Joann Starks

Senior TA Consultant

Joann Starks is a senior technical assistance consultant at AIR. Starks works with the Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (KTDRR, beginning in 2012) and previously with the Center on Knowledge Translation for Employment Research (KTER, 2010-2020), funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). She also serves as co-chair of the Disability Coordinating Group of the international Campbell Collaboration (2017-present) and in 2020, Campbell awarded her the John Westbrook Award for Contributions to Knowledge Translation.

Her primary responsibilities include coordinating online training courses in topics such as assessing research evidence and conducting high-quality systematic reviews, and planning workshops, webcasts, and conferences on topics related to knowledge translation, evidence synthesis, and disability and rehabilitation research. Her expertise covers a broad range of issues and supports for individuals with disabilities, particularly equity and multicultural issues, and also including employment, independent living, special education services, and support for communities of practice. Additional highlights of her qualifications include knowledge translation, dissemination, and utilization; web accessibility; and copyright concerns. Starks previously was involved with research and dissemination activities of the National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR, 1995-2011) and she has made multiple presentations at national and international colloquia and conferences.

In 2014, Starks earned the Knowledge Translation Professional Certificate through the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children. Her academic preparation includes coursework in special education administration and bilingual special education above the master’s degree level. She has been an active supporter of NARRTC, the professional association of grantees of NIDILRR, holding positions such as vice president, membership chair, and member-at-large. Starks received a Commendation Award in 2018 and a Special Contribution Award in 2010 from NARRTC.

Joann Starks

M.Ed., Social/Multicultural Foundations (Bilingual Education), University of Colorado at Boulder; B.A., Sociology, University of Colorado at Boulder

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