About the Research & Evaluation Center

Mission Statement

The Research and Evaluation Center supports the Vision and Mission of Abilities! through innovative approaches to research, evaluation, dissemination and teaching. The Research and Evaluation Center works collaboratively with the divisions of Abilities! to ensure that the highest quality educational, vocational, employment and independent living opportunities are developed and provided to people with disabilities and their families. Nationally, the Research and Evaluation Center is committed to influencing policy and impacting the exchange of new knowledge, information and exemplary practices so that people with disabilities can participate fully in community life.


Director, Research & Evaluation Center

Fran Prezant is the Division Director of the Research & Evaluation Center (REC). Within this role she has conducted research on employment and assistive technology, published articles on related aspects of AT use in business and universities and presented nationally. She works in conjunction with program coordinators on training and dissemination issues and is integrally involved in implementation of the organization’s internal evaluation, programs on cultural competence and access to arts and cultural institutions through the Abilities! Arts and Cultural Initiatives Program (ACI).

Fran is also integrally involved in bringing innovative programs to Abilities! that use technology to create access and expose our students to inclusive opportunities. In addition, Fran is involved in writing grant proposals for external funding

Her background includes training as a nationally certified speech and language pathologist and she has worked in public and private service provision, university teaching settings and non profit disability organization. Prior to joining Abilities! she spent 13 years at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she taught in the Special Education and Clinical Service Department and was awarded consecutive grant funding for over a decade to build and provide training, information and support programs for parents of children with disabilities. Her other professional interests include literature and role models for children with disabilities, family issues, special education legislation, and the portrayal of people with disabilities in the media. Ms. Prezant holds a Masters Degree from Northeastern University.


Evaluator, Research & Evaluation Center

Sean Cruse is an Evaluator at the Research & Evaluation Center at Abilities!. Sean collaborates with Abilities! Division Directors to develop evaluation strategies for each of the organization’s programs. He administers and oversees the implementation of these evaluation processes within each of the primary divisions of Abilities!. Sean independently analyzes the data obtained; he also develops reports of findings and presents this information to administrators and other stakeholders. In addition, Sean assists with the implementation of special grant funded projects, such as the HVS Jazz residency project.

Sean’s background includes training in psychological and organizational research; he has worked in both for-profit and non-for-profit settings and holds an adjunct professor position at Touro College’s School of Health Sciences. Sean obtained his Master of Arts in Psychology at Adelphi University. He previously was employed at a Long-Island based not-for-profit organization as an Applied Behavioral Specialist; in this position he developed intervention strategies and provided hands-on behavioral support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Sean is currently pursuing a PhD in Applied Organizational Psychology at Hofstra University. This program emphasizes, in part, the application of basic scientific knowledge and methodology to improve organizational performance, a facet which Sean brings to the Research & Evaluation Center at Abilities!. In addition to advocacy for under-served populations Sean’s professional interests include cross-cultural issues and organizational leadership.

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