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Disability identity is a deeply personal journey that shapes how individuals perceive and interpret their disability in the context of their overall self. Embracing a positive disability identity is closely linked to increased self-esteem, enhanced coping strategies, and a heightened sense of motivation. It embodies self-acceptance, emotional well-being, and fosters a rich connection to the disability community.
Cultivating a strong disability identity can be incredibly empowering, enabling individuals to celebrate their unique differences and advocate passionately for themselves and others. Participants will be equipped with best practices to inspire student activities centered on identity exploration and develop effective strategies for self-advocacy.
Objectives
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Understand and explore disability as a core identity
- Foster self-awareness and enhance self-advocacy skills
- Reduce stigmatization and increase postsecondary success
About the presenters:
Montisha Hines-Goosby has over 25 years of experience serving the citizens of Texans. She began her career at the University of Houston and after completing graduate school, she later worked for The Department of State Health Services working with Medicaid waiver programs for Medically Fragile children. She joined the legacy agency, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) in 2005 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. After only a few months on the job, she began working with the School Transition Program. She progressed from DARS to the Texas Workforce Commission as the regional transition specialist for the Greater Houston area (Texas Gulf Coast). She worked collaboratively with several organizations, agencies, and school districts to develop and create pre-employment transition programs. This work ultimately led to her current role as lifePATH Director at Lone Star College Montgomery. Montisha is working to model and expand the lifePATH program initially developed at the Tomball campus. The lifePATH program works with neurodiverse students by focusing on academic skills, providing career exploration, and increasing social skills. Montisha is most passionate about advancing and improving the post-secondary outcomes of students with disabilities. Montisha is a Licensed Master Social Worker, earning a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Houston. She also holds a Doctoral Degree in Higher Education Leadership from Sam Houston State University.
Kelli Grissom-Henderson helped establish the lifePATH program at Lone Star College Montgomery. She is an experienced educator with over 10 years of experience spanning from elementary through post-secondary education. With a Master of Education in Special Education, Kelli has developed and presented on various topics, including Universal Design for Learning (UDL), neurodivergent students, and curriculum development. Kelli is passionate about creating inclusive, accessible learning environments that empower all students to succeed. With a passion for fostering understanding and accessibility, Kelli is committed to helping educators and institutions support the success of every learner.
