Adelle Renzaglia

Professor Adelle Renzaglia was a pioneer in the movement to educate children and youth with substantial cognitive disabilities. At the time that she was completing her doctorate, a major controversy was raging: were individuals with severe disabilities educable? Could they learn? Today, we take the answer for granted; of course they can learn. Professor Renzaglia conducted pioneering research on functional curricula that focused educational efforts for those with severe disabilities on skills they would need to live as independently as possible in their home communities and in the workplace. Her later research agenda focused on adapting employment contexts to accommodate the skills and deficits of youth with severe cognitive and physical disabilities to enable them to work in competitive workplaces. She also helped with the design and coordination of a model teacher-education program in the area of severe disabilities that attracted applicants from across the nation.

Professor Renzaglia served as Department Head from 1996 until April, 2009. As Department Head her vision and inclusive style of leadership created an environment where faculty and students were able to attain a high level of excellence in the areas of research, teaching, and service.  Under Professor Renzaglia’s leadership the Department of Special Education consistently ranked as one of the leading departments of special education in the nation and the world.

Professor Renzaglia’s colleagues and students wish her well in her new role as Professor Emeritus and are very grateful for the many contributions she has made to the field of special education as a scholar, leader, and advocate committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.