DO-IT Founder

Sheryl Burgstahler founded Accessible Technology Services (ATS), which includes both the DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) and IT Accessibility Teams at the UW in 1992. DO-IT reaches national and international audiences with the support of the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education and other funders. The IT Accessibility Team is funded by the UW to promote the procurement, development, and use of accessible IT on its campuses. She was also an affiliate professor in the UW College of Education and continues to teach online courses at other schools.

Most of Sheryl's research and publications focus on the successful transition of students with disabilities to college, graduate school, and careers and on the application of universal design (UD) to technology and learning activities. Outcomes from her work on our projects have led to many awards, including the Professional Recognition Award for the Association for Higher Education and Disability, the National Information Infrastructure Award in Education, the President's Award for Mentoring, the Golden Apple Award in Education, the Harry J. Murphy Catalyst Award, the Economic Opportunity Award, the Susan Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame, and recognition as Thought Leaders by the Council for Exceptional Children.

Sheryl directed ATS for over 30 years, retiring in 2024 to spend more time with her family and continue educating others in universal design through teaching and writing projects.