Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities

by
Margo Vreeburg Izzo, Ph.D.
Program Director, Special Education and Transition Services
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center

and
LeDerick Horne

About the Authors

Margo Vreeburg Izzo, Ph.D.

Dr. Vreeburg Izzo is Program Director for Transition Services at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center. She has extensive experience designing and directing projects that improve the transition from high school to college and careers with funding from the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation, and various state and local agencies. She believes in the importance of self-determination for individuals with hidden disabilities in achieving their goals.

LeDerick Horne

LeDerick Horne is a dynamic spoken-word poet and a passionate advocate for all people with disabilities. He uses his platform to inspire others and has spoken to various groups, including youth, educators, and policy makers, to foster understanding and support for individuals with hidden disabilities.

About the Contributor

Bill Bauer, Ph.D.

Bill Bauer is a Professor of Education at Marietta College. He has extensive experience working with youth and families with hidden disabilities, focusing on transition and life span development.

Foreword

The foreword outlines the importance of inclusive education for students with hidden disabilities and shares personal stories and insights from the authors and others regarding the challenges and triumphs faced by these individuals. It emphasizes the need for supportive environments in schools that foster understanding and inclusion.

Preface

This book aims to broaden educators’ understanding of disabilities from an asset-based approach to assist students with hidden disabilities in reaching their goals. The authors include many personal stories that illustrate the journey from struggling student to self-determined advocate.

Overview of Chapters

1. Current State of Students with Hidden Disabilities: Describes disability categories and provides teaching tips.
2. Path to Disability Pride: Discusses how individuals with hidden disabilities come to embrace their identity.
3. Mentoring: Covers models of mentoring and their impact on disability awareness and self-concept.
4. Rights and Responsibilities in College: Strategies for advocacy and academic success for students with hidden disabilities.
5. Exploring Interests and Career Opportunities: Encourages students to discover their passions and pursue careers.
6. Navigating Personal Relationships: Offers strategies for effective communication and understanding in personal relationships.

A comprehensive narrative discussing hidden disabilities, their implications in educational settings, and empowering students toward success.