Dr. Joy Mahiko is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Education - Special Education. She teaches courses in Special Education and oversees the program for Education majors to add a field in special education. Her scholarship is focused on inclusivity, quality teacher preparation, and rural special education. She is an advocate for inclusion and fair wages, especially for people with disabilities. Her other interests include serving minority at-risk youth who are at the greatest risk for substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and criminal activity.

Advocating on behalf of, and with, children and adults with disabilities to achieve greater personal dignity, choice, independence, and inclusivity has been a very humbling and rewarding experience for Joy. The insight and experiences that children and young adults with disabilities’ have in our world are so different from most other people. They think differently, they experience life differently than people without disabilities do, and have brought a fresh perspective and insight on topics that impact people with disabilities. Overall, Joy gained so much and these experiences left her with a greater acceptance of diversity and the motivation to advocate for inclusivity.