Kristine Neuber Portfolio

Goals

My goals statement has changed considerably from the time I first entered the program. My journey began in the Spring Semester of 2002.  In 2003 I left the program to reflect on my direction and priorities in life.

In September of 2004 I joined a team from Habitat for Humanity International bound for Botswana.  This trip changed the way I viewed my life and reaffirmed my commitment to completing the Ph.D. program, but with a different focus; disability policy. I re-entered the program in the Spring Semester of 2005. This change in focus explains the drastic difference in the original goals statement I submitted when I entered the program and my current goals statement explained below.

Current Goals

Portfolio #2

As I reviewed the goals I set at the time of my first portfolio, I realized that they have not changed considerably.  I work towards broad goals in my life.  It allows for more flexibility in how I accomplish them.  There are many jobs within a profession that work toward the same goal.  My philosophy has been to set broad goals and let the unpredictability of life guide you into the profession or job that is working toward the ultimate goal.  This way of thinking also allows me to adapt to what I learn about myself my skills and strengths and weaknesses.  With this way of thinking, I never have to give up on a goal; I just may have to adjust my thinking in how I am going to accomplish it.

My internship in the Capitol Hill environment made me realize that, while I am intrigued and motivated by that environment, I do not perform at my best in that fast-paced setting.  I am much more of a reflective and creative thinker.  I believe I will be more successful in an academic environment where I can create and evaluate programs and I hope inspire special education teachers.  I strive to use my experiences to advise policy makers. I hope to take and active advisory role in the area of disability policy at the governmental level as part of my responsibility.  I love the idea of working to improve the lives of people with disabilities from both the service provision and policy perspectives. 

I have narrowed one of my goals to include a focus on employment for people with disabilities. (refer to goal #3)There is a high rate of unemployment or under-employment of people with disabilities.  I believe that the issues surrounding this problem are both related to service delivery and inconsistencies in policies.  I began to explore this issue in a paper I wrote in EDUC 871 titled Disability Law: Eligibility and Service Inconsistencies, the Vertical Challenge.  My research interests have shifted in this direction.

I strive to effect positive change in the lives of individuals with disabilities. In a modest way, I have done this in my professional life as a special education teacher and now as an assistive technology specialist. I view my jouney through the Ph.D program as an opportunity to develop skills that will allow me to effect change on a larger scale and take a more active role in policy. I have two main goals in this area.

(1) To gain skills and experiences that will help me lead disability policy at the institutional level.

I have spent the last eight years working with the Office of Equity and Diversity Services and the Kellar Institute for Human disabilities to implement policies and practices related to assistive technology and web accessibility. Much of the work has resulted in programs that appear to be effective. Through my coursework, professional and reasearch activities I hope to learn how to effectively evaluate policies and determine what components make them successful.

(2) Gain skills, knowledge and experience to consult on disability policy at the governmental level

I am motivated to effect policy at the government level. The policies implemented at the institutional level are guided by those developed at the governmental level. I would like to continue to develop my understanding of policy development at the governmental level, how it is influenced and what factors make policies effective. The ultimate goal would be to develop knowledge that could help legislators avoid the development of ineffective policy.

(3) To Influence the policies and practices in special education in the public schools, and disability policy at the post-secondary level, to prepare more people with disabilities to become employed in leadership positions.

I would like to explore disability services and policy in the context of employment.  In other words, what do teachers, people with disabilities, and policy makers need to do to change the state of employment for people with disabilities?  The ultimate goal of education is to provide the skills needed to allow citizens to take an active role, and make a positive contribution to society.  Why are so many people with disabilities being left out? I would like to effect change in this area.