About the DRC
“The Disability Resource Center (DRC) 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. The DRC 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
Who We Serve
The Disability Resource Center 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
“I am pleased to welcome you to this website for our Disability Resource Center (DRC). 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. The DRC can be a vital resource toward that end for those of us who have a disability. By taking advantage of the services the DRC offers, and by supporting the work of the DRC, we help Northeastern uphold one of its most fundamental values.”
~Joseph E. Aoun
President, Northeastern University
Who We Are
Mary Barrows, M.Ed., C.A.G.S.
Senior Director Learning Strategies and Student Success
Mary administers the DRC’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.
Jacqueline Kendrick, M.A., CRC
Assistant Director & Learning Disability Specialist
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
Academic Assistant
Abbey coordinates the daily operations, scheduling, proctoring, and test administration at the DRC’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 DRC@northeastern.edu or (617) 373-2675.
Lauren Collier, M.A.
Disability Specialist
Lauren provides disability-related support services to DRC students, specializing in autism spectrum disorders. She works to ensure that all Northeastern students have equitable access to their academic experience by helping them 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 Lauren at la.collier@northeastern.edu or 617-373-6603.
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 the DRC, you can find her hiking, kayaking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors! Contact Brittany at br.brown@northeastern.edu or 617-373-8014.
Samara Stern
Notetaking Services Coordinator
Samara serves as the Coordinator of Notetaking Services for the DRC. 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 DRCnotetakers@northeastern.edu.
Kyle Droz, M.Ed.
Director
Kyle serves as the Director of of the DRC. 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.
Katey Almeida
Assistive Technology Manager
Katey oversees the implementation of accessible technology resources and provides digital media accessibility support for students and staff. She also oversees the administration of temporary injury-related accommodations, the notetaking services program, and the DRC’s exam center operations. Contact Katey by email at k.almeida@northeastern.edu or by phone at (617) 373-3558.
Debbi Auerbach
Service Coordinator
Debbi is the contact person for prospective students and their families to provide information about the DRC’s services. She reviews diagnostic documentation and provides guidance in obtaining additional materials when needed. Contact Debbi at d.auerbach@northeastern.edu or (617) 373-4428.
Emma Lang, M.Ed.
Disability Specialist
Emma provides disability-related support services to DRC students and works to ensure that they have equitable access to their academic and campus experience. She helps students understand and work with their disability, and the impact it has on their academic and college careers. Emma is also passionate about helping students develop a sense of self-advocacy. 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. When Emma is not in the DRC, you can find her by the ocean or in a yoga class. Contact Emma at e.lang@northeastern.edu or 617-373-3385.
Caroline Scannell, M.Ed.
Disability Specialist
Caroline 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. 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.
Kate Schultz, M.A.
Disability Specialist
Kate has supported college and university students with disabilities at various higher education institutions since 2015, working to provide equal access to education for all students. She enjoys helping students develop self-awareness and confidence in their abilities. Kate offers one-on-one meetings, guidance on academic skills and strategies, and other support specific to each student’s needs and goals. Contact Kate at kat.schultz@northeastern.edu or 617-373-8132.