BU’s New Director of Disability Services Says the Office Will Be More Visible, Transparent
Dawn Sousa-Hearn has a long history in education and disability services, both professionally and personally: her son was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age seven.
BU’s New Director of Disability Services Says the Office Will Be More Visible, Transparent
Dawn Sousa-Hearn comes from a directorship position at the University of Texas at Tyler
Dawn Sousa-Hearn, a former psychologist in the United States Air Force, has a long history in education and disability services, both personally and professionally. Her new job as Boston University’s director of Disability & Access Services (DAS) is a fitting next step in a notable career.
Disability & Access Services provides BU students with a wide range of disabilities with the support and accommodations they need to thrive on campus. It is responsible for such services as American Sign Language interpretation, accessible event consultation, residence hall modifications, academic testing accommodations, and more.
Sousa-Hearn came to BU in December 2024 from the University of Texas at Tyler, where she was director of Student Accessibility and Resources. Prior to Texas, she worked as the associate director of disability services at Louisiana State University.
Her entry into the disability field was personal, she says.
“My career path started in clinical psychology, but when my son was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at the age of seven, I immersed myself in the world of disability and accommodations,” Sousa-Hearn says. “Delving deep into research and best practices to help my son, I came to understand and witness firsthand the benefits accommodations provide by leveling playing fields, removing barriers, and providing equitable opportunity for success.”
Following her son’s diagnosis, she spent nearly a decade in the K-12 system creating Individual Accommodation Plans for students and managing accommodated testing, among other support services. Her work in higher education builds on her years of creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities, she says.
BU Today asked Sousa-Hearn about her career path and what she hopes to accomplish at Disability & Access Services.
Q&A
With Dawn Sousa-Hearn
BU Today: What drew you to BU?
Sousa-Hearn: As a native Rhode Islander, I am very familiar with the reputation, scholastic accomplishments, and prominent research of Boston University. My unique career path, having served in the Air Force—yes, I am a military veteran!—and working in various states as well as overseas, and with students of all ages, has fostered a diverse perspective with a focus on inclusion and belonging. I was excited to return to my roots and bring my experience, skill set, and energy to the Boston University community.
BU Today: What are some of the things you’re hoping to accomplish at DAS?
Sousa-Hearn: My initiatives are to streamline our processes, increase transparency, and forge partnerships across campus. Outreach efforts have already begun and will continue to help educate the campus community about our services, our registration process, and what else occurs “behind the scenes” in order to help demystify and add clarity to the tenacity of our protocols.
Building partnerships across campus helps us to help support students’ success. Our office is a resource for all campus stakeholders, including students, faculty, and staff. Last spring, our Academic Testing Center (ATC) launched as a pilot. The future goal is to have a larger ATC built with expansive hours so we can support all students regardless of their course schedule. Through these changes I hope to create a stronger community, enhance the quality of our services, and support more students.
BU Today: What else can BU expect from DAS in the future?
Sousa-Hearn: We will be adding staff positions to prevent long wait times previously experienced by students, outreach efforts are being deployed—stakeholders should contact DAS to place requests for a presentation—consultations are available for faculty to discuss challenges or for collaboration, we’re implementing stakeholder surveys for feedback regarding services and areas for improvement, as well as increasing the visibility of DAS on campus. Note: we will travel to student spaces and staff meetings.
BU Today: Finally, people might be worried about the safety of their benefits under the country’s new presidential administration: is there anything you want them to know?
Sousa-Hearn: The DAS mission remains unchanged and our staff remains committed to supporting students with disabilities. Our charge has not changed. Our focus is steadfast. Our doors are open.
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