There are no words that can adequately express how this news made me feel. Joy and I were close buddies for almost 40 years, dating back to our days at Brazosview School, in Freeport, Texas. We were both teachers. Through the years, with our spouses, we became really good friends, such that we could pick up on conversations with weeks or months in between, as if it were yesterday. Joy's work was immense. Her tenacity for her passion of helping kids with special needs was unmatched. Her love for family and friends was unquestionable. I am both sad and thankful; sad for lossing a friend such as Joy, and thankful for the nearly 40 years of friendship. Rest in Pease my dear, dear friend.

To her family, oh what a loss. Over the last 30+ years, I have had the privilege of short interjections of JOY at conferences and even in those short interludes, I was always enthralled by her storytelling, compassion, intelligence, and wonder. Her body of work with the SETT and all the contributions will be a lasting legacy for our students and their families. I am so thrilled to know she had such a great family and community and to know you will see her again in heaven! God bless you all !

Adrian, Gaye, Adriana and all of Joy's loving family --

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I hope the wonderful memories you have made over the years with Joy help to bring you peace and comfort during this sad time of grieving. Joy was a blessing to so many -- she will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her <3

With my heartfelt sympathy,
Linda

Beautiful and so true.

I was so very sorry to learn of Joy’s passing. I am sad for her wonderful family, her many friends and for the field of education. She will be greatly missed although I feel strongly that her good work will impact the fields of disability and education for many years. The world has lost a talented, caring, smart, knowledgeable and energetic educator. Joy was an advocate for kids and adults with a wide range of disabilities and special talents. Joy was one of those rare individuals who was equally effective when advancing a plan as an individual contributor, if necessary, or as a productive team member who very often generated ideas that made the whole team smarter and capable of producing better outcomes.

With a strong academic foundation supported by real world experience, her contributions were often unique and designed to support others interested in achieving similar goals. Joy didn’t need a lot of credit. She often worked quietly behind the scene and her energy was usually devoted to bringing other professionals along with her. Known for her leadership and accomplishments in assistive technology(AT), joining up with CAST brought about an inciteful integration of universal design for learning(UDL) and assistive technology. And then Joy extended her teachings to include both the UDL principals most directly related to AT along with the full set of guidelines. No one was better positioned to do this work. Joy accomplished a lot and her contributions will surely have a long term impact on individuals and institutions.

Joy seemed to be working every waking hour. Often, she was. And yet I can think of few professionals with such a high level of visibility and achievements who also managed to secure some measure of life-work balance. It was clear from the start: family and a huge network of friends were a critical part of her life.

I learned a lot from Joy. Our work together on inclusive education and accessible educational materials required that we maintain a high level of collaboration and communication. Since my retirement a few years back, our conversations have been few in number but I miss hear already. Rest in peace my friend.

From my way-too-limited time with Joy, all of these sentiments ring true for me as well. Selfishly, I wanted more time to learn from her. But I know that based on the kind of teacher she was, she has shared her expertise and wisdom with others in such deep and meaningful ways that her "students" will continue to teach me and others. Her legacy and spirit continue in the works and hearts of so many. My heart and deepest sympathies are with her family during this time.

Dear Friends, I add my condolences to Joy's beautiful family and many friends on her passing. Joy added so much life and exuberance to everything she did. We are all so much richer having had Joy in our lives. Love to you all, Tracy

Dear Adrian and family. I was extremely saddened to hear about the passing of your beautiful wife, mother, grandmother and sister. I had the great pleasure of spending time with Joy when she visited Australia. Please accept my deepest sympathy, Nicko

Today we lost a pinnacle in the field of UDL and Assistive Technology. Joy has been an influence most of my career. In her memory I remember this... Our job is to use the gifts we are given to serve others with grace. This is how I view Joy. Always happy, always growing others, always grace.

Dear Adrian and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Joy was such a wonderful
mentor, friend and coach. She was truly inspirational and so happy to share her knowledge and passion with anyone.
Thank you for sharing you wife and mum with the world to enable her to empower educators to support students..
She will be truly missed by many .
Take care
Jacqui x