John Lee, Assistive Technology Specialist

Photo: John Lee

About John

He/him/his

John Lee joined the DRC in August 2010 as an Assistive Technology Specialist. In this role, John provides assistive technology (AT) consultations and training to DRC students. In addition, he consults with Cal Poly faculty and staff in the area of digital accessibility, ensuring that all campus members have equal access to electronic documents, audio/video, websites, and electronic products. John came to Cal Poly because he was eager to focus on providing AT services to college students with disabilities and to take on a new challenge in the field of accessible technology. He enjoys collaborating with Cal Poly students, faculty and staff on assistive technology projects as well as efforts that promote disability as diversity and accessibility as inclusion. 

John has nearly 20 years of experience as an assistive technology professional. Prior to his current position, he worked as a Rehabilitation Technologist at a local community-based non-profit, the Central Coast Assistive Technology Center. In that role, John traveled up and down the Central Coast (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties) to provide AT evaluations and trainings to individuals of all ages with disabilities. Over the years, John has presented at the CSUN International Assistive Technology Conference and been invited to speak about AT and digital accessibility at various universities (University of Nevada-Reno; Seoul National University in South Korea; University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada). He has earned certifications as a RESNA Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) and IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC).

A North Carolina native, John received his Bachelor of Arts in History and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. John lives in San Luis Obispo and enjoys playing harmonica with the local band Moon Pie, kayaking, listening to live music, watching basketball (Go Tar Heels!), going to the beach, stargazing, hanging out at coffee shops, being an uncle to two nephews, and traveling. His most recent international trips were to South Korea, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Toronto. John is also an active member of the local disability/accessibility advocacy group, Access For All, which strives to cultivate an accessible San Luis Obispo county where people with disabilities have equal opportunities in all aspects of life. He is passionate about promoting disability awareness/allyship and inclusive, or universal, design at Cal Poly and throughout the world...and beyond.

John's DRC hours are 9:30 am - 6:30 pm Monday through Friday. Stop by to say hi and ask him about miniature horses.