Associate Professor Amanda Webster is the academic program director for the Master and Graduate Certificate of Autism and the Master of Education/Special Education at the University of Wollongong, Australia. Prior to her academic career, she worked for over 30 years with students and their families as a school leader, an advisor, a teacher, a programme director, and a certified behaviour analyst. Her research focuses on creating meaningful social impact and centres on leadership for inclusive education and community environments that support the achievement and self-determination of autistic and neurodivergent individuals with and their families. She has worked closely with the departments of education in Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania, to lead research on the role of school leaders, staff, and parents in establishing effective inclusive school cultures and practices that will enable students with a range of needs to achieve high quality outcomes.
Dr. Jennifer Stephenson is an honorary associate professor at Macquarie University, Australia. Prior to working in universities, she worked in secondary schools, preschools, TAFE colleges, and special schools. Her research interests include autism spectrum disorder, the use of evidence and non-evidence-based practices in special education, teacher education, and the use of iPads in with children with disability. She has worked extensively with schools, including being an academic partner to NSW Department of Education schools in areas including positive behaviour intervention and supports, the application of the New South Wales Quality Teaching model for students with disability, the use of iPads, and the development of resources for working with students with communication difficulties. She also has an editorial role with the Australasian Journal of Special Education, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication.