Meet Dr. Devine!

Mary Ann Devine is a Professor at Kent State University, where she directs the Disability Studies and Community Inclusion Graduate Certificate program, an online graduate certificate focused on inclusive practices and accessibility. She has authored over 30 research articles and book chapters, including co-authoring and editing the recent book, Inclusive Leisure: A Strengths-Based Approach, which emphasizes inclusive leisure practices for individuals with disabilities. Dr. Devine has delivered numerous research presentations, educational sessions, and keynote speeches on disability advocacy, accessibility in public spaces, and inclusive education at international, national, and regional conferences. In 2021, she was inducted as a Fellow in the Academy of Leisure Sciences for her extensive work on accessibility and community inclusion. Dr. Devine also serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Leisure Research and the Therapeutic Recreation Journal, where she reviews work on inclusive leisure and accommodation strategies. In 2009, she was honored as the first recipient of the Gonzaga da Gama Researcher of the Year award by the National Institute on Recreation Inclusion, for her groundbreaking research on creating inclusive leisure contexts for individuals with disabilities.

Tell us about your background in the field.

I have been in the field of inclusion and disability advocacy for more than 30 years. I have worked in a variety of practitioner positions as an advocate, accessibility specialist, inclusion specialist. Additionally, as a researcher, I have conducted more than 30 research projects examining the theoretical and practical nature of best inclusion and accessibility practices.

Who is the Disability Studies Community Inclusion Graduate Certificate designed for?

This certificate is designed for the student who has an interest in making a positive difference in the lives of persons with disabilities, having an in-depth expertise to lead an organization in meeting the needs of guests/customers/constituents with disabilities, and/or would like to make their organization an industry leader with serving persons with disabilities.

What should students look for when choosing a certificate? What makes the online certificate at Kent State University stand out?

The Disability Studies and Community Inclusion Certificate is a value-added knowledge and experience base for any professional interacting with the public. It can be completed 100% on-line in 3 semesters or less. Students can earn this certificate no matter where they are located globally and apply the concepts and principles in their home locations.

How much real-world experience is used in your instruction/lessons?

The Disability Studies Graduate Certificate is an applied program. Students will gain experience in a setting of their choosing and examine accessible and inclusive practices, interview persons with disabilities about their experiences with accessibility and inclusion, as well as here from experts in the field of disability activism about issues important to providing a more accessible world for those with disabilities.

Are there a variety of benefits to this certificate in terms of career placement?

This certificate provides a value-added opportunity for any professional and positions them to have an expertise in the inclusion, or accommodation of persons, employees, guests, customers with disabilities. This expertise can extend to in-depth knowledge about the Americans with Disabilities Act, understanding the application of this law in their work context, and knowledge about ways in which to make reasonable accommodations.

What areas of practice are graduates expressing interest in?

Students can have careers as inclusion specialists, accommodation/accessibility specialists in a wide range of fields including higher education, hospitality & leisure, business, governmental agencies, public parks and outdoor recreation, communications & public relations, law & political science, fashion, safety/first responders, to name a few.

Do you have a favorite student program moment or story?

One of my favorite stories about a KSU alumni who earned this certificate is a woman who went on to work for the Disney Corp. She was able to secure a position in their guest services department as an accessibility specialist and play an important role in designing accommodations for guests who are on the Autism Spectrum. She feels she has and opportunity to enhance the quality of their lives when they visit a Disney property given the array of accommodations available to those who need it.

What is your preferred form of contact for prospective students?

Email is best, please contact me at mdevine@kent.edu

Feel free to reach out with any questions! This program is designed to be accessible and customized to meet the needs of both prospective and current students. We’re here to help in any way we can!

Kent State University’s Online Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies and Community Inclusion

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Disability Studies and Community Inclusion Graduate Certificate at Kent State University. This certificate provides an opportunity for someone to gain a unique but in demand skill set that can be applied in many industries and across the globe. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and practical experience in accessibility and inclusive practices. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career or make a meaningful impact in your community, we’re here to support you on that journey. To learn more or to apply, visit our program page. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals!