Heather Fisher

Student Access & Support Specialist and Deputy Equity Coordinator

With 11 years of dedicated service at Monmouth College, I have been immersed in various departments, including Student Affairs, Student Success, Title IX/VI, and presently, Accessibility Services. Concurrently, I serve as the Deputy Equity Coordinator. My professional journey took root in my early years in the military, where I developed a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and adaptability – qualities that seamlessly integrate into my approach to fostering inclusive environments within the academic setting.

As a seasoned professional, my commitment to ongoing training and a genuine understanding of the complexity’s students face drives my advocacy for accessibility on campus. While my formal education reflects a commitment to continuous learning, my in-depth understanding of Accessibility Services and Title IX/VI issues is shaped through hands-on experience, involvement in professional organizations, and participation in diverse training programs, including:

Course/Trainings:

• ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program - University of Missouri-College of Human and Environmental Sciences, School of Architectural Studies and the Great Plains ADA Center (Currently Enrolled)
• ADA History and Overview - Rocky Mountain ADA Center Training (Certificate Earned)
• 2023 Foundations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) learning course from Southeast ADA Center, Burton Blatt Institute – Syracuse University (Certificate Earned)
• Preventing Harassment & Discrimination: Supervisors + Clery Act and Title IX (Illinois) (Full Course)
• Building Supportive Communities: Taking Action
• Building Supportive Communities: Clery Act and Title IX (Full Course)
• Continued Title IX Training through Equity Coordinator
• An Intensive Orientation to Disability Services Work: A 6-week course facilitated by Jane Jarrow, Disability Access Information and Support (DAIS)
• An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design: Online course authorized by the University of Illinois, offered through Coursera (Certificate Earned)

Webinars:

• Psychoeducational Evaluations: A Crash Course in Reviewing Psycho-Ed Reports/Documentation (AHEAD)
• Accessible Technology Procurement: A Free Tool for Accurate Assessment Beyond Technical Documentation and VPATs (AHEAD)
• Effective Models for Reasonable Accommodation Decisions (AHEAD)

Professional Memberships:

• Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD) 
• ILLOWA AHEAD
• Title II ACTCP Membership

My unique blend of experience, continuous learning, and commitment to Monmouth College empowers me to be an effective advocate for all students on our campus.

My husband and I are proud parents of four daughters, with three of them successfully graduating from Monmouth College. Living just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the campus, we can always feel the vibrant energy of the students. Their presence not only resonates with us personally but also brings immense joy and excitement to our local community here in Monmouth.