Session Description
Reenvisioning and reimagining accommodation services requires more than compliance; it necessitates service leadership, organizational insight, and intentional cultural change. Based on established research and theory, this session offers a reflective case study of how a small, historically Black health sciences institution reenvisioned student accommodations and accessibility through purposeful communication, cross-campus partnerships, faculty relationships, national networking, and strategic planning grounded in organizational theory. Participants will examine how communication, stakeholder engagement, modeling, strategic educational initiatives, and national relationship-building can transform perceptions of accommodations, foster inclusive campus cultures, and create sustainable, student-centered services. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and frameworks to reenvision their accommodation services, build buy-in, and implement change at institutions with small or emerging disability services offices.
About Maleek Mitchell
Maleek Mitchell serves as the ADA specialist in the Student Accessibility Office at Meharry Medical College. In this role, he manages the accommodation process for students across the institution's five schools and works with faculty and administrators to support equitable access to academic, laboratory and clinical learning environments. Mr. Mitchell brings several years of experience in education and disability advocacy. His background includes work as an educator and educational specialist supporting students with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, chronic health conditions, and mental health concerns across K–12 and higher education settings. He focuses on helping students strengthen learning strategies alongside formal supports. Mr. Mitchell holds a Master of Science in Education with a focus on inclusive education. When not working, he enjoys traveling, creating and listening to music, and spending time with his wife and three children.
About Jason Steinas
Dr. Jason E. Steinas is director of the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA), director of the Student Accessibility Office (SAO), and an assistant professor in the Department of Applied Education at Meharry Medical College. With years of experience in higher education administration, Dr. Steinas brings a wealth of knowledge to his work. His career spans numerous functional areas, including residential life, student conduct, academic and well-being support, orientation, curriculum development, and multicultural affairs. He has held positions at Vanderbilt University, the University of South Carolina, St. John's University, and North Carolina Wesleyan College. Dr. Steinas holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius College, and a Bachelor of Science in Adolescence Education and History from SUNY Cortland. Outside of work, Steinas is a married father of one and enjoys spending time with family, traveling, playing music, exercising, and cooking.
