

DRP Academy will take a new shape this Fall 2026
becoming more interactive and available to more DRP's and leaders. We look forward to sharing this information in September !
Building Capacity
Supporting Diversity.
The DRP Academy is a specialized, hybrid professional development program designed to empower disability resource professionals with the expertise needed to ensure equitable access in medical education. This comprehensive curriculum challenges participants to expand their knowledge, refine their skills, and build their capacity to support students with disabilities in health professions training.

Key Highlights
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Didactic Instruction: Participants gain foundational knowledge in disability law, institutional policies, and principles of inclusive education, forming the groundwork for understanding accommodations in health professions training.
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Self-Directed Learning: Learners are encouraged to explore tailored materials at their own pace, deepening their understanding of key concepts and fostering critical thinking around complex scenarios.
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Simulated Practice: Through simulated environments, participants engage in realistic scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in a controlled setting and refine decision-making processes.
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Standardized Student Interactions: Role-playing with standardized students provides participants with opportunities to practice effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving in determining appropriate accommodations.
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Case-Based Learning: Real-world cases offer an interactive platform to develop analytical and legal reasoning skills. Participants work collaboratively to evaluate scenarios, identify barriers, and propose equitable and compliant solutions.
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Post Academy Mentorship: Upon successful completion of the on-site components of the DRP Academy, each participant will be assigned to a mentor group that will meet once per month and be facilitated by an experienced health science DRP.
"Receiving this knowledge and establishing connections during the DRP academy was such a lifechanging, genuine experience."
Jacque Knedler, MS
DRP Class of 2023

DRP Academy Leadership
The DRP Academy leadership and instructor team is comprised of professionals with diverse experiences and skills. DRP Academy leaders and instructors have significant experience as DRPs serving students with disabilities in health science education programs, have served in leadership positions in national organizations, conducted research, and developed resources and publications promoting disability inclusion and accessibility in health science education.

Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA
Executive Committee & Instructor

Jamie Axlerod
Executive Committee & Instructor

Emily Langham
Instructor

Rosezetta Henderson
Assistant DRP Instructor

Grace Clifford, MAEd
Co-Chair, Curriculum Developer, & Instructor

Jan Serrantino
Executive Committee & Instructor

Jennifer Gossett
Instructor

Matthew Sullivan, Ph.D.
Co-Chair, Curriculum Developer, & Instructor

Sarah Triano, MS, NCC, LPC
Instructor

Jenny Biggers, M.Ed.
Assistant DRP Instructor