Emerging adults with autism encounter a series of complex systems with different protections under existing legal frameworks. As this occurs, the responsibility for advocating for their rights and needs transfers from educators and families to students themselves. The demands present in higher education settings increase exponentially as students…

The purpose of this applied research project was to investigate the problem of the lack of parent training and advocacy centers in rural areas, which currently affects many parents of children with disabilities and educational agencies across the United States. This research paper will enhance the readers understanding of why the problem exists,…

One undergraduate's transformational story of self-discovery and personal development frames this discussion of the importance of undergraduate involvement in social justice research. In this article, the authors first share a bit about the national landscape regarding community-university engagement initiatives. They also share research findings…

This study provides a model of academic identity development for college students with learning disabilities from the integrative self-determination themes of persistence, competence, career decision making, and self-realization. Nineteen self-determined and high-achieving participants were interviewed. The participants' stories illustrate how…

Student health advocates (SHAs) are high school students who, under the supervision of the school nurse, provide health education and health promotion activities to other students via a peer education model. This 3-year follow-up study explored how the SHA experience influences career choice and attitudes of the participants. It also examined what…