Hailey Berry

I graduated in December 2019 with a degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Disability Studies from the Institute on Human Development and Disability.

This certificate program helped me explore and think critically about topics I was already passionate about. Afterwards I felt more confident in my ability to advocate for people in a productive way. It helped me more fully understand ways to validate and support individuals that have a variety of disabilities.

I am currently working at the Aspiro adventure wilderness therapy program based in Mount Pleasant Utah. 

Each week I work as a field guide and take a group of students on an adventure itinerary for 8 days at a time. We will do either backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking, day hiking, canyoneering, and skiing. The program is based around a therapeutic model that incorporates traditional therapy in conjunction with adventure activities. 

My goals for the future are to work as a field guide at Asprio for a year and then transition into law school. I plan to restart school in the Fall of 2021 and I want to focus on disability and educational rights law. 

I think taking the disability classes offered at UGA are extremely helpful for everyone. It is always productive to encourage better understanding of a typically misunderstood and under represented group of people. I learned a lot from these courses and am very grateful for that opportunity. I would encourage everyone to take these classes.