Equity in Action

Equity in Action

Equity in Action is a research-to-practice partnership dedicated to advancing inclusive education by supporting students with disabilities from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through research, advocacy, and professional development initiatives, we aim to ensure that every student, regardless of ability or circumstance, has equal opportunities to thrive academically and socially.

Our commitment extends globally, as we collaborate with educators and organizations in Ghana, India, and Europe, adapting and disseminating inclusive practices to address the diverse needs of students worldwide.

Our work prioritizes students with disabilities from underrepresented backgrounds because they are more likely to be academically underserved and to experience diagnostic and disciplinary disparities.

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Learn more

Sarah Hurwitz featured on DatabasED Podcast

Current Projects

  • "Voices from Ghana: Perspectives on Inclusive Education and Leadership in the Educational Landscape"
  • Addressing Post-Pandemic Disruptions to Inclusion for Autistic Students: Inclusive placements over time
  • Special Education Study Abroad Program: U.S (United States). Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Grant, part of the IDEAS (Increase and Diversify Education Abroad) Program
  • Assistive Technology: Examining the Use of Interactive Web-based Modules and Online Audio Reflections for Pre-Service Teachers Self-Efficacy on the Implementation of Assistive Technology
  • Special Education Services in India: Changing teacher mindset toward inclusion of students that struggle behaviorally and academically
  • International Special Education Legislation Study: What provisions of special education law result in classroom inclusion?
  • Teacher Preparation Initiatives: Instilling the confidence to effectively work with students with disabilities from all backgrounds
  • Improving Teacher Success in Urban Settings: Integrating Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Trauma-Informed Education
  • The Why of Behavior: Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)

Conference on Research Innovations in Early Intervention Poster

CRIEI-poster-2022.jpg

Team Members

FACULTY
Sarah Hurwitz

Sarah Hurwitz

Associate Professor

shurwitz@iu.edu
Sarah Hurwitz is an Associate Professor in the Special Education Program at Indiana University. Dr. Hurwitz studies academic and behavioral interventions for students with disabilities, with particular interest in disproportionality in school discipline and how special education services can support student growth.
Tina O'Neal

Tina O'Neal

Clinical Assistant Professor, IUPUI

tsoneal@iu.edu
Currently Dr. O'Neal's teaching includes urban education undergraduate and graduate courses including technology applications, intro to special education, and classroom management and positive behavior support. Her research focuses on teacher perceptions and attitudes toward inclusive teaching methods in urban settings. She is particularly interested in teacher perception, knowledge, and behaviors toward the usability and implementation of assistive technology, culturally responsive teaching practices, and trauma-informed care education practices in urban settings.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Ebonye Crowe

Ebonye Crowe

PhD Student

Ebonye MJ Crowe started her journey in education as the Founder/Operator of Seed to Save, Inc. 501(c)(3) youth outreach organization, creating programs and partnerships for underrepresented youth in Indianapolis/Marion County. She earned a M.A. in Teaching (Marian University) and M.A. in Educational Leadership (IUPUI) where she has served in public, public charter, and private schools. She is currently an educator for MSD Warren Township Schools where she has served as a teacher, Grade-Level Administrator (AP), professional development designer and facilitator of Culturally Responsive Teaching and Implicit Bias series, and District Equity Team member and Building Equity Team Lead. Ebonye is currently a PhD student at IUPUI focusing on Urban Education: Educational Leadership/Law, Policy, and Advocacy.
Jeffery Franklin

Jeffery Franklin

PhD Student

Jeffery Franklin is a Doctoral Student in Urban Education Studies at Indiana University Indianapolis. Jeffery’s previous experiences as a mentor, elementary and middle school teacher have had a tremendous impact on his commitment to ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education regardless of race, socio-economic status, sexuality, etc. Jeff believes strongly in the importance of recognizing the experiences and perspectives students and teachers bring to the larger discourse on educational injustice. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Experimental Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of South Carolina.
Levy Grant

Levy Grant

PhD Student

I'm a doctoral student in Special Education with a minor in Inquiry at Indiana University, Bloomington. I've worked in education across four Indiana school districts in various roles, including substitute teaching in all settings (grades K-12), paraprofessional for students with disabilitites ranging from mild to profound (grades 5-12), and teacher of service for students with severe to profound disabilities (grades 9-12). I currently teach K305, an introductory special education course for pre-service general education elementary teachers. My research areas include 1) teacher burnout, 2) effective educational instruction for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBDs), and 3) earlier identification of girls with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Kristina Johnson-Yates

Kristina Johnson-Yates

PhD Student

Kristina Johnson-Yates is a Doctoral Student in the Urban Education Studies program at Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis. Her roles as a graduate teaching and research assistant, social worker, yoga instructor, and diversity and inclusion trainer/consultant have shaped her understanding of the importance of representation and acceptance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida and a Master of Social Work from Indiana University. Her research interests include Black feminist studies, Queer theory, and the intersecting notions of student success.
Preeti Yadav

Preeti Yadav

PhD Student

Preeti Yadav is a Special Education PhD Student with a minor in Early Childhood at Indiana University, Bloomington. Her research interest is deeply rooted in the field of special needs education, emphasizing early interventions and social-emotional development. Preeti is particularly focused on creating inclusive educational environments and is passionate about integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance learning and development in children with special needs, especially those with autism. She aspires to explore innovative approaches to fostering growth and making education accessible and enriching for every child.
Eren Yenigun

Eren Yenigun

PhD Student

Eren Yenigun is a PhD student in special education with a minor in early childhood education. He has been in special education since 2010, when he started his undergraduate degree. His research interests are autism, parent support, and emotionally responsive teaching.