Learning from Each Other: Developing an Effective Peer Mentoring Program for Students with Disabilities to Facilitate Access and Community

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To navigate college independently and successfully, students with disabilities need to hone their skills to navigate what can sometimes be an inaccessible or non-inclusive environment. Peer Mentor Programs at Purdue University and the University of California, Riverside are examples of programming initiatives designed to support a student’s transition to college. Participants will learn how to establish an enriching peer mentoring program for students with disabilities and have the opportunity to learn strategies for recruitment, training, leadership development, and data collection.

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Description

Contributors

Jennifer Biggers

Jennifer Biggers is a disability specialist at the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) at University of California-Riverside Campus. Jennifer works with students with psychological disabilities, chronic health conditions, and learning disabilities. Jennifer’s expertise lies in post-secondary transition readiness. At UC Riverside, Jennifer oversees the SDRC Peer Mentor Program, Time Management Workshop Series, and SDRC [beginning of the year] Bootcamp.
Ryan McCombs

Ryan McCombs, M.A. serves as the Director of the Disability Access Center at Purdue University Fort Wayne in Indiana. Ryan has past experiences with developing and coordinating the Peer Mentor Program at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Ryan also holds a board position as President of IN-AHEAD (Indiana Association of Higher Education and Disability). Ryan has been a long-time member of the Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA). Ryan earned his Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education at Ball State University in 2017 and his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Purdue University West Lafayette and will graduate in 2023. In addition, Ryan has eight years of experience within the field of education, including a mixed experience as a student affairs and disability services professional, as well as time as a K-12 educator. Currently as a Director, Ryan draws from his own disabled experiences to help ensure students have equal access within the campus environment by grounding his work in the social justice model of disability.

Thank you

Description

Contributors

Jennifer Biggers

Ryan McCombs