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Course Stories, Season 6, Episode 4: Beyond Barriers: Reclaiming the Narrative
In our latest episode, we dive deep into the transformative work of Dr. Jacob Bunch, whose dissertation challenges traditional qualitative inquiry by centering on disability and accessibility. We’re joined by Drs. Bunch, Nicole Bowers, and Adero Allison for a conversation that explores how we can create more inclusive learning environments. Jacob’s research, which partnered with students with dyslexia, highlights the power of multimodal approaches and radical consent, shifting the focus from ‘participants’ to ‘partners.’ Join us as we unpack the importance of disability reclamation, moving beyond ‘inspiration’ narratives to acknowledge the strength and unique perspectives of all learners.
Listen to the episode to hear more about how we can all work to create more inclusive and accessible educational experiences.
In this Episode:
Dr. Jacob Bunch, Ed.D. | Student + Program Coordinator, Sr. – Alternative Format Services
Jacob has been the Sr. Program Coordinator for Alternative Media for ASU Student Accessibility since June 2016. His areas of expertise include; Alternative Format Production, Assistive Technology, Universal Design for Learning, Disability Policy and Critical Disability Studies and accessible qualitative research methodology for diverse bodyminds.
Dr. Bunch is the 2024 American Educational Research Association Award Winner for Outstanding Qualitative Dissertation.
Education
- Arizona State University – EdD – Educational Leadership and Innovation (2023)
- Arizona State University – MEd – Higher Education Administration (2019)
- Grand Canyon University – MEd – Special Education (2018)
- Northern Arizona University – Graduate Certificate – Assistive Technology (2012)
- Arizona State University – MNpS – Nonprofit Studies (2010)
- The University of Texas at San Antonio – BA – Speech Communication (2008)
- Blinn College – Associates of Arts – Speech Communication (2006)
Research Interests
- Universal Design For Learning
- Assistive Technology
- Disability Studies and Policy
- Accessible Qualitative Research Methodology
Research Group
Active Member of ASU Learning Futures Community – Project OASIS
Publications
Forthcoming Journal Publication:
Myth Busters: Centering Disability and Reimagining Dissertation Mentoring with Care & Critical Pedagogy
Dr. Nicole Bowers | Instructor for the EdD in Leadership and Innovation at the MLFTC
Dr. Nicole Bowers is an Instructor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. With a PhD in Learning, Literacies, and Technologies from ASU and a background in molecular biology and chemistry, Dr. Bowers brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her work. Her research focuses on science education, teacher adaptive expertise, and critical qualitative research methodologies. Dr. Bowers is particularly passionate about employing critical theory to examine issues of equity, social justice, and diversity in education.
As a qualitative researcher, Dr. Bowers specializes in innovative approaches to inquiry, including arts-based methodologies and post-qualitative frameworks. Her work often challenges traditional research paradigms, exploring how critical qualitative methods can illuminate complex educational phenomena and contribute to transformative practices. Dr. Bowers currently leads courses in the EdD in Leadership and Innovation program, including Qualitative Methods in Action Research and Dynamic Contexts in Education, where she guides students in research design and applying critical lenses to educational research and practice.
Dr. Bowers has published in peer-reviewed journals such as Science Education and the Journal of Science Teacher Education, often integrating critical perspectives into her work on science education and teacher development. She is committed to mentoring doctoral students, encouraging them to find their own academic voice and design innovations in practice to improve their local contexts. Through her teaching, research, and service, Dr. Bowers continues to advocate for more inclusive, equitable, and critically informed approaches to education and educational research.
Click here to access Nicole’s Research
Dr. Adero Allison | Assistant Director, Inclusive Learning Services
Dr. Allison’s experience spans over 40 years working with people with disabilities from vocational programs to large systems change projects related to disability in work, home, and employment, and more recently with students in undergraduate and graduate programs. She is a scholar/practitioner, serving professionally as a higher education program director, a private coach (academic and executive) and an organizational consultant. In her current position with Arizona State University, she is coordinating the development of new initiatives to provide student supports that go beyond the provision of accommodations.
Experiences in service delivery, organizational development, community leadership, and organizational behavior inform her focus on systems change related to equity, accessibility and inclusion; organizational growth; and personal transformation.
Her interest in how people progress from devastating trauma to fulfilling lives has led to research focused on disability, homelessness, and marginalization, including the support systems that move individuals beyond recovery to transcendence. Dr. Allison is acutely aware of the ways our systems and technologies exclude, and our need to apply mindfulness and intentionality for inclusion.
“My ability to see and share where things connect and where they lead allows me to help individuals and organizations expand their potential.”
EDUCATION
PhD, Human and Organizational Systems
The Fielding Institute, Santa Barbara CA
M.A., Organization Development
The Fielding Institute, Santa Barbara CA
BA, Music Therapy
Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
A.A., Socio-Psychology
Wayne County Community College, Detroit, Michigan
PUBLICATIONS
Trauma and Transcendence: An Allegorical Analysis of the Experience of Special Needs Mothers – Cheryl E. Allison, PhD, Kindle book 2018
Building Electoral Confidence In Nigeria Through The Use Of Short Message Services -sms Public And Electoral Information Management Using New Media – Remi K Alao, Madueke Chizoba, Adero C E Allison, and Maduemezie Udoh, 2017.
“Making a Difficult Move Exceptional.” Transitioning Adults: life transition guidance eBook Series. Phoenix AZ: Allison, Brown & Collegae, Inc., 2008, 94.
Phoenix AZ: Allison, Brown & Collegae, Inc., 2008, 94. This in-house publication provides a workbook for family caregivers and individuals planning a move due to age related issues.
Disability As Diversity: A Socio-Linguistic Construct for the New Millennium.” Reflections:
Narratives of Professional Helping Vol. 5 No. 4 . Long Beach, CA: The CSULB University Press.
“The House as System.” original URL no longer posted. DARTT online publication, 1997.
Your Hosts
Your Producer
Resources from this Episode
Additional Links for your enjoyment and exploration into a deeper understanding of this Course Story.
Transana – Multi-modal program for video and audio data used by Dr. Bunch
Switch : how to change things when change is hard – book recommended by Dr. Bunch
Course Stories is produced by EdPlus out of Arizona State University.
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