Rate My Professor Deb Amend

Dr. Amend's research specializations encompass the inclusion of students with extensive support needs, collaborative frameworks for special education teams, applications of reading science to non-speaking students, behavior interventions, and adaptive music education. Her key publications include the book "A Dress for Anna: The Story of the Redemption of the Life of a Ukrainian Orphan" (CSS Publishing, 2009); articles "Challenging Behavior" (Children’s Voice, 2005), "The Gift of Tomorrow: Ukrainian-American Partnerships Work Towards a Ukraine Without Orphans" (Prism Magazine, 2012), and "Breaking Down Barriers: Piano Study for ALL Students" (Clavier Companion, 2014); and the peer-reviewed paper "Collaborative Inclusion: IEP Team Perspectives on Supporting Students with Extensive Needs and the Implications for Teacher Preparation Programs" co-authored with Amy E. Lein, Alexandra J. Taylor, and Elizabeth G. Dinkins (Kentucky Teacher Education Journal, 2024). She has received prestigious honors such as the Angels in Adoption Congressional Award (2017), You Make a Difference Award from North College Hill High School (2018), and Cooter Social Justice Awards from Bellarmine University (2022 and 2024). Dr. Amend co-founded and directs the Adaptive Arts & Music Project and Cincinnati Adaptive Music Camp, partnering with engineers to create custom instruments and supports for children with physical disabilities. She was selected for the 2025-26 Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education Faculty Leadership Academy cohort and has presented on inclusive practices, including at the KATE Conference (2024) and CEC National Conference (2022).