Data-Driven Approaches
Grounded in evidence-based research, the project uses a mixed-methods approach to explore faculty, staff and administrator knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding inclusive practices in postsecondary education to improve outcomes of students with learning differences.
The study combines pre-post surveys with participatory action research methods like talk story and photovoice. Findings from students, faculty, and administrators demonstrate the meaningful impact of inclusive practices in post-secondary education.
You can find our publications, conference presentations and research briefs highlighting significant findings from the three-year long study.
Publications and Reports
Bridging research to practice: Transformative inclusive postsecondary training through a visual lens
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education (July 2025)
This study explores how a postsecondary training on inclusive practices impacted participating faculty in:(1)supporting diverse learners and (2)removing barriers and creating accessible learning experiences for students with diverse learning needs in Hawai’i. Using a case study approach the participants’ photovoice (a participatory method that blends photography with digital storytelling) highlighted the importance of creating inclusive course content, designing with diversity in mind and the importance of ongoing professional development.
Supporting Student and Faculty Well-Being and Belonging: A Campus Sensory Room
Progressive Philosophy and Pedagogy: A Blog for Progressive Educators (March 2026)
Designed as an inclusive space built to support the entire campus community, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Sensory Space is open to students, faculty, staff and administrators. Filled with soft lighting, fidget toys, relaxing seats and calming music, the space allows its visitors to pause, breath and recharge. In this blog, our team shares about the intentionality behind the design of the space. We highlight stories from both students and faculty who have experienced its benefits.
Sensory Integration in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Innovative Higher Education (March 2026)
Sensory integration is growing in popularity across higher education institutions in the United States. In this review, we analyzed 19 studies and found that sensory integration ranges from sensory-friendly spaces and inclusive campus design to multisensory pedagogy. All approaches to sensory integration support academic success, well-being and belonging across campus communities. Click the link below to learn more!
Presentations
Invited Presentations
Manaseri, H., Sustarsic, M., & Phaik, K. S. (2025, December 12). Advancing Disability Inclusion and Cultural Responsiveness in Medical Education. 5th International Disability Inclusion Symposium.
Manaseri, H., & Sustarsic, M., Montano, R. L. T., Houar, M. T. (2025, June 19). Sensory Integration in Higher Education: UH Mānoa Sensory Room. Panel on “Next Steps: Sensory Rooms and Kits”. Hawai‘i Library Association.
Manaseri, H., & Sustarsic, M., Montano, R. L. T., Houar, M. T. (2025, June 12). Sensory Integration in Higher Education: UH Mānoa Sensory Room. DisabilityIN Hawai‘i.
Manaseri, H., & Sustarsic, M., Montano, R. L. T., Houar, M. T. (2025, February 11). Sensory Integration in Higher Education: UH Mānoa Sensory Room. Presentation to the Hawai‘i UCEDD Community Advisory Council.
Manaseri, H., & Sustarsic, M. (2024, December 2). Postsecondary Inclusive Practices: Ensuring Student Success and Sense of Belonging. 4th International Disability Inclusion Symposium.
Refereed Conference Presentations
Manaseri, H., & Sustarsic, M. (2025, September 7). Inclusive Practices in Postsecondary Education: Fostering Belonging for Student Success. Japan-U.S. Teacher Education Consortium (JUSTEC).
Manaseri, H., & Sustarsic, M. (2025, April 23–27). Toward Just Education Renewal through Inclusive Post-Secondary Training for Faculty, Staff and Administrators. American Education Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting 2025.
Manaseri, H., & Sustarsic, M., Montano, R. L. T., Houar, M. T. (2025, April 15–16). Spaces of Inclusion: Two Case Studies Addressing the Needs for Sensory Spaces in Higher Education. PacRIM Conference on Disability.
Manaseri, H., Sustarsic, M., & Houar, M. T. (2024, July 22). Sensory Integration in Higher Education: Bridging Research and Practice. AIR-P Research Day at Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P CARES).