empowering students with hidden disabilities preface.pdf

Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities

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

and LeDerick Horne

Contents

  1. Why Do So Many People with Hidden Disabilities Struggle?
  2. The Path to Disability Pride: Assisting Students as They Dare to Dream.
  3. Mentoring: Guiding Students Toward Disability Pride.
  4. Transition: Planning for College and Careers.
  5. College Life: Valuable Life Lessons in the Classroom and on Campus.
  6. Daring for the Dream Career: Living a Life of Value.
  7. The Last Transition: Disability Pride and Quality Relationships with Bill Bauer.

About the Authors

Margo Vreeburg Izzo, Ph.D., is Program Director for Transition Services

at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center. She has extensive experience in designing and directing projects that improve the transition from high school to college and careers. Dr. Vreeburg Izzo has developed educational curricula, conducted numerous trainings, managed the development of various dissemination products, and published over 35 peer-reviewed articles. She is also a person with ADHD and believes that individuals with hidden disabilities can succeed when they exercise self-determination.

LeDerick Horne, labeled as neurologically impaired in third grade, is a dynamic spoken-word poet and advocate for people with disabilities. He regularly speaks at various events and utilizes his talent for poetry to discuss equal opportunity, pride, self-determination, and hope for individuals with disabilities.

About the Contributor

Bill Bauer, Ph.D., is Professor of Education at Marietta College with a background in rehabilitation counseling. Despite having a sensorineural bilateral hearing loss, he has worked extensively with youth, adults, and families with various disabilities.

Foreword

In 2003, I faced the complex realities of parenting a child with disabilities. It inspired my journey in advocating for inclusive education, highlighting the significant differences in experiences for children with visible versus hidden disabilities. This connection is crucial for empowering students with hidden disabilities.

Preface

Some Words from LeDerick

Since my graduation, I have worked with various organizations dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. The intention of this book is to provide an authentic narrative and guidance from those who have lived with hidden disabilities.

Overview of Chapters

Each chapter of the book broadens the understanding of disability from an asset-based approach.