 years of experience as a rehabilitation counselor, educator, or rehabilitation researcher. He has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles in the areas of applying novel technology in vocational rehabilitation and rehabilitation counselor education, evidence-based practices in vocational rehabilitation, self-regulation, and self-determination. Dr. Tansey has extensive experience in adapting technology and utilizing social media for knowledge translation and dissemination activities. Dr. Tansey is the principal investigator on the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment, a project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. He is currently the principal investigator, co-principal investigator, or co-investigator on several other federally-funded research or national technical assistance center grants from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Social Security Administration and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research). These current projects seek to ascertain evidence-based practices in the vocational rehabilitation of youth with disabilities, identify employer practices in the recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion of persons with disabilities, and provide technical assistance to state vocational rehabilitation toward increasing competitive, integrated employment of persons with disabilities living in areas of extreme poverty. Dr. Tansey has developed doctoral-level training focused on online and hybrid pedagogy as well as established numerous online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced courses. He serves as the co-editor of the Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin and on the editorial boards for numerous other journals.

Dr. Ayse Torres is an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University, specializing in rehabilitation counseling and workforce development. She has dedicated her career to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential. At AccessTECH, Dr. Torres plays a central role in designing and implementing programs that provide accessible, self-paced learning and career pathways in high-demand technology fields. Her expertise in counseling and program development ensures that participants receive the support they need to succeed in competitive, integrated employment.