“Rebecca doesn’t just talk about inclusion; she lives it. Her research, teaching, and advocacy consistently open doors for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be full partners in the work that affects their lives.” 

Biography

Rebecca Townsend, MME, MT-BC is a doctoral student in Special Education at the University of Kansas and a University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) trainee at the Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD). Her professional experiences as a Board-Certified Music Therapist and clinical supervisor have shaped her focus and informed her work as related to strengths-based and inclusive practices for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across contexts. Her research interests also include promoting self-determination of clinicians (e.g. teachers, related service providers) in education, clinical training, and professional development contexts and inclusive music education.