Diversity Fellow Project, Rasheeda Alford
Families of School Age Children with Disabilities Financial Stress and Resilience Study
Families of School Age Children with Disabilities Financial Stress and Resilience Study (213 K) Download
Project Narrative
1. Please describe your activities during your Fellowship experience. Describe your final capstone project(s).
My fellowship opened my eyes to the history of individuals living with disabilities in the United States and other places in the world. Dr. Rackensperger was very informative in providing us with information on policies that affect this community and her presentations helped to put things in perspective. It was also enlightening to hear her lived experiences. Dr. Jinnah served as our principal investigator for the Financial Stress and Resiliency Study with African American mothers with exceptional children. As a newcomer to the research world, I was introduced to the IRB application process, participant recruitment, creating surveys, qualitative interviewing, and analyzing data. It was my honor to sit down with these mothers and hear their stories.
2. Who did your project inform, help, influence or impact? (UCEDD, individual, community, state) How?
I had the opportunity to present my research poster at the AUCD conference and was able to network with other professionals and received positive feedback. The women I interviewed were relieved to share their stories with someone and were interested in a support group. I am in the process of creating a social media platform and support group for Black women in the Athens community to address some of the expressed needs for social support that was brought up during the interviews. It is my intent to provide healing spaces for these women who may not have the financial means or access to supports from persons of color.
3. Why did you choose to work on that project(s)?
During the literature review on the intersectionality of disability, race, and poverty, Dr. Jinnah noticed that research focusing on the financial stress of African American mothers with children with significant disabilities was missing. We were interested in understanding how significant disabilities may increase financial stress due to expenses such as therapies, etc. In addition, we were interested in exploring the ways these mothers accessed coping strategies to combat this financial stress. Working on this project it was apparent to me the high resiliency in these women and the need to support them in their journeys to go from surviving to thriving by way of social support and providing resources.
4. What did you gain from being a Diversity Fellow?
As a Diversity Fellow, I was able to increase my knowledge of disability history. I am now more understanding of the impact of the intersectionality of disability, race & poverty. The research process has enhanced my interviewing and analytical skills. I gained exposure to creating a research poster and presenting and networking at a national conference.
5. How will this experience impact your education or career decisions?
Serving as a Diversity Fellow has increased my awareness of disability issues, confidence, passion, and research skills. My experience in this fellowship has confirmed my interest in research and has provided a formative experience of working with the community to provide supports. This research is a beneficial addition to my resume and research experience.
6. What are your future goals? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
In May I will be receiving my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia. I have applied to several Counseling Psychology Doctoral programs. I envision myself doing community-based participatory research in the Black community, particularly with women. My plan is to focus on addressing intergenerational trauma and sexuality. I will create healing spaces and evidence-based interventions with these women.
7. What recommendations do you have for other fellows?
Come into your fellowship with an open mind! Do your research and ask any and all questions that come up as this is your time to shine and gain knowledge. Take responsibility for your own learning in the sense that you can make a goal/plan for what you would like to walk away from your experience. Get to know the population you want to partner with and learn from them.