Rise Focus Groups, Aysha Leigh Robertson

Institute for Disability Studies

No abstract provided.

Perceptions Of Communication And Collaboration Between Special Education And Career And Technical Education Teachers, Alexander Novickoff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the communication and collaboration between Local Education Agency’s (LEA) special education staff and Career and Technical Center (CTC) staff in supporting students with disabilities (SWD). Given the critical role of effective interagency communication in providing comprehensive support to SWD, this study seeks to identify the perceptions, methods, and frequencies of communication between these entities. The research is set within the context of non-comprehensive CTCs in Pennsylvania, where students split their time between their home schools and regional CTCs. Through a quantitative approach, consisting of a detailed survey distributed to both LEA and CTC staff, this study examines …

Beyond Visual Limits: Systems Thinking For The Visually Impaired Using Generative Ai, Allie Zombron, Raafat Zaini, Arwa Alnajashi

International Journal on Responsibility

This paper investigates the responsible application of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance accessibility in STEM education. It presents a proof of concept to generate descriptions of visual representations of Systems Thinking (Meadows, 2009), a discipline that is challenging for individuals with visual impairments. By adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (The Americans with Disabilities Act, 2024) guidelines and leveraging AI, this initiative aims to facilitate comprehension of complex systems. It underscores the ethical imperative of inclusivity in educational technology. Developing AI-driven tools to describe System Dynamics showcases a commitment to ethical AI deployment, promoting equitable access …

Book Review: Creating Inclusive Libraries By Applying Universal Design: A Guide By Carli Spina, Katrina Williams

School of Information Student Research Journal

Creating Inclusive Libraries by Applying Universal Design: A Guide is a practical and useful resource for improving libraries so that they are accessible to the broadest range of people possible. The format is well organized, and the case studies illustrate principles in engaging and recognizable ways. A reader who starts with no knowledge of Universal Design would acquire a working knowledge and be able to assess their own spaces with the guidance provided through examples and checklists. Rather than focus on resources for disabled patrons, Spina encourages readers to adopt a reflective practice for considering the needs of all library …

Academic Librarians With Invisible Disabilities Carry An Invisible Workload That Limits Their Career Potential, Katrina Heiderich Williams

School of Information Student Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Nurturing Motivation And Engagement In All Students, Elizabeth Rosales, Elizabeth Ann Rosales

Graduate Teacher Education

This paper examined varied interpretations of student engagement in school and analyzed its impact on students' success across multiple dimensions. Using a range of research methods—surveys, classroom observations, and mixed-methods approaches—the study investigated how engagement manifests in classrooms, how it's shaped by various internal and external influences, and its effects on academic performance as well as students’ social and emotional well-being.

The studies considered different perspectives on motivation and engagement, examining how these contribute to a better learning experience. They also looked at what these insights mean for teachers and others involved in education. The research highlighted how crucial student …

Corruption And Education: A Cross-Analysis Using Panel Data, Abdul Salam Lodhi, Adnan Nazir, Muhammad Toseef

CBER Conference

Education is the foundational pillar of every country to find pathways of prosperity, present and future. The question that academicians and legislators are trying to answer circles around whether education planting is corruption or not. On the one hand, a first strand of studies supports the role of education in negatively affecting corruption via, inter alia, channels of legal behavior, social responsibility, improved social cohesion and creation of a shackled society (Asongu & Nwachukwu, 2015; Uslaner & Rothstein 2016, Merloni 2018,; Beets, 2005; Oreopoulos and Salvanes, 2009; Acemoglu and Robinsen 2020). On the other hand, a second stream of studies …

A Summer Class Exploring Computer Science With Educators Of Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students, Meghan L. Mcsherry, Becca A. Leininger, Maria L. Johnson, Annmarie P. Thomas, Susan Outlaw, Douglas C. Orzolek

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

The purpose of this research project was to design, deliver, and informally assess the content and methodology of an introductory course focused on the block-based coding language, Scratch, for educators of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students (N=20). Prior work by The Playful Learning Lab examined various STEM resources and their effect on student perception of STEM topics and content retention when utilized for Deaf and Hard of Hearing K-12 students. Previous research has shown that computer science and programming resources and curricula available today are not fully accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing K-12 students. Educators and teachers …

Bridging The Digital Divide In Developing And Developed Countries: A Meta-Analysis, Jessie King, Eric Gotte

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

Global school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a universal shift towards technology-augmented education. This transference of learning platforms revealed both the potential and the challenges of implementing digital tools for learning worldwide. This meta-analysis examines the digital divide between developed and developing countries and how this divide disrupts the learning for students with disabilities, those living in poverty and extreme poverty as well as for those who live in remote areas. It concentrates on how technology has been used to surmount educational disparities, predominantly within the marginalized groups of students with disabilities, individuals in poverty, and those living in …

A Qualitative Study Of Iranian Efl Teachers’ Perceptions Of A Digital Diversified Education, Seyed Mohammad Reza Marvasti Zadeh, Azizollah Dabaghi Varnosfadrani Advarnosfadrani, Mohammad Amiryousefi

The Qualitative Report

Because Iran is a country of learners of diverse languages, socio-economic classes, genders, and ages, digital diversified education seems appropriate to address needs in English language education. However, there is a notable gap in research on teachers’ perceptions about this type of education. To fill this gap, this study aimed to investigate the perspectives of Iranian teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) regarding a diverse digital education. Data were collected via an open-ended survey with 30 EFL teachers, both male and female, who were selected through convenience sampling. Analysis revealed several key themes, including the utilization of diverse …

Stubborn Silos Between Pedagogy And Space Planning Limit Inclusive Higher Education Learning Environments, Louise Nagle, Petrina Comerford

Publications

This research explores lecturers' perceptions of fostering inclusion within higher education learning environments and the challenges they face in adapting to meet these expectations. An exploratory case study employing a qualitative approach was undertaken which utilized semi-structured interviews and a thematic analysis. Twelve lecturers were interviewed from diverse disciplines across an Irish university, including STEM, Social Sciences, Health, Arts and Business. The main themes that emerged were a) Considerations of Inclusion in the context of the learning environment b) Restrictions and difficulties within learning environments in terms of inclusion c) Strategy required to adapt to inclusion needs. Additional sub-themes within …

Scholar Perspectives On The Impact Of A Scientific Community Program For Neurodivergent Undergraduate Stem Scholars, Dylan Sullivan, Fernando Zavala, Derek Hidalgo, Jacob Stolle, Rebecca Matte, Christin B. Monroe

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Despite the adaptive strengths and unique problem-solving skills demonstrated by neurodivergent (ND) individuals, they remain underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. High unemployment rates among individuals with disabilities emphasize the need for addressing barriers to entry and persistence in the workforce. This study introduces a program designed to enhance opportunities for neurodivergent STEM scholars with financial needs, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The program involves: 1) a weekly cohort course to engage in professional development, 2) use of the Birkman Method® survey to help scholars identify and communicate strengths, fostering self-awareness and growth, and 3) …

The Art Of Inclusion: Theatre’S Contribution To Popular Culture Literacy For Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Catherine R. P. King

Dialogue: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Popular Culture and Pedagogy

This essay explores the transformative role of theatre in special education, focusing on its capacity to foster social skills and life navigation abilities in students with disabilities. In light of the fundamental importance of these skills for social inclusion and quality of life, the article highlights the innovative and effective approach to integrating theatre into special education classrooms. It discusses how theatre can empower students with disabilities by enhancing their social interaction, communication, and life navigation skills. In addition, the article delves into the intersection of theatre and popular culture, showcasing how theatre can serve as a valuable tool for …

Ai And The Future Of Library Accessibility: Making Digital Promotions Inclusive, Soraya Hariyani Putri Ms, Syifa Adiba Ms

Jurnal Ilmu Informasi, Perpustakaan, dan Kearsipan

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed various sectors, including the field of library and information science. Libraries, as custodians of knowledge and cultural heritage, are increasingly utilizing AI to enhance their services, particularly in the realm of digital promotions. However, there remains a significant challenge in making these promotions accessible to all users, especially those with disabilities. Despite advancements in AI, digital content produced by libraries often lacks inclusivity, particularly in catering to the needs of users with disabilities. This gap not only limits access to library services but also hinders the broader mission of libraries to serve …

Tear In The Wing, Aspen Balducci

Student Sequential Art and Comics

A short comic based on the author's own experiences with disability and acceptance, as a plus size person with knee problems, growing up.

Patterns Of Borrowing For Student Veterans, Phillip A. Morris, Jim Burke, Jen Weiss

Journal of Student Financial Aid

This study examined the relationship between individual and institutional characteristics for student veterans who borrow money while enrolled in degree-seeking programs. Using data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS 16), we established predictors of borrowing, implications of borrowing, and examined patterns in total aid awarded to this group of students. The accumulation of grant funding, Department of Defense funds, and Veteran’s Education Benefits (i.e. GI Bill) contribute to lower levels of borrowing for veterans. However, subgroups of student veterans borrow more than non-veterans, e.g. Asian and Hispanic identifying students. Significant predictors of borrowing included attending for-profit institutions, identifying …

A Global Comparison Of Communication Intervention Strategies For Justice-Involved Youth, Sophia Janeiro Martinez

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

Purpose: This paper explores the intricate relationship between communication disorders and delinquent youth behavior. It will explore the detrimental impact of zero-tolerance policies and their contribution to the school-to-prison pipeline. It will introduce issues, such as complex Miranda warning diction, and the benefits of including speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to aid in youth comprehension. Additionally, it will propose the integration of SLPs within the juvenile justice system to assist in communication between justice-involved youth (JIY) and justice professionals during conversations, questioning, and trials or hearings. Furthermore, this paper examines the roles of SLPs within juvenile justice systems abroad, including Canada, …

"Not A Cookie Cutter Situation": How Neurodivergent Students Experience Group Work In Their Stem Courses, Sophia Salvatore, Claudia White, Stephen Podowitz

College of Life Sciences Faculty Papers

Background: Although group work is increasingly used in STEM courses and may lead to improved academic outcomes, there is evidence that some implementations of group work may lead to unintended barriers for certain students’ learning. Despite the growing number of neurodivergent undergraduate students, there is limited research on neurodivergent students’ experiences with group work in STEM courses. To address this knowledge gap, the current research investigated the experiences of 22 neurodivergent undergraduate students with group work in STEM courses at a range of institution types and in a variety of STEM disciplines. Participants shared experiences with in-class and out-of-class group …

Practicing Feminist Disability Pedagogy: Building Interdependence Through A Classroom Participation Menu, Kristen L. Cole

Feminist Pedagogy

Following the lead of Parsloe & Smith (2022), this article explains and advocates possible modes of participation that consider the disabled, chronically ill, and systemically vulnerable students and faculty who are fighting to succeed in higher education. The way participation is measured in college classes is often ableist in nature; thus, it is important to unpack the ableist assumptions that undergird how we arrange and assess participation. Utilizing Knoll’s (2009) explication of interdependency as a practice of feminist disability pedagogy, this article offers a semester long activity called a participation menu, which provides a framework for distributing the responsibility of …

Making (Virtual) Space For Disability Equity In Academia, Melissa Vosen Callens, Cali Anicha, Larry Napoleon Jr.

Feminist Pedagogy

Virtual or hybrid options provide a way for marginalized faculty and staff to fully participate in their fields and on their campuses. As such, an equitable and pandemic-informed academic workplace should include fully accessible and well-resourced hybrid participation options for department meetings and events, office work, and classroom duties. In spring 2023, we created a work group on our campus to address the challenges of hybrid work and co-create campus-wide recommendations for hybrid workspaces. In this article, we share our findings and evidence-based recommendations, many of which draw on Universal Design for Learning, as well as offer suggestions on how …

Collective Access, Collective Liberation: Disability Justice And Abolitionist Pedagogical Worldmaking Toward Post(?)-Pandemic Futures, Hailey N. Otis

Feminist Pedagogy

This critical commentary poses the question: what if we didn’t return to the “normal” of strict, ableist classrooms policies rooted in the bureaucratic, legalistic framework of “accommodations” and, instead, embraced the Disability Justice principle of collective access? After critiquing the accommodations process used in most higher education settings, I advocate for an approach we might call collective access pedagogy, which works from the fundamental assumptions that (1) all bodies exist on a spectrum of dis/ability and, thus, we all have individual needs based on our unique bodyminds, and (2) that we don’t need the constant threat of a pandemic to …

Curtains Up - Utilizing Assistive Technology For Inclusive Theater Experiences, Lauren Tucker, Nikki Burnell, Morgan Dalton, Marisa Donenfeld, Catherine Gruszka Vadala

Journal of the Arts and Special Education

Community partnerships can enhance inclusive spaces within the performing arts maximizing the knowledge and expertise within organizations. This article shares the components of a collaboration between a non-profit performing arts venue and a graduate program in assistive technology (AT). Through this affiliation visual and communication supports were designed and implemented at sensory-friendly and relaxed performances offered at the theater. A patron profile is presented to illustrate how the supports were integrated before, during, and after the event. The article concludes with next steps and actual patron perspectives as a result of the relationship.

Impact Of County-Level Urbanicity On Quality Of Life For People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities In A Rural State., Alyssa M. Smith, Allison Caudill

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face challenges, such as decreased access to physical, environmental, and social health-related services that can negatively impact their overall quality of life (QoL). Additionally, people living in rural communities may experience geographic distancing and other factors, like decreased transportation and available housing, that contribute to increased isolation and decreased health outcomes, overall. It is important to consider the QoL of people with IDD living in these communities given the additional intersectional constraints of rurality and having an intellectual disability or other co-occurring conditions. A secondary data analysis reviewed closed and open-ended survey data …

Acknowledgments, Matthew T. Wappett Ph.D.

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Web Services Workshop, Molly A. Cross

Library Presentations

No abstract provided.

Get Fit! With Math And Lit: A Pilot Program Of Physical Activity, Mathematics, And Literacy With Middle Grades Students Through Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Christine L. Craddock, Brittany Pinkerton

Current Issues in Middle Level Education

In an afterschool program at a university literacy center, we piloted the integration of physical activity with multimodal mathematics and literacy exercises. We aimed to incorporate the three tenets of culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) including academic success, cultural competence, and critical consciousness with middle grades participants by utilizing a sports-based youth development model (SBYD), Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR). Participants participated in 30-minute sessions bi-weekly over two months, which included reflective discussions and journaling to begin and end activities, respectively. Participants were invited to suggest activities during sessions and interact cooperatively with facilitators and peers. They also engaged in …

The Educational Experiences Of Children And Adolescents With An Ryr1-Related Disease, Jeremy Armann

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper investigates the educational experiences of children and adolescents diagnosed with RYR1-related diseases, a spectrum of congenital myopathies affecting muscle function. Despite these conditions typically sparing cognitive abilities, they profoundly impact physical capabilities, presenting challenges in school environments such as participation in physical activities and social interactions. The study utilizes data collected through the RYR1-Related Disease Educational Impact and Satisfaction Survey (RDEISS) and the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) from 49 parents of 51 children aged 3-18 years. Findings reveal prevalent classroom difficulties including handwriting issues and written expression difficulties, with 78% of children receiving special education services, …

Creating A Culture Of College And Career Readiness- Strategies And Interventions For African American Students, James R. Ford

All Dissertations

The persistent underrepresentation of African American students in college and career ready graduates presents a significant challenge within U.S. educational systems. This study investigates targeted strategies to increase the percentage of African American students graduating from high school college or career ready per South Carolina standards. The research was conducted in a rural school district known for its diverse student body and significant disparities in educational outcomes. The study's primary objective was to identify and implement educational interventions that enhance college and career readiness (CCR) specifically for African American students, thereby aiming to bridge the gap in readiness and contribute …

Consultation Versus Direct Special Education Services And Postschool Outcomes For Individuals With Disabilities As Assessed By Indicator 14 Data, Callie Welch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is abundant research relating to transition supports and services for students with disabilities as they move out of high school into adulthood; however, relatively little is known about the relationship between the type of special education services they received and their postschool outcomes. Guided by the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and Tennessee’s Indicator 14 survey, I sought to better understand the relationship between the type of special education services received in high school and student further schooling or employability after graduation. Data were drawn from Indicator 14 surveys from 2021 and 2024 conducted by a rural school district …

Using Improvement Science To Reduce Student Retention In High School Through School-Based Mentoring, Ellen B. Borland

All Dissertations

The disproportionate demographics among retained students must be addressed. School-based mentoring has been recognized as an effective tool for motivating and supporting students at-risk of not graduating on time. This research aimed to explore the impact of a school-based mentoring program on positive student outcomes, specifically academic achievement, among high school students at-risk of not graduating on time. This study followed twenty-three students and mentors throughout the school year, and examined the association between school-based mentoring and grade level retention or promotion. The results were compared to the same group of students and their performance during the previous school year, …