Stacy Kelly

Stacy Kelly, Ed.D., is a Professor and coordinator of the Visual Disabilities Program in the Department of Special and Early Education at Northern Illinois University. She holds a doctoral degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Visual Disabilities from NIU, a Master's in School Leadership/Public Policy from Concordia University, and a Bachelor's in Special Education (Visual Impairments) from Illinois State University. Her research focuses on assistive technology applications for visually impaired individuals, expanded core curriculum instruction, and policy analysis in disability education.

Research & Grants: Dr. Kelly has secured over $5 million in federal grants including 'Project J.E.D.I.' ($1.25M/5 years) addressing diversity and inclusion in teacher training, and 'Project Fusion' ($1.25M/5 years) integrating teacher and mobility specialist training programs. Recent studies include vulnerability mitigation strategies for visually impaired individuals and birth control education accessibility.

Professional Roles: Serves as Associate Editor for Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness and The New RE:view. Certified as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) and school administrator. Subject matter expert for assistive technology certification programs.

Teaching: Instructs courses on braille systems, assistive technology, communication strategies, and collaboration skills for professionals working with visually impaired populations. Courses include SEVI 450 - Assistive Technology for Persons with Visual Impairments and SEVI 552 - Collaboration Principles.

Lab & Team: Leads the Visual Disabilities Program coordinating research initiatives in assistive technology development and policy advocacy. Collaborates with NIU graduate students on multiple federally funded projects.