Associate Professor Dianne Chambers

Coordinator of Special and Inclusive Education
PhD, M. Ed. (Learning Difficulties), B. Ed. (Special Education), B. A. (Primary Teaching)

Email: dianne.chambers1@nd.edu.au
Phone: 9433 0170

  • Biography

    Dr Chambers coordinates and teaches into courses in the field of special and inclusive education at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.  Course areas include catering for students with disabilities, inclusion, adaptive education, behaviour management and social skills, assistive technology and educating students who are gifted and talented. She also supervises students within the School of Education Masters and PhD programs. She is published in the field of inclusive education, assistive technology and children with ASD. Dianne has a wide range of interests in the area of special education; including the use of assistive technology in regular settings; the preparedness and attitudes of beginning teachers to accommodate students with diverse abilities in their classrooms; and alternative and augmentative communication methods. Current research includes assistive technology and students with special needs, telecollaboration and problem-based learning, service learning for inclusion and maths and students with special needs. Dianne occasionally consults with UNESCO on guidelines for persons with disabilities and Open and Distance Learning using open solutions, and teacher education for global citizenship, and collaborates with many overseas partners to promote inclusive practice.

  • Teaching areas

    Special Education, Behaviour Management, Inclusive Education, Service Learning, Pedagogy, Gifted Education

  • Research expertise and supervision

    Involved in a variety of research programs, specifically examining transition for students with special needs from primary to secondary settings, assistive technology (including iPads), and attitudes towards inclusive education. Involved with UNESCO in Telecollboaration for EFA and ESD with teacher educators from the Asia-Pacific region.

    Currently supervising three (3) PhD students and one Master of Philosophy student.

  • Books

    Chambers, D. (Ed.) (2015). Working with teaching assistants and other support staff for inclusive education. United Kingdom: Emerald Publishing Group.

    Lavery, L., Chambers, D., & Cain, G. (Eds.). (2017). Service-learning: Enhancing inclusive education. London: Emerald Publishing

    D. Chambers (Ed.). (2020). Assistive technology to support inclusive education. Emerald Publishing.

  • Book chapters

    • Chambers, D. (2020). Assistive technology supporting inclusive education: Existing and emerging trends. In D. Chambers (Ed.). Assistive technology to support inclusive education (pp. 1-16). Emerald Publishing.
    • Jadhav, V., Chambers, D., & Tatpuje, D. (2020). Low-tech assistive technology to support students with disability in low-income countries. In D. Chambers (Ed.). Assistive technology to support inclusive education (pp. 37-50). Emerald Publishing.
    • Bennett, C. A., Gallup, J., Chambers, D., & Ray, B. (2020). Designing inclusive STEM learning experiences for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Leveraging robotics to support discourse. In D. Chambers (Ed.). Assistive technology to support inclusive education (pp. 125-140). Emerald Publishing.
    • Chambers, D. J., & Campbell, S. (2019). Common and assistive technology to support people with specific learning disabilities to access healthcare. In C. M. Hayre, D. Muller & M. Scherer (Eds.), Everyday technologies in healthcare (pp. 109-122). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
    • Chambers, D., & Lavery, S. (2017). Introduction to service-learning and inclusive education. In S. Lavery, D. Chambers & G. Cain (Eds.), Service-learning: Enhancing inclusive education (pp. 3-20). London: Emerald Publishing.
    • Chambers, D. (2017). Changing attitudes of pre-service teachers towards inclusion through service-learning. In S. Lavery, D. Chambers & G. Cain (Eds.), Service-learning: Enhancing inclusive education (pp. 3-20). London: Emerald Publishing.
    • Forlin, C., & Chambers, D. (2017). Catering for diversity: Including learners with different abilities and needs in regular classrooms. In R. Maclean (Ed.), Life in schools and classrooms: Past, present and future (pp. 555-571). NY: Springer Publishing.
    • Chambers, D. (2015). The changing nature of the roles of support staff. In D. Chambers (Ed.), Working with teaching assistants and other support staff for inclusive education (pp. 3-25). United Kingdom: Emerald Group Publishing.
    • Chambers, D., & Berlach, R. (2015). Assistive technology and teaching assistants. In D. Chambers (Ed.), Working with teaching assistants and other support staff for inclusive education (pp. 219-239). United Kingdom: Emerald Group Publishing.
    • Loreman, T., Forlin, C., Chambers, D., Sharma, U., & Deppler, J. (2014). Conceptualising and measuring inclusive education. In C. Forlin & T. Loreman (Eds.), Measuring inclusive education, (pp. 3-18). United Kingdom: Emerald Group Publishing.
    • Chambers, D. (2013). Pre-service teacher reflections on inclusive experiences: Themes and considerations. In P. Jones (Ed.), Bringing insider perspectives into inclusive teacher learning: Potentials and challenges for educational professionals (pp. 57- 69). London: Routlege.
    • Chambers, D., & Forlin, C. (2010). Initial teacher education and inclusion: A triad of inclusive experiences. In C. Forlin (Ed.), Teacher Education for Inclusion (pp. 74 – 83). London: Routledge.

  • Journal articles and proceedings

    • Forlin, C., & Chambers, D. (2020). Diversity and inclusion and special education. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education. Oxford University Press https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.013.1214
    • Chambers, D.J., Jones, P. J., Reese, L., & Wilcox, C. (under review). Teachers’ perspectives of what works: Implementation of AT for students with disabilities.
    • Dally, K., Ralston, M., Strnadová, I., Dempsey, I., Chambers, D., Foggett, J., . . . Duncan, J. (2019). Current issues and future directions in Australian special and inclusive education. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 44(8), 57-73. doi:10.14221/ajte.2019v44n8.4
    • Chambers, D. J. (2019). Assistive technology to enhance inclusive education. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education. DOI: 10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.013.155
    • Chambers, D. J., & Coffey, A. (2019). Transition to middle school using universal design for learning principles. Improving Schools, 22(1), 29–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480218817984.
    • Chambers, D. J., Jones, P., McGhie‐Richmond, D., Riley, M., May‐Poole, S., Orlando, A. M., Simsek, O., & Wilcox, C. (2018). An exploration of teacher's use of iPads for students with learning support needs. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 18(2), 73–82. doi: 10.1111/1471-3802.12394.
    • Chambers, D., Jones, P., & Riley, M. (2017). Belonging and the relationship to whole schooling: Introduction to themed issue. International Journal of Whole Schooling, 13(1), 1-3.
    • Chambers, D., Varoglu, Z., & Kasinskaite-Buddeberg, I. (2016). Learning for All: Guidelines on the inclusion of learners with disabilities in open and distance learning. UNESCO. Retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0024/002443/244355e.pdf.
    • Main, S., Chambers, D., & Sarah, P. (2016). Supporting the transition to inclusive education: Teachers’ attitudes to inclusion in the Seychelles. International Journal of Inclusive Education, DOI:10.1080/13603116.2016.1168873.
    • Deppeler, J., Forlin, C., Chambers, D., Loreman, T., & Sharma, U. (2015). Egalité et qualité en éducation inclusive en Australie: Le cas des élèves en situation de handicap [Equality and quality in inclusive education in Australia: The case of students with disabilities]. Recherches & Éducations, 14(2) 49-64.
    • Forlin, C. I., Chambers, D. J., Loreman, T., Deppler, J., & Sharma, U. (2013). Inclusive education for students with disability: A review of the best evidence in relation to theory and practice. Retrieved from www.aracy.org.au/publications
    • Chambers, D., & Coffey, A. (2013). Development of a mobile-optimised website to support students with special needs transitioning from primary to secondary settings. Australasian Journal of Special Education, 37(1), 79-91.
    • Chambers, D. J., & Lavery, S. D. (2012). Service-learning: A valuable component of pre-service teacher education. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 37(4), 128-137.
    • West, E., Jones, P., Chambers, D., & Whitehurst, T. (2012). A multi-perspective collaborative on teacher learning for teachers of students with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of International Special Needs Education, 15(1), 24-40.
    • Chambers, D. J. (2011). Assistive technology: Effects of training on education assistants' perceptions of themselves as users and facilitators of assistive technology and consequent transfer of skills to the classroom environment (Doctoral Dissertation). University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA.
    • Chambers, D. (2011). Designing assistive technology training for paraprofessionals. Paper presented at the Twelfth Biennial Conference of the International Association of Special Education. Windhoek, Namibia, 10–14 July, 2011.
    • Berlach, R., & Chambers, D. (2011). Inclusivity imperatives and the Australian national curriculum. The Educational Forum, 75(1), 52-65.
    • Forlin, C., & Chambers, D. (2011). Teacher preparation for inclusive education: Increasing knowledge but raising concerns. Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 39(1), 17-32.
    • Berlach, R., & Chambers, D. (2010). Interpreting inclusivity: An endeavour of great proportions. International Journal of Inclusive Education, doi: 10.1080/13603110903159300.
    • Forlin, C., Hammond, L., Stamopoulos, E., & Chambers, D. (2004). Community links: Working together to embrace diversity. Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching Institutional Award Category: Provision of Educational Services to the Community. Faculty of Community Services Education and Social Sciences School of Education Edith Cowan University.
    • Forlin, C., & Chambers, D. (2003). Bullying and the inclusive school environment. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 28(2), 11-23.

  • Conference papers

    • Gallup, J., Bennett, C., Chambers, D., & Perihan, C. (2020). Coding with Ozobots as a conduit for creating soft-skills in
      stem classrooms for individuals with disabilities      . CEC 2020 Convention & Expo, Feb 4-8. Portland, Oregon.
    • Chambers, D. J., Jones, P., Reese, L., & Wilcox C. (2019). Teachers experiences of successful implementation of assistive technology.  DISES International Conference, June 26-28. Montego Bay, Jamaica.
    • Chambers, D. J. (2019). Using assistive technology to support learning differences in the classroom.  Public Lecture presented at the University of Saint Joseph, Macau, 16 January.
    • Chambers, D. J., Jones, P.J., Reese, L., & Wilcox, C. (2018). The AT implementation process through teacher perspectives. 41st TED-CEC Conference: Against the Odds, November 6-9, 2018. Las Vegas, Nevada.
    • Chambers, D. (2018). Including students with special needs in middle years transition using UDL principles. Presentation at Council for Exceptional Children, Division of International Special Education (DISES).  3-5 July, Cape Town, South Africa.
    • Chambers, D. J. (2018, March). Panel speaker: Lifelong learning. First National Virtual Disability Conference 2018. Retrieved from http://virtualdisability.conferenceworks.com.au/type/panel-speaker/
    • Chambers, D. (2017). Inclusion in education. Keynote presented at ASEACCU 2017 conference - Catholic Educational Institutions and Inclusive Education: Transforming Spaces, Promoting Practices, Changing Minds. 24 – 27 August, Assumption University, Bangkok.
    • Chambers, D. (2017). At training for teachers in SE Asian countries. Presented at the World Health Organisation GREAT Summit, 3-4 August, Geneva, Switzerland. Retrieved from www.who.int
    • Chambers, D. (2017). .At training for paraprofessionals. Presented at the World Health Organisation GREAT Summit, 3-4 August, Geneva, Switzerland. Retrieved from www.who.int/
    • Chambers, D. (2017). The place of inclusion in education. Public Lecture presented at the University of the Philippines, Cebu, 18 January.
    • Chambers, D. (2017). Using assistive technology to support students who struggle in the classroom. Presentation at University of Notre Dame Australia 4th Biennial School of Education Conference. Fremantle, Australia, 29-30 January.
    • Chambers, D. (2016). Addressing attitudes towards people with disability through service learning programs. Presentation at Symposium on Service Learning, Education University of Hong Kong, 14 November.
    • Chambers, D. (2016). Designing transition programs using universal design for learning principles. Presentation at the 2nd Asia Pacific Conference for Adolescent Success, Singapore, 9-11 September.
    • Chambers, D. (2016). The future of teacher education. Presentation at the International Conference on the Future of Teacher Education, Tilak College of Education and Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India, 12 – 13 February.
    • Chambers, D. (2015). Special education practice across Australia. Presentation at the Current Practice and Future Needs of Australian Special Education Teachers Symposium, University of Newcastle, NSW, 15-17th November.
    • Main, S., Chambers, D., & Sarah, P. (2015). Transnational teaching: An examination of outcomes in a special education unit delivered in the Seychelles. Presented at the conference of the Australian Teacher Educators Association, Darwin, NT, 7-10 July.
    • Chambers, D. (2015). Working effectively with support staff in inclusive classrooms. Presentation at 14th Biennial IASE Conference, University of Lower Silesia, Wroclaw, Poland, 21-25th June.
    • Chambers, D. (2015). Selecting the right technology. Presentation at the FutureSchools Expo, Australian Technology Park, Sydney, NSW, 11-13 March.
    • Chambers, D. (2015). Teacher educator’s perspectives on GCE. Presented at the UNESCO Forum on Global Citizenship Education, 28-30 January, Paris, France.
    • Chambers, D. (November, 2014). Guidelines on the inclusion of students with disabilities in open and distance learning (ODL) using open solutions. Presentation at UNESCO conference: From Exclusion to Empowerment: The Role of ICTs for Persons with Disabilities, 24-26 November, New Delhi, India.
    • Chambers, D., & Coffey, A. (November, 2014). Employing a mobile-optimised website to support the transition of students with special needs from primary to secondary settings. Poster presentation at the Asia Pacific Educational Research Association International Conference 2014, 19-21 November, Hong Kong.
    • Chambers, D., & Lavery, S. (November, 2014). Service learning to enhance teaching. Presentation at the Asia Pacific Educational Research Association International Conference 2014, 19-21 November, Hong Kong.
    • Chambers, D., Jadhav, V., Tatpuje, D., Peiris, M. G., Almocera, L., Kanta Pangeni, S., & Han, H. (October, 2014). Technology for all – Nothing is impossible. Presentation at the 17th UNESCO-APEID International Conference: The Powerhouses of Education: Teachers for the Future We Want, 29-31 October, Bangkok, Thailand.
    • Chambers, D. (September, 2014). Using assistive technologies to support all learners. Presentation at the Catholic Education Office Early Years to Year 10 Curriculum Conference, 1- 2 September 2014, Perth, WA.
    • Chambers, D. (July, 2014). Use of iPads by teachers of students with special needs – An international study. Presentation at WAIER Forum, 26 July, Perth WA.
    • Chambers, D. (March, 2014). The ABC’s of behaviour. Presentation at the International Workshop on Innovative Practices in Inclusive Education and Challenging Behavior, 2 March, Pune, India.
    • Chambers, D. (2013). Paraprofessionals’ perceptions of efficacy when facilitating the use of assistive technology and what this means for the classroom. Presentation at the IASE 13th Biennial Conference, 7 -11 July, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
    • Chambers, D. (2013). Service learning can enhance inclusion! Pre-Service teachers’ responses. Presentation at the IASE 13th Biennial Conference, 7 -11 July, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
    • Chambers, D. (2013). Doing it differently: The Australian curriculum and students with special educational needs. Presented at the 2nd UNDA Literacy and Numeracy Conference, 31 Januaury-1 February, Fremantle, WA.
    • Chambers, D. (2013). AT and the TA – Easy to use assistive technology to support students with special needs in maths. Presented at the 2nd UNDA Literacy and Numeracy Conference, 31 Januaury-1 February, Fremantle, WA.
    • Chambers, D. (2012). Assistive technology and education assistants special needs - Perceptions of efficacy and use in the classroom. Presented at the Western Australian Institute for Educational Research [WAIER] Forum, 11 August, Perth, Western Australia.
    • Chambers, D., & Coffey, A. (2012). Moving on up: Development of a responsive website to support the transition of students with special needs from primary to secondary settings. Paper presented at the Joint 2012 AASE/TPA Conference, 'Ethical Leadership for All', 11 – 13 July, Hobart, Tasmania.
    • Chambers, D. (2012). Service-learning and special education: Participants’ self-evaluation of changes in beliefs about inclusive practice after service-learning experiences. Presented at the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education [AACTE], 17-19 February, Chicago, Illinois, US.
    • Chambers, D. (2011). Designing assistive technology training for paraprofessionals. Paper presented at the 12th Biennial International Association of Special Education (IASE) Conference, 10 – 14 July, Windhoek, Namibia.
    • Chambers, D. (2011). Behavioural resources for the inclusive classroom. Presentation at the Back to the Future Conference (CEOWA), 9 June, CEOWA, Perth, Western Australia.
    • Chambers, D. (2011). Assistive technology for mathematics. Paper presented at the Inaugural Math Conference, 31 January and 1 February, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Western Australia.
    • Forlin, C., Rouse, M., Florian, L., Chambers, D., & Sin, K. (2010). Future Directions for Teacher Education for Inclusion. Symposium presented at the 2nd East Asian International conference on Teacher Education Research (EAI), 15-17 December, Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong.
    • West, E., Jones, P., Chambers, D., & Whitehurst, T. (2010). International perspectives on effective teacher learning practices for teachers of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Paper presented at the 7th Inclusive and Supportive Education Congress (ISEC), 2 -5 August, Queens University, Belfast.
    • Rouse, M., Chambers, D., Scorgie, K., Bartolo, P., Sharma, U., Loreman, T., & Waitoller, F. (2010). Innovations in teacher preparation: Initial teacher education for inclusive education. Symposium presented at the 7th Inclusive and Supportive Education Congress (ISEC), 2 -5 August, Queens University, Belfast.
    • Chambers, D., & Conway, B. (July, 2010). Implementation of article 24 within the education for all framework. Paper presented at the Symposium on Teacher Education for Inclusion, 28 July – 1 August, University College, Dublin, Ireland.

  • Professional affiliations

    UNESCO Assistive Technology Project
    UNESCO ICT for Persons with Disabilities ODL Guidelines
    Member - UNESCO Bangkok Telecollaboration of Teacher Educators towards Education for All
    Member - International Inclusive Teacher Education Research Forum (IITERF)
    Member – Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
    Member - Australian Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Association
    President - Australian Association of Special Education (WA Chapter)
    Member - International Association of Special Education
    Member - Australian Teacher Education Association
    Member - State School Teachers Union

  • Community engagement

    Dianne undertakes various professional learning at schools within the Perth area and more widely in the State of WA.

    Examples include:

    • July 2014 - Know your students to Teach your Students - full day Presentation for John Paul Catholic College, Kalgoorlie
    • July 2013 – iPads and Students with Special Needs – Presentation for Warnbro Senior High School Education Support Centre
    • Feb 2012 - Keynote speaker on Gifted Education for professional development of staff at Corpus Christi College, Bateman.

  • Awards

    • Emerald Literati Award 2018 (Outstanding Author Contribution)
    • Vice Chancellors Award (UNDA) for Excellence in Teaching 2014 (individual award)
    • Western Australian Institute of Educational Research (WAIER) Postgraduate Award 2012
    • Vice-Chancellor’s Award (ECU) for Excellence in Teaching (VCAET) 2005 (team award)
    • Fogarty Foundation Prize for highest achievement in Med course 2004
    • Emerald Publishing – Best Chapter of a Book 2014
    • Asia Pacific Journal of Teacher Education Best Paper 2013
    • Recipient of the WA Institute of Educational Research [WAIER] Postgraduate Award 2012.
    • Recipient of the Fogarty Foundation Prize 2004 for highest achievement in Master of Education (Learning Difficulties).

  • Other

    Co-Editor of the International Journal of Whole Schooling - www.wholeschooling.net/Journal_of_Whole_Schooling/IJWSIndex.html

    Board Member of Warnbro Community College Education Support Centre