Directory » MEAGAN ORSAG
979.716.2913
The Center on Disability and Development (CDD) at Texas A&M University is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). The mission of the CDD is “We support individuals with disabilities and their families to be change agents who are valued, contributing community members, as self-defined, through education, research, and knowledge dissemination.”
As the Co Director at the Center on Disability and Development, I support the day-to-day activities of the Center, manage internal and external grants, promote the work of the Center, coordinate the Constituent Advisory Council, and participate and represent the Center at various statewide leadership meetings, which include: The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, Developmental Disability Statewide Partners, TEA Special Education Advocacy Workgroup, Employment for People with Disabilities Workgroup, Education for People with Disabilities Workgroup, Disability Policy Consortium, and the Post-Secondary Statewide Affinity Group. I also manage the work of 30+ projects at the Center and community.
In addition to my role with the Center on Disability and Development (CDD), I have had the honor to expand the CDD's dedication to people with disabilities in our local, state, and national communities by service as the Chair for the Community Education and Dissemination Council (CEDC), Board of Directors for the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), Texas Special Education Roundtable, Disability Policy Consortium (DPC), DPC Special Education Workgroup, DPC Employment Workgroup, Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities Council, and the University of Texas Constituent Advisory Committee.
On a personal note, I am the proud mama to 4 beautiful and brilliant young ladies. Natalie (16), Neely (13), Nola (9), and Nash (5) are my pride and joy - and hopefully, future Aggies! I enjoy photography, beekeeping, and gardening on the homestead with my husband Darren, our girls, chickens, guineas, Angus cattle, and four farm dogs!
As the Co Director at the Center on Disability and Development, I support the day-to-day activities of the Center, manage internal and external grants, promote the work of the Center, coordinate the Constituent Advisory Council, and participate and represent the Center at various statewide leadership meetings, which include: The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, Developmental Disability Statewide Partners, TEA Special Education Advocacy Workgroup, Employment for People with Disabilities Workgroup, Education for People with Disabilities Workgroup, Disability Policy Consortium, and the Post-Secondary Statewide Affinity Group. I also manage the work of 30+ projects at the Center and community.
In addition to my role with the Center on Disability and Development (CDD), I have had the honor to expand the CDD's dedication to people with disabilities in our local, state, and national communities by service as the Chair for the Community Education and Dissemination Council (CEDC), Board of Directors for the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), Texas Special Education Roundtable, Disability Policy Consortium (DPC), DPC Special Education Workgroup, DPC Employment Workgroup, Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities Council, and the University of Texas Constituent Advisory Committee.
On a personal note, I am the proud mama to 4 beautiful and brilliant young ladies. Natalie (16), Neely (13), Nola (9), and Nash (5) are my pride and joy - and hopefully, future Aggies! I enjoy photography, beekeeping, and gardening on the homestead with my husband Darren, our girls, chickens, guineas, Angus cattle, and four farm dogs!
Education
Ph.D., Special Education Administration, University of Texas (2013)
M.S., Agricultural Education and Leadership, Texas A&M University (2005)
B.S., Agricultural Development and Leadership, Texas A&M University (2004)
RESEARCH PROJECTS
I Generate Rural Opportunities for Work (iGROW)
iGrow: I Generate Rural Opportunities for Work The Rural Texas Pre-Employment & Leadership Training Project
Texas Workforce Commission
Total: $9,578,500
iGROW
Texas Workforce Commission
Total: $9,578,500
iGROW
Postsecondary Access and Training in Human Services (PATHS) Program at the Center on Disability and Development (Service Authorizations)
TAMU Work-Based Learning Project
TWC Statewide Capacity Building and Coordination with TEA and ISDs: Service Capacity for Younger Students: An Interagency Collaboration
Texas A&M University Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Co-I (). DHHS-Administration for Children & Families (Federal)
2021-07-01 & 2025-06-30
Total: $2,858,660
http://cdd.tamu.edu
2021-07-01 & 2025-06-30
Total: $2,858,660
http://cdd.tamu.edu
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Highlighed Publications
Zhang, D., Li, Y. F., Roberts, E., Orsag, M., & Maddalozzo, R. (2023). An Investigation of the Collaborations Between Educators and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors in Providing Pre-Employment Transition Services. Inclusion, 11(2), 135-146.
Zhang, D., Roberts, E., Orsag, M., Maddalozzo, R., & Li, Y. (2022). Promoting interagency collaborations for enhancing transition to employment for individuals with special needs. ICERI2022 Proceedings, 7874-7883. doi: 10.21125/iceri.2022.2021.
Sumbera, M., Ovando, M.N., & Hicks, T. (2016). Perceived benefits of a capstone seminar: Educational leadership diverse doctoral candidates’ voices. University Council for Educational Administration Review: Quality Leadership Matters. 57(3), 1-9.
Pazey, B. L., Heilig, J. V., Cole, H. A., & Sumbera, M. J. (2015). The more things change, the more they stay the same: Comparing special education students’ experiences of accountability reform across two decades. The Urban Review, 47(3), 365-392.
Journal Articles
Zhang, D., Li, Y. F., Roberts, E., Orsag, M., & Maddalozzo, R. (2023). An Investigation of the Collaborations Between Educators and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors in Providing Pre-Employment Transition Services. Inclusion, 11(2), 135-146.
Zhang, D., Roberts, E., Orsag, M., Maddalozzo, R., & Li, Y. (2022). Promoting interagency collaborations for enhancing transition to employment for individuals with special needs. ICERI2022 Proceedings, 7874-7883. doi: 10.21125/iceri.2022.2021.
Sumbera, M., Ovando, M.N., & Hicks, T. (2016). Perceived benefits of a capstone seminar: Educational leadership diverse doctoral candidates’ voices. University Council for Educational Administration Review: Quality Leadership Matters. 57(3), 1-9.
Pazey, B. L., Heilig, J. V., Cole, H. A., & Sumbera, M. J. (2015). The more things change, the more they stay the same: Comparing special education students’ experiences of accountability reform across two decades. The Urban Review, 47(3), 365-392.
Sumbera, M., Pazey, B, Lashley, C. (2013). How building principals made sense of a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment throughout an era of accountability. Leadership and Policy in Schools.
Sumbera, M., Pazey, B., & Zembik, M. (2013). What we’ve learned and how we’ve used it: Learning experiences from the cohort of a high-quality principalship program. International Journal of Leadership Education.
Conference Presentations
Dulas, H. & Orsag, M. (2023, April). The Aggie ACHIEVE Program and impact of TIPSID. Oklahoma Texas Inclusive Postsecondary Education Alliance Infinity Group Conference. Oklahoma City, OK.
Orsag, M., Griffin, A., Majewski, K., Abbott, L., & Villareal, L. (2023, March). Invited Presentation. Innovation in Rural Texas: How the iGROW Project is Changing the way Transition Professionals, Students, Families, Employers, and Community Members Provide Transition Services. Regional Capacity Building Conference. Longview, TX
Orsag., M. & Majewski, K. (2023, June). Innovation in rural Texas. Texas Rural Education Association. Round Rock, TX.
Orsag, M., Wilder, E., & Majewski, K. (2023, May). Brainstorming Pre-ETS: Providing Pre-Employment Transition Services in Rural Communities. Invited Presentation. National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT:C) Capacity Building Institute. Charlotte, N.C.
Orsag, M., Roberts, E., Turner, T., & Zhang, D. (2022, February). Leading Change Together in Texas Transition. Texas Transition Conference. Denton, TX.
Roberts, E.L., Zhang, D., Orsag, M., Maddalazzo, R., Richard, V., & Wilder, E. (2021, April). Texas A&M University’s Capacity Building Project. Presented at Texas Transition Conference, Remote Online Conference.
Day, M., Davenport, S., Orsag, M., Turner, J., Richard, V., Zhang, D. (2019, November). How Agencies, UCEDDs, and Families are Leading Change Together in Texas Transition. Washington, DC. Presentation at the 2019 AUCD Conference.
Grenwelge, C., Orsag, M., Mitchell, V., & Roy, S. (2019, February). Transition in Texas Town Hall Meeting. San Antonio, TX. Presentation at the Texas Transition Conference.
Orsag, M., Hartsoe, J., & Poling, N. (2018, April). Disability Awareness on a college campus. College Station, TX. Presentation at the Able Active Adaptive, conference.
Ovando, M. N., Sumbera, M., Ramirez, A. (2017, November). The role of the graduate advisor: Lifting doctoral students’ voices in school leadership programs. Denver, CO. Paper presentation at the University Council of Educational Administration (UCEA) national conference.
Sumbera, M., Roberts. E., & Biggs, B. (2017, February). Interagency collaborations lead to successful family centered training programs. Houston, TX: Presentation at the Texas Transition Conference.
Thelen, L. & Sumbera, M. (2017, January). Help me do it myself: Skills needed for independence. Houston, TX.: Presentation at the Family to Family Network Special Education & Transition Conference.
Gushanas, C., Odasso, A., Boles, M., Sumbera, M., Grenwelge, C., & Zhang, D. (2016, April). Research intensive universities that offer postsecondary education programs for individuals with disabilities. St. Louis, MO: Poster presented at the Council for Exceptional Children Convention & Expo.
Kalaher, C. & Sumbera, M. (2016, August). How does a movement course impact postsecondary students with disabilities? Washington D.C.: Presentation at the National Dance Educators Organization.
Sumbera, M. & Kalaher, C. (2016, August). Movement as a means to develop communication skills in postsecondary students with disabilities. Washington D.C.: Presentation at the National Dance Educators Organization.
Sumbera, M., Mason, G., & Pacha, J. (2016, December). UCEDD, vocational rehabilitation, and centers for independent living: A case study of the intersectionality of disability, policy & practice. Washington D.C.: Paper presentation at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) national conference.
Grenwelge, C., & Zhang, D, Sumbera, M., Gushanas, C., Charlez, A., & Hamil, T. (2015, April). An inclusive postsecondary education program model with a career focus. Presented at the Council for Exceptional Children Conference, San Diego, CA.
Gushanas, C., Odasso, A., Boles, M., Sumbera, M., Grenwelge, C., & Zhang, D. (2015, November). The accessibility, quality, and components of postsecondary programs that service individuals with disabilities at research intensive universities. A poster presentation at the AUCD 2015 Conference, Washington, DC.
Gushanas, C., Sumbera, M., Grenwelge, C. & Zhang, D. (2015, November). Changing how individuals with disabilities prepare for employment: Research intensive universities that offer postsecondary programs for individuals with disabilities. Washington D.C.: Poster presented at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Conference.
Gushanas, C., Sumbera, M., Grenwelge, & Zhang, D. (2015, November). Now I am ready for college! The effects of a summer training program on individuals with disabilities. Washington D.C.: Poster presented at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities Conference.
Gushanas, C., Sumbera, M., & Zhang, D. (2015, November). The accessibility, quality, and components of postsecondary programs that serve individuals with disabilities at research intensive universities. A poster presentation at the 2015 DCDT International Conference, Portland, OR.
Gushanas, C., Zhang, D., & Sumbera, M. (2015, November). The effects of personal social adjustment training and a postsecondary education program on interpersonal skills among individuals with autism. A poster presentation at the 2015 DCDT International Conference, Portland, OR.
Zhang, D., Grenwelge, C., Sumbera, M., & Gushanas, C. (2015, April). From school to postsecondary education to employment: Successful individuals with developmental disabilities. Presented at the Council for Exceptional Children 2015 National Convention and Expo, San Diego, CA.
Ovando, M, Salazar, M., & Hicks, T. (2014, January). Crossing the finish line: Voices of educational leadership doctoral graduate students. Paper presented at the International Academy of Educational Leaders Forum. New Orleans, LA.
Hassaram, B., Ostendorf, R., Sciuchetti, M., & Sumbera, M. (2013, April). Supervisory conversations: Encouraging implementation of culturally responsive practice during student teaching. Lecture at the Council for Exceptional Children National Conference. San Antonio, TX.
Salazar, M., Salazar, T., & Pazey, B. (2013, November). High-quality leadership programs and influence on an evolving student population: Leadership, sensemaking, and inclusive policy in urban secondary schools. University Council of Education Administration National Conference. Indianapolis, IN.
Sumbera, M. & Pazey, B. (2013, April). External and internal forces that impact school leaders’ sense making of inclusive policy. Voices from the field. Lecture at the Council for Exceptional Children National Conference. San Antonio, TX.
Hassaram, B., Ostendorf, R., Sciuchetti, M., & Sumbera, M. (2012, November). An observation tool for promoting culturally responsive teaching: Inception, development and application. Presentation at the Council for Exceptional Children, Teacher Education Division conference, Grand Rapids, MI. Accepted but not in attendance.
Salazar, T., & Sumbera, M. (2012, November). The language of advocacy: Perspectives from both sides of the desk. University Council of Educational Administration National Conference, Denver, CO.
Sumbera, M. (2012, November). High-quality leadership programs and impact on an evolving student population: Leadership, sensemaking, and inclusive policy. Paper presented at the Graduate Student Summit at the University Council of Educational Administration National Conference, Denver, CO.
Sumbera, M., & Pazey, B. (2012, November). External and internal forces that impact sensemaking of inclusive policy. Paper presented at the University Council of Educational Administration National Conference, Denver, CO.
Sumbera, M., & Salazar, T. (2012, July). “What is advocacy?” and “what is truly best practice?” Social, cultural, and contextual perspectives from a child with a disability, parent, caretaker, educational policy professional, and a special education professional. Paper presented at the Council for Exceptional Children, Division of International Special Education and Services International conference, Sligo, Ireland.
Pazey, B., Helig-Vasquez, J., & Sumbera, M. (2011, November). “The more things change, the more they stay the same”: A qualitative study of school turnaround and special education students in an urban high school. Paper presented at the University Council for Educational Administration National Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
Pazey, B., & Sumbera, M. (2011, June). Tapping into culturally and linguistically diverse high school student’s funds of knowledge as an intervention strategy. Poster session presented at the Texas Council for Exceptional Children State Conference, San Antonio, TX.
Pazey, B., Sumbera, M., & Yates, J.R. (2011, October). The next decade of special education administration: Trends, challenges, and predictions. Cracker Barrel Session presented at the Council for Learning Disabilities National Conference, Austin, TX.
Sumbera, M., McLelland, M., & Pazey, B. (2011, November). What we’ve learned and how we’ve used it: Learning experiences from the cohort of a high-quality principalship progam. Paper presented at the University Council for Educational Administration National Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
Altobelli, J., Bineham, S., Fugate, K., O’Toole, C., Pazey, B., Shelby, L., Sumbera, M., Williams, J., & Yates, J.R. (2010, October). Perspectives of RTI in an Organizational Context. Paper presented at the University Council for Educational Administration National Conference, New Orleans, LA.
Pazey, B., Williams, J., Sumbera, M., Todd, M., Epp, T., Brewton, T., McKenna, J. (2009, November). Reflecting on the Preparation of Future School Leaders: An Exercise in Transformational Dialogue. Conversation/Dialogue session presented at the University Council for Educational Administration National Conference, Anaheim, CA.
COURSES TAUGHT
SPED 632. Transition Education and Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Current issues and practices related to the transition of students from school to adulthood; foundations of life-long transitions; assessment of post-school goals and identification of effective transition services to promote employment, postsecondary education, and community living; partnerships with parents and service providers.
Summer 2023
AWARDS
Texas 2021 A&M President's Meritorious Service Award
School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) 2020 Extraordinary Service Award
Texas A&M 2022 President's Meritorious Service Team Award (Center on Disability and Development)
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Service Award. (2020) AUCD, Washington D.C.
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Constituent Advisory Committee (CAC) Member, Texas Center on Disability Studies, University of Texas at Austin, 2016-Present
Board Member, Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), 2017-2020
Chair, Community Education and Dissemination Council (CEDC) Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), 2017-2020
Council Member, Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD), 2015-present
Board Member, Out Loud Dance, 2019-present
Steering Committee, Texas Faith and Disability Network (TxFDN), 2021-present.
Steering Committee Member, Voices for Children, 2017-present