Kerry Tate is the managing Director for AccessAbility Resource Center at The University of Texas at Dallas. She has worked in the disability services field for more than 31 years, serving 23 of those years here at UT Dallas. Kerry oversees the management of the department, facilitating a departmental culture of shared responsibility, collaborative decision-making, and a strong dedication to access and equity.
In addition to working at UT Dallas, Kerry have been involved and committed to disability advocacy. Over the last twenty years, Kerry has presented locally and nationally on variety of topics related to access for disabled individuals, technology, accessibility, and influence. These include the Association of Higher Education in Disability (AHEAD) in Texas, of which she is a founder and past president/board member, and the International Association on Higher Education in Disability.
As a disabled individual, Kerry is passionate about facilitating disability access, advancing equity, and fostering inclusion. Her work in higher education has been dedicated to empowering individuals, especially students, to succeed by ensuring that they have the tools and resources to thrive. As a civil rights issue, disability is a university-wide responsibility, and Kerry is committed to collaboration with the UT Dallas community on the removal of physical, academic, and social barriers that prevent those with disabilities from fully participating in, and benefiting from, the opportunities available to those who are non-disabled.
A native of Ruidoso, New Mexico, she has lived in England, Missouri, and Arizona, and spent most of her life in Texas. She is a Disney fan and foodie, and enjoys reading, movies, learning, and doing arts and crafts.
Kerry holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Texas Woman’s University and a Master of Science in Special Education and Counseling from Texas A&M University – Commerce.