Staff

Mike Marotta- ATAC Program Director

Mike is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and the Director of the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center at Disability Rights New Jersey. Mike is the 2017 ISTE Inclusive Learning Network Outstanding Educator. Mike is a nationally and internationally recognized presenter who was previously a trainer for California State University at Northridge (CSUN), providing practical and in-depth training to professionals interested in specializing in assistive technology. In addition, Mike is an adjunct professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey where he teaches courses for Masters level educators in Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning. Mike serves on both the CAST Accessible Educational Materials and Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES) Advisory Boards. Mike is a Raspberry Pi Certified Educator and has presented at several national Maker events.  

 “The Force will be with you. Always.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Naomi Leibowitz– Assistive Technology Specialist

Naomi is an Assistive Technology Specialist who has evaluated and prescribed interventions to support clients’ goals in a variety of settings community, education and employment for over 20 years. Naomi has also provided leadership to  Temple University to ensure that students with a disability have full access to the university experience. Naomi has been an educator to others on AT for everyone and UDL. She has presented at various national conferences including CSUN, AT Summit and Pacific Rim on how assistive technology benefits all – not just people with disabilities.  She has conceptualized and submitted grant applications to support and promote Assistive Technology initiatives that supports the whole college community not just students with disabilities. Naomi believes if you design a product that includes everyone in mind, including people with disabilities, everyone will benefit.

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

12 Steps Program

Payton Williams – Assistive Technology Social Supports Specialist

Payton is an Assistive Technology Social Supports Specialist at Disability Rights New Jersey. Payton is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, though she has advocated for accessibility and the disability community for as long as she can remember. During her undergraduate studies at Temple University, Payton studied abroad in Rome, Italy exploring barriers to traveling and living in other countries related to the disability community. She specifically analyzed the differences in European legal systems regarding accessibility and disability rights. Payton was committed to working with the disability community and over the last three years has worked with individuals with disabilities in all stages of life, from early intervention to geriatrics. She has a special interest in assistive technology and making assistive technology resources more accessible.

Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow.

Vincent Van Gogh

Charlotte Borgersen – ATAC Intern

Charlotte is an intern at Disability Rights New Jersey who advocates for and supports individuals with disabilities. Charlotte holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and a CUGS in Public Policy from Rowan University. Her passion is to empower and assist those with disabilities in any way possible. Charlotte is a wheelchair user with Cerebral Palsy, Strabismus, and hearing and visual impairments. She has a registered Monarch Way station in her backyard. She is a Partners in Policymaking graduate. She graduated with the Class of 2021.

It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live

Albus Dumbledore