About

Dr. Donna Wakefield is a professor of special education at National Louis University in Chicago. She teaches graduate language, literacy, assistive technology, differentiation, and digital strategies for educators’ courses. With a background as a birth-22 speech-language pathologist, special education teacher, assistive technology facilitator, inclusion facilitator, and special education administrator, Donna focuses on integrating technology into academics. 

Donna has presented at numerous national and international conferences and is an ISTE Certified Educator, Google for Education Certified Trainer, and Apple Teacher. Her research interests include the portrayal of disabilities in children's and young adult literature, educator’s use of generative AI for teaching & learning, and the use of technologies for individuals with exceptional learning needs. 

Donna advocates for adapting literacy tools and technologies to make literature accessible to all.

Areas of Professional Expertise

•   Special Education

•   Language and Literacy for All Learners

•   Role of Disability in Children’s and Young Adult Literature

•   iOS devices for Literacy, Language, and Learning and Students with Disabilities

•   Assistive Technology

•       eLearning