Summary
Meet Lily Alvarez, a passionate Student Fellow at the National Disability Center, making strides in disability research and advocacy.
Lily Alvarez’s commitment to disability research and advocacy is evident through her extensive work as a student fellow at the National Disability Center for Student Success. This month, she is involved in several key projects that emphasize her dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment.
Lily is:
- Collaborating on cross-cultural research examining disability status and sibling relationships.
- Researching how disability labels impact students’ academic performance and anxiety.
- Engaging in discussions at the Disability Cultural Center at UT Austin.
- Compiling a Research Review on definitions of disability with Faculty Cadre member North Cooc, PhD.
And on the personal front, Lily recently acquired a guide dog — a lengthy acquisition and training process — and she actively mentors in adaptive device innovation through the UT Austin MAKE-A-THON.
A Journey of Passion and Advocacy
Lily’s journey to the National Disability Center began long before she became a Student Fellow. Currently a second-year PhD student in Human Development, Culture, and Learning Sciences at UT Austin, Lily’s academic path is deeply informed by her dual degrees in Asian Cultures and Languages, and Special Education. Her research interests lie in the intricate interactions between culture, socialization, and disability diagnoses.
“Being disabled myself, I’ve always had a big interest in culture and disability,” says Lily, who is blind. “Unfortunately, there are limited academic opportunities in this field, which fueled my interest in research and advocacy.”
Lily’s connection with Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Cawthon further solidified her path. Even before meeting Dr. Cawthon, Lily was drawn to the impact of disability on education, and their collaboration has been an ideal fit.
Navigating Life with a Guide Dog
About a year ago, Lily began questioning if she needed a guide dog. Although confident in using a cane for ground-level obstacles, it didn’t provide the flexibility she required for her growing academic and travel demands. Recognizing these limitations, she reconsidered her needs and started exploring her options.
The journey to obtaining a guide dog was rigorous. Lily applied through The Seeing Eye, a guide dog school, underwent multiple medical evaluations, and waited nine months for the right match.
In May, Lily was paired with her guide dog Yumi. This marked a new chapter in her life and enhancing confidence in her independent mobility.
“Having Yumi is amazing,” she says. “There are different tools for different people. While I loved my cane, a guide dog offers benefits that a cane can’t, like warning me about overhead obstacles and providing more confidence at night.”
Lily’s days are filled with a blend of academic pursuits and personal responsibilities. Living with her parents when not residing on campus during the school year, she starts her day with training and chores, followed by library visits and studying. At UT Austin her guide dog makes navigating campus much more accessible.
Challenges and Adaptations
However, having a guide dog also comes with challenges.
“There are instances where entry is denied because people aren’t aware of guidelines for guide dogs,” Lily notes.
Although ADA Service Animal Requirements state that businesses and public places must allow service animals, this is still a challenge that most guide dog handlers face at least once.
Working with a guide dog also comes with the understanding that it is a partnership that requires time and patience. The connection isn’t instant and takes time to build even with extensive training.
“As a first-time handler, it’s a learning experience and about building relationships. Yumi is a living being with a mind of her own. She has to learn me just as much as I have to learn her before we can truly work together as a team.”
“The first six months to a year are crucial for developing a strong bond.” Lily explains.
Impactful Moments and Research
One of the most significant moments in Lily’s college career was studying abroad in Japan.
“It was really impactful because I was studying special education and Japanese. I wanted to combine the two,” she recalls. “I noticed the differences in infrastructure and cultural attitudes towards disability.”
Lily’s current research, guided by doctoral advisor Dr. Toni Falbo, examines how disability status impacts sibling relationships and fertility beliefs. Additionally, she explores how disability labels affect students’ grades, anxiety, and performance. Her work emphasizes the Social Model of Disability, focusing on how societal constructs influence disability perceptions.
Lily also faces challenges with accessibility in her research, particularly with screen readers. Conducting literature reviews using screen readers has been an ongoing struggle. This highlights the need for more accessible academic resources and tools.
Contributions and Achievements
Lily’s contributions to the National Disability Center are invaluable. She conducts systematic literature reviews and supports supplementary research, all while mirroring her interest in contextual perceptions of disability. Her dedication is fueled by the Center’s mission to achieve equity for disabled students in higher education.
“I’m proud of the Center’s accomplishments and the collective effort to expand knowledge and support for disabled students,” she says. “I also frequent the Disability Cultural Center at UT Austin, where “I share my own and learn from others’ varied experiences with disability.“
Looking Ahead
Lily aims to highlight the social aspects of disability and advocate for cultural sensitivity and diverse approaches to disability advocacy in her dissertation research.
“Understanding differences between parallel disability-related social movements can help us better understand how culture differentiates solutions to human needs,” she explains.
Her future research interests include exploring cultural mindsets towards visible disabilities and how these beliefs inform policy and quality of life. Lily is excited for the National Disability Center to continue producing research by and for disabled students, truly embodying the principle of “nothing about us without us.”
Lily Alvarez’s journey and dedication provide valuable contributions and insights at the National Disability Center. We look forward to seeing her continue to make a significant impact in the field of disability research and advocacy.
