Alison Zagona

University of Arizona
Special Education
PhD Candidate

At a young age, I learned that I wanted to spend my life and career working to support individuals with disabilities to be more included in school and community life.  I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in special education from the University of Arizona, and I continued on in my studies to earn my Master of Arts in special education for individuals with severe and multiple disabilities.  I taught here in Tucson for five years, in the role of an inclusion specialist.  I am passionate about inclusion for individuals with disabilities, and while teaching I realized several interests that I wanted to pursue further to improve the supports available to students with disabilities.  I began the PhD program in special education with a focus in severe and multiple disabilities here at the University of Arizona in 2012, and my research interests are focused on aspects of effective inclusion, including: implementation of IEPs, collaboration and consultation, and strategies to support social skills development of students with significant disabilities.