Sedigheh Fatollahzadeh Dizaji
About
I am a visual artist, art educator, and Ph.D. candidate in Special Education at Purdue University. My work focuses on inclusive art education, assistive technology, and creating accessible learning opportunities for individuals with disabilities. I have experience teaching in K–12, university, and community-based settings, including working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My research explores inclusive teaching practices, educator preparation, and the use of assistive technology to support meaningful participation in education. I also curate exhibitions featuring artwork by artists with disabilities, promoting accessibility, creativity, and community inclusion. Through my teaching, research, and community engagement, I strive to make art education more inclusive and accessible to everyone. I was recently honored as Indiana’s 2026 Outstanding Art Educator of the Year, recognizing my contributions to art education and the community.
Education
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Alzahra University – Tehran
- Master of Science in Art Education (MS), Illinois State University – Normal, Illinois
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Alzahra University – Tehran
Awards & Honors
- 2026 Indiana’s Outstanding Art Educator of the Year. Art Education Association of Indiana (AEAI).
- 2026 Presidential Doctoral Excellence Award, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- 2026 Ross Fellowship, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- 2025 Presidential Doctoral Excellence Award, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- 2025 Ross Fellowship, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- 2025 Service-Learning Grant, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, US
- 2024 Exemplary Community Partner Award, Wabash Center, Lafayette, IN, US
- 2024 The Ross Fellowship, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, US
- 2024 EDST Graduate Student Travel Award, Purdue University, IN, US
- 2024 Graduate Student Travel Awards, Purdue University, IN, US
- 2024 Service-Learning Grant, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, US
- 2023 Presidential Doctoral Excellence Award, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, US
- 2023 The Ross Fellowship, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, US
- 2023 Irving S. and Joan Tick Award in painting, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, US
- 2021 Wonsook Kim School of Art Graduate School Merit Fellowship, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, US
- 2013 Selected Artist in 6th Visual Arts Festival of Young Art, Tehran, Iran
Professional Affiliations/Memberships
- 2023–Present Member, National Art Education Association (NAEA)
- 2023–Present Member, Art Education Association of Indiana(AEAI)
- 2024–Present Member, Division of Visual and Performing Arts (DARTS), Council for Exceptional Children
- 2023–Present Member, Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
- 2024–Present Member, Division of Visual and Performing Arts (DARTS), Council for Exceptional Children
- 2024 Member, Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES), Council for Exceptional Children
- 2024–Present Member, Teacher Education Division (TED), Council for Exceptional Children
- 2024 Member, Innovation in Special Education Technology (ISET), Council for Exceptional Children
- 2024 Member, Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning
- 2009–Present Member, Visual Art Association of Iran
Research & Publications
My research focuses on inclusive art education, special education teacher preparation, assistive technology, AI in education, and community-based art activities for individuals with disabilities.
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Publications
- Fathollahzadeh Dizaji, S. (2024). Interview with Susan Loesl: Pioneering Adaptive Art for Students with Disabilities, Journal of the Arts and Special Education: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 7. https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/jase/vol4/iss1/7
Professional/Practitioner Publications
- Fathollahzadeh Dizaji, S. (2024). Empowering art through inclusion: The mural fence project at Wabash Center. Art Education Association of Indiana.
Manuscripts Under Review
- Akinola-Olabanji, M., Abiiba, B., Jackson, D., Lucas-Dreiss, S., Fatollahzadeh Dizaji, S., & Begeske, J. (under review). Expanding access: Switch-adapted tools and toys in art education. Art Education Journal
- Fathollahzadeh Dizaji, S., Aguilar, J., & Begeske, J. (2026). Exploring the impact of assistive technology on art engagement for individuals with disabilities at adult day services. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities
- Fathollahzadeh Dizaji, S., Smith, J. E., & Begeske, J. (2026) Art teacher preparedness for teaching students with disabilities. Journal of the Arts and Special Education.
Manuscripts in Preparation
- Shabnam, S., Begeske, J. L., Mathies, L. A., Abiiba, B. O., Akinola-Olabanji, M., Yu, L., Wang, Y., & Fathollahzadeh Dizaji, S. (in preparation) Beyond the bell: A qualitative comparative analysis of relational practices that shape pre-service teachers’ understanding of student needs.
- Fathollahzadeh Dizaji, S., Begeske, J., Smith, J. E., El Horr de Moraes, P., & Cao, F. (in preparation). Education majors’ perceptions on the use of assistive technology.