A Course on the Intersectionality of Disability, American Indians, and Rurality (Hill)
A Course on the Intersectionality of Disability, American Indians, and Rurality (2081 K) Download
1. Please describe your activities during your Fellowship experience. Describe your final capstone project(s).
The Diversity Fellowship with the Rural Institute on Inclusive Communities (RIIC) at the University of Montana included several activities. The training was provided through the RIIC regarding its program at UM and how the RIIC fit into the overall AUCD network. In addition, I was connected with URLEND and able to observe several of their graduate seminars and also joined the AUCD Mental Health Learning Group. These trainings were in preparation for the primary activity of developing a course on disability and American Indians. In collaboration with Helen Russette, my co-Diversity Fellow, we worked on the development and implementation of the Intersectionality of Disability, American Indians, and Rurality course. This graduate-level course was co-taught by Helen and myself in the Fall 2019 semester and housed in the Native American Studies department. This course was designed to teach graduate students enrolled in health care programs about the intersectionality of disability, race, and rurality in public health settings. The course focused on public health topics relevant to American Indians with a disability who reside on American Indian reservations, specifically in Montana. Montana is a rural state that is home to twelve tribal nations and seven Indian reservations which are located in rural and isolated settings. The intersectionality of this underserved population requires an understanding of both the tribal cultures and the history of health care for American Indian people.
2. Who did your project inform, help, influence or impact? (UCEDD, individual, community, state) How?
This project informed graduate students at the University of Montana in the fields of Community Health, Counselor Education, Journalism, Native American Studies, and Public Health who participated in the semester course. This project will impact the employees and students working for RIIC as they will have access to this online course.
3. Why did you choose to work on that project(s)?
Within Education and the Social Sciences, it is challenging to identifying funding that supports graduate education. I was fortunate to have been identified by the RIIC through their campus outreach efforts and asked to apply. As an educator and advocate, I was eager to be involved in the course development project as it involved both a teaching component and covers topics that are important in education but do not receive enough attention. As a member of the Crow Nation and as an advocate it is important for me to provide resources to tribal communities as well as provide cultural competency training for non-tribal people working in our communities. This project allowed me to serve both populations.
4. What did you gain from being a Diversity Fellow?
This Diversity Fellowship provided me with many learning and networking opportunities. I had access to AUCD Learning Groups and networked with local and national AUCD members. I also learned about the work being done in disability and became more aware of issues people with disabilities face regarding accessibility and inclusion. Also, I was able to gain course development and online teaching experience. In addition to the professional development this capstone provided, it also had a personal impact on my understanding of the importance of advocacy in the field of disability. Developing an understanding of the intersectionality of disability and American Indian people provided me with the direction in my advocacy work. This project provided space for me to reflect on the people in my life who have disabilities and what I need to be doing to making sure they have access to what they need.
5. How will this experience impact your education or career decisions?
Continuing to pursue a career in higher education, this experience will impact the work I am involved in around disability and accessibility. This experience adds another area that I feel confident in advocating for and informing others about. My plans to return to student support services and become a college instructor is now enhanced by the knowledge I gained in this fellowship.
6. What are your future goals? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I will continue to serve as an educator with hopes of teaching in higher education. In my work, I will stay focused on diversity and inclusion.
7. What recommendations do you have for other fellows?
Explore all of the resources in the AUCD Network and do not hesitate to reach out to others. The knowledge that is shared within this network is easily accessible and others are willing to pass on information.