Biographical Note

Robert W. Accorsi earned his BS from Westfield State College in 1977. After graduation, he began working as a counselor at a Children’s Study Home in Springfield, Massachusetts. During this time, he enrolled at Springfield College and ultimately graduated in 1980 with his master’s degree in education. In 1980, he became the Sports and Recreation Director for United Cerebral Palsy of Western Massachusetts, a position he remained dedicated to for the next seven years. Springfield College hired Accorsi in 1985 as an adjunct professor. Two years later, he became a full-time faculty member in the recreation and leisure department. In 1988, Holyoke Community College hired him as the coordinator of disabled student services. In 2009, Accorsi was appointed Springfield College’s Distinguished Professor of Humanics. Accorsi is actively involved with the United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association, the Learning Assistance Association of New England, and the National Therapeutic Recreation Association. He also served as president of the New England Cerebral Palsy Coaches Association and on the board of directors for the United States Association for Cerebral Palsy Athletics.