A seasoned policy, research, and compliance professional with a passion for promoting inclusive infrastructure and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities

What I Do

Community Research

Research using open-​ended and survey ​methods to uncover ​valuable, nuanced ​insights that drive ​meaningful change for ​people with disabilities

Policy Analysis

systematic evaluation of ​government policies and ​their potential impacts, ​providing informed ​recommendations and ​insights to help shape ​effective,community and ​evidence-based public ​decision-making

Knowledge Sharing

training and public ​speaking to , empower ​individuals and ​organizations to inform ​their advocacy, make ​informed decisions, and ​foster continuous ​learning and growth.

Valerie Novack (she/her)

Disability Policy and Research

About Me

Valerie Novack (she/her) is a policy, research, and compliance professional focusing on inclusive infrastructure and community inclusion for people with disabilities. She focuses on integrating the expertise of the lived experience of marginalized peoples into policymaking and research in the government, non-profit, grassroots, and academic sectors. Valerie started advocacy work in a Center for Independent Living before becoming a 2019 Portlight Fellow focusing on legislative solutions to inaccessible emergency response practices in the United States. She continues to work towards a more inclusive environment with work in the areas of public health, housing, transportation, and social participation for people with disabilities. She has completed projects with a variety of non-profits, universities, think tanks, and community groups to increase inclusion within communities. Novack has a bachelor’s degree in disability studies and urban planning from the University of Toledo and a master’s degree in disaster preparedness and emergency management from Arkansas State University. She has worked as a researcher with Utah State University’s Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning department since 2020.

Valerie lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband, Chase, and their cats Harlow and Guy.