Sandy Ayala

Sandy Ayala is a Professor at Sonoma State University's School of Education, currently on sabbatical for Fall 2025. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she specializes in special education and technology integration, particularly focusing on iPads in the classroom and universal design for learning.

• Education: PhD in Special Education (2010), MA in Special Education (2003), MA in Outdoor Recreation Admin (1989), BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology (1985)

Her research interests include:

• Video Self Modeling for improving student decoding skills
• Assistive Technology and Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Technology integration in educational settings
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) applications

A former Editorial Assistant for the Journal of Learning Disabilities, she has also served as a speech pathologist in New York and Southern California, alongside roles in program coordination and graduate teaching assistantships.