Students’ Perspectives: Leveraging Student Workers to Expand Services and Increase Sense of Belonging

Handouts Media

Presented at 8:00am in Windsor on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

Speaker(s)

• Leila Flores-Torres, Ph.D., University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• Tonya Paulette, Director, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Session Details

• Length of Session: 1-hr
• Format: Lecture
• Expertise Level: Expert
• Type of session: General Conference

Summary

This presentation focuses on the contribution of student workers to the expansion of accessibility services and to the perception of sense of belonging of students with disabilities. We will explore the experiences and perspectives of university students who provide accessibility services, and those who utilize accessibility services and supports.

Abstract

Research about positive student and faculty interactions also highlights the importance of peer-to-peer interactions in the university community. Intrinsic motivation and academic mastery have been associated with increased sense of belonging, which is important for students with disabilities who receive accessibility services (Tinto, 1987; Freeman, Anderman & Jensen, 2007; Osterman, 2000; Tao, Iong & Wu, 2008). This study focuses on the contribution of student workers to the provision and expansion of accessibility services and to the perception of sense of belonging of students with disabilities. Student workers provide key services to students with disabilities, including alternate format, outreach through social media, case management, assistive technology support and tutorials, and peer mentoring. We will highlight the experiences and perspectives of university students who provide accessibility services, and those who are the beneficiaries of services and supports.

Keypoints

1. Leveraging student workers
2. Enhancing accessibility services
3. Sense of belonging

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Other, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Leila Flores-Torres

Leila Flores-Torres obtained a degree in clinical psychology from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Monterrey, México, a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the University of Texas Pan-American, and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Leila has worked in the fields of education and disabilities for over 20 years. She has also provided mental health counseling, and has conducted disability outreach and research. Leila currently works as the Assistant Director for UTRGV’s Student Accessibility Services Office, as is a part-time lecturer with the School of Rehabilitation. She has co-authored several research publications. Leila has presented her work nationally and internationally, in the United States, Mexico, India and Japan.

Tonya Paulette

Tonya Paulette serves as the Director of Student Accessibility Services at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in Edinburg, Texas. Ms. Paulette has spent more than 20 years working in the field of disabilities, with 6 years in higher education and 14 years in public school districts where her roles included Educational Diagnostician, Autism Services Coordinator, and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is also currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at UTRGV.

Handout(s)

• Leveraging Student Workers - AHG Nov2018 Final