“Disability Access Services (DAS) has been a part of the Northeastern University campus since 1978. We recognize the inherent value and diversity of all individuals. Our purpose is to ensure that those students with disabilities have equal access to the academic experience at Northeastern University. DAS provides students with appropriate services and can advocate as needed within the wider University community. At the same time, our goal is to promote independence and self-advocacy within each individual.”
Mary A. Barrows, Senior Director of Learning Strategies & Student Success
“I am pleased to welcome you to this website for our Disability Access Services (DAS). One of our longest-held values here at Northeastern is that our university community is at its best when we foster a welcoming and supportive environment that enables each one of our students to fully benefit from the wide array of experiences we have to offer. DAS can be a vital resource toward that end for those of us who have a disability. By taking advantage of the services DAS offers, and by supporting the work of DAS, we help Northeastern uphold one of its most fundamental values.”
Joseph E. Aoun, President, Northeastern University
Who We Serve
Disability Access Services serves Northeastern students who have documented disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAAA) of 2008. Under this definition, a person with a disability is one with a physical, mental, emotional, or chronic health impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.
Our staff members regularly work with students who have a variety of types of disabilities, including:
- AD(H)D
- Asperger’s Syndrome and related disorders
- Chronic and degenerative disorders
- Hearing loss
- Learning disabilities
- Mobility impairments
- Psychiatric disorders
- Traumatic or acquired brain injuries
- Vision impairment
- Pregnancy & Parenting
Meet Our Team
Boston Campus
Kyle Droz, M.Ed.
Director
Kyle serves as the Director of of DAS. In addition to departmental operations, he oversees the Assistive Technology Manager, the Academic Assistant, and the Service Coordinator. He also carries a small case load of students who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low visions. Contact Kyle at k.droz@northeastern.edu or (617) 373-5137.
Jacqueline Kendrick, M.A., CRC
Associate Director
Jacqueline provides disability-related support services to students with learning disabilities and/or AD(H)D, ensuring the student’s equitable participation in the academic experience. She helps students understand their disability, and the impact it has on their academic lives. She offers one-on-one, specialized advising and instruction on academic skills, and other compensatory strategies specific to each student’s needs. Contact Jacqueline at j.kendrick@northeastern.edu or at (617) 373-3525.
Abbey Kidder
Exam Services Associate
Abbey coordinates the daily operations, scheduling, proctoring, and test administration at DAS’s exam center. In addition, she hires, trains, and supervises front desk student workers. Contact Abbey at a.kidder@northeastern.edu or by phone at (617) 373-4708.
Exam-related correspondence should be directed to DASBoston@northeastern.edu or (617) 373-2675.
Caroline Scannell, M.Ed.
Disability Specialist
Caroline comes from a background of working with students of all ages and abilities. She received her M.Ed. in School Counseling, and her B.A in Human Development/Human Services and Sociology from Merrimack College. In graduate school, Caroline’s Capstone focused on student engagement in the postsecondary process, researching if virtual college tours increased 11th grade students’ engagement with the college process, as well as their own self knowledge on what they are looking for in a college/university. Before coming to Northeastern, Caroline was a school counseling intern at Weston High School, and a special education teaching assistant for middle and high school students in the Wayland Public Schools. With a passion for education and mental health, she is excited to work and build relationships with her students! Contact Caroline at c.scannell@northeastern.edu or (617)-373-3388.
Kim Drastal, M.S.
Disability Specialist
Kim provides disability-related support services and works to ensure equitable access to academic and campus experiences for DAS students. She seeks to support students’ understanding of their strengths and develop strategies to compensate for their disability-related challenges. Kim aims to promote students’ self-determination and self-advocacy skills to help support success in the post-secondary setting and beyond. She offers one-on-one meetings, specialized advising and guidance on academic skills, and other compensatory strategies specific to each student’s needs and goals. Contact Kim at k.drastal@northeastern.edu or by phone at (617) 373 – 6600.
Samara Stern
Notetaking Services Coordinator
Samara serves as the Coordinator of Notetaking Services for DAS. She and her staff of assistants process student requests for the notetaking accommodation and oversee its administration throughout the semester. She also recruits, hires, and trains all notetakers. Contact Samara by email at s.stern@northeastern.edu or by phone at (617) 373-3091.
Notetaking-related correspondence should be directed to DASnotetakers@northeastern.edu.
Mary Barrows, M.Ed., C.A.G.S
Senior Director Learning Strategies and Student Success
Mary administers DAS’s programs and services, establishing project priorities, monitoring service delivery, and addressing the needs and services of students with disabilities. Mary also provides leadership and oversight for related student support programs, including the Learning Disabilities Program and Student Athlete Support Services. Contact Mary at m.barrows@northeastern.edu or (617) 373 – 4525.
Keshia Vilchert, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
Keshia provides disability-related support services to students with a variety of disabilities. She works to ensure that the students have equitable access and the ability to participate fully in the academic experience at Northeastern. Keshia encourages and guides students as they work to better understand their disability and the impact that it has on their academic pursuits. Keshia meets with students individually with the purpose of exploring useful strategies for them to implore. Contact Keshia at k.vilchert@northeastern.edu or at 617.373.2667.
Betsy Ireland
Access Coordinator
Betsy provides disability-related support services to Deaf, blind, hard of hearing, and low vision students and works to ensure that students have equitable access to their academic experience. She helps students understand and manage their disability, and the impact it has on their academic lives. She offers one-on-one meetings, specialized advising and guidance on academic skills, and other compensatory strategies specific to each student’s needs. Contact Betsy at e.ireland@northeastern.edu or (617) 373-2256.
Brittany Brown, M.A., Ed.S
Disability Specialist
Brittany provides disability-related support services to DRC students and works to ensure that they have equitable access to their academic experience. Brittany’s background is in school psychology, and she is committed to helping students understand, manage, and advocate for their learning needs in the university setting. She offers one-on-one meetings, specialized advising, and guidance on academic skills and other compensatory strategies specific to each student’s needs and academic goals. When Brittany is not at DAS, you can find her hiking, kayaking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors! Contact Brittany at br.brown@northeastern.edu or 617-373-8014.
Jillian Landry, M.S., CCC-SLP
Disability Specialist
Jillian provides disability-related support services to DAS students and works to ensure that they have equitable access to their academic and campus experience. She offers one-on-one meetings, specialized advising and guidance on academic skills, and other compensatory strategies specific to each student’s needs and goals. Jillian is a proud alum of Northeastern’s Bouve College of Health Sciences, where she earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Jillian is committed to helping students develop self-awareness, self-advocacy skills, and the strategies they need to navigate their own academic journey. When Jillian is not at DAS, you can find her chasing her kids around and enjoying the outdoors. Contact Jillian at j.landry@northeastern.edu or by phone at (617) 373 – 3642.
Samira Ketcherside
Front Desk Assistant
Samira assists the Exam Center Coordinator in all aspects of the test proctoring process. She is available to assist with any part of DAS’s intake and accommodations processes. Contact Samira at s.ketcherside@northeastern.edu or by phone at (617) 373 – 7208.
Oakland Campus
Courtney Gutiérrez, M.A.
Associate Director, Oakland Campus
Courtney provides disability-related support services to DAS students on Oakland campus. Collaborating with access support leads at the Boston and London campuses, their personalized approach ensures that Legacy Mills students, Global Scholars, and others with diverse needs receive the support they require to thrive academically and personally. Outside of the office, Courtney enjoys spending time with her dogs in nature and studying the art of flamenco. Contact Courtney by email at c.gutierrez@northeastern.edu or by phone (510) 430-3307.
London Campus
Femi Adeleye
Student Wellbeing Coordinator
Femi provides disability-related support and wellbeing support for students at NU London. She offeres one-on-one meetings, creates Learning Support Plans, and offers guidance specific to each student’s needs and academic goals. Contact Femi by email at disability@nulondon.ac.uk or by phone at +44 0207 637 4550.
Matthew Irwin, B.A. PGCE
Learning Differences Advisor
Matthew has over fifteen years of experience supporting neurodiverse students in higher education. He is able to offer study skills sessions on all academic writing, critical reading/thinking, exam skills, and time management. He holds a post-graduate certificate in Autism and a level five certificate in dyslexia. Contact Matthew by email at matthew.irwin@nulondon.ac.uk.
Nicola Fawole
Student Wellbeing Coordinator
Nicola provides disability-related support and wellbeing support for students at NU London. She offeres one-on-one meetings, creates Learning Support Plans, and offers guidance specific to each student’s needs and academic goals. Contact Nicola by email at disability@nulondon.ac.uk or by phone at +44 0207 637 4550.