Eleazar Vasquez Awarded 2025 Special Education Research Award
Eleazar “Trey” Vasquez, III, newly appointed Operating Officer at the Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI), has received the 2025 Special Education Research Award from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). This award honors his groundbreaking research that has directly impacted practices, programs, and policies to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from CEC,” said Vasquez. “My passion has always been to create meaningful, research-driven solutions that empower students of all abilities. This award is a testament to the importance of innovation in education and the incredible work being done to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Vasquez has spent his career advancing the use of emerging technologies to enhance STEM education for all students, including those with disabilities. Through initiatives like Project Social Code, he has developed innovative solutions that combine robotics and STEM learning to support students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A recognized leader in special education, Vasquez has authored over 60 articles published in peer-reviewed journals and has shared his insights at more than 60 conferences globally.
AAI Director Neal Kingston also praised Vasquez’s contributions, emphasizing the impact of his research. “We are proud to have Dr. Vasquez as part of AAI,” said Kingston. “His research and leadership in special education align perfectly with our mission to advance educational excellence and innovation. This well-deserved recognition from CEC highlights the real-world impact of his work.”
Vasquez will be recognized at the CEC Convention & Expo in Baltimore on March 12-15, 2025, alongside other award recipients.
In addition to receiving the 2025 Special Education Research Award, Vasquez will join Lisa Dieker, director of Flexible Learning through Innovations in Technology & Education (FLITE), and James Basham, director Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL) as keynote speakers at the convention, where they will discuss artificial intelligence in special education and how it is transforming classrooms and improving student outcomes.
