Graff, Heidi

       Heidi J. Graff began working on the Kellar Instructional Handheld (KIHd) System as a facilitator for the 2004/2005 George Mason University Graduate Immersion Program for Instructional Design and Development. She got involved in the project due to her professional and personal experience in working with children with Autism. Prior to her work with the KIHd System project, for almost ten years, Heidi administered and co-partnered a private practice to assist families and children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. During that time, she became very familiar with discrete trial training and the limitations of previous technology. With her teaching certificate in Elementary Education from SUNY, College at Cortland and her Master’s degree from Long Island University in Library Science, it seemed natural for her to pursue a Ph.D. in Education to research intervention methodologies.

       While at George Mason University, Heidi has had the opportunity to work as an adjunct professor where she taught courses related to special education, collaborative consultation and single subject design. She has the role of Project Coordinator on the KIHd System Steppingstones grant project. Furthermore, after graduation in May of 2007, she happily accepted the position of Mason LIFE Program Director. Heidi’s future plans include making the LIFE program a model post secondary program for students with intellectual disabilities with parent participation, research, funding, and inclusive community practices.