Delaney Cowart

Delaney Cowart

BS-BME, CPACC

Program Manager, Accessibility User Research Collective

About Delaney

“Accessibility isn’t an add-on — it’s the foundation of inclusive design.”

That belief drives Delaney Cowart’s work as Program Manager for the Accessibility User Research Collective (AURC) at Shepherd Center. She leads a team of user experience researchers to evaluate mainstream products and services with people with disabilities, ensuring accessibility is built into design from the start.

Delaney collaborates with industry partners to define research goals and deliver actionable insights that shape inclusive technologies. She also manages a multi-site Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) focused on knowledge translation for mobile rehabilitation apps funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).

Research specialties

  • Disability-centric user experience
  • User testing of products and services to ensure accessibility
  • Assistive technology and therapeutic devices
  • Accessibility of mainstream technologies

Education & training

  • B.S., Biomedical Engineering (Dual Degree) – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & North Carolina State University, 2021

Certifications

  • Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC), International Association of Accessibility Professionals
  • Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety, Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)
  • Social & Behavioral Research Certification, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program)

Why her work matters

Delaney’s passion for accessibility began while volunteering with children with disabilities in sports therapy programs. She learned how to adapt activities that seemed inaccessible so everyone could participate. That experience shaped her commitment to making mainstream products inclusive for all.

“Shepherd’s research connects the lived experiences of people with disabilities to the design of widely used products and services. Through the AURC, we help companies like McDonald’s, Microsoft, and Samsung create technologies that are truly inclusive.”

Beyond Shepherd

In 2021, Delaney co-founded CATCH, Inc., a nonprofit that partners with universities and engineering students to adapt and electronically modify toys for children with disabilities. She serves as an executive board member and volunteers to expand outreach. Outside of work, Delaney enjoys playing and coaching soccer, visiting farmer’s markets, and exploring the mountains for hiking, rafting, and camping. She’s excited about the upcoming NWSL team in Atlanta.

Published research