The Policy-Practice Tension: Navigating Neuroaffirming Care in a Rigid System

Julie Eshleman

Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Julie Eshleman is an AI and Disability Researcher serving as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Georgia Institute of Technology and a LEND Fellow at Georgia State University. Drawing on her background as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a PhD in Sociology and Social Policy, a Master’s in Education, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Organizational Business Psychology, she focuses on systems-level inclusion and the application of artificial intelligence in assistive technologies. She actively leads participatory action research, such as the development of the COMPASS AI platform to assist families in navigating Medicaid waiver applications, and currently serves as a Trustee for the Lightyear Foundation. Dr. Eshleman frequently shares her research on neuroaffirming practices and assistive technology on global stages, including at the United Nations and the UK Parliament.