Our Motto is
DAI’s mission is to collaborate with the URI community to create equitable access by design.
At URI, disability is recognized as a vital dimension of human diversity that strengthens our community.
We intentionally retain the term disability to confront and decrease stigma, and to affirm the identity, contributions, lived experiences, and expertise of individuals within the disability community.
As leaders in equity excellence, DAI addresses disability justice by the ongoing assessment of systemic barriers, decolonizing our policies, and improving student access for equitable participation in all aspects of higher education.
The DAI team brings lived experience, professional expertise, diagnostic insight, and active scholarly work, including research and publications across multiple disciplines, to advance disability access and inclusion.
| Our Backgrounds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Program Development | Education | Nursing |
| Curriculum Design | Education Reform | Inclusion and Inclusive Practices |
| Clinical Psychology | Design | Neurodiversity |
| School Psychology | Research | Disability Legislation |
| Social Work | Transition to Higher Education |
A trained psychologist and proud double alum of the University of Rhode Island (Master’s and Ph.D.), Paige understands both the academic and personal journey of being a URI student.
Paige is passionate about helping students with disabilities feel not just accommodated, but genuinely welcomed and valued on campus. She works closely with students, families, faculty, and campus partners to ensure access, remove barriers, and promote independence and self-advocacy. Her approach is collaborative, student-centered, and grounded in the belief that disability is an important and valued part of diversity at URI.
She looks forward to supporting students as they transition to college and build a strong foundation for success.
With nearly 25 years of experience as an educator, curriculum designer, and inclusion specialist, Niina brings deep expertise and a warm, student-centered approach to her work.
Nina is a proud neurodivergent educator who leads DAI’s neurodivergent programming and offers training and consultation on inclusive teaching practices, disability rights, transition planning, and community building. She is deeply committed to helping students feel seen, supported, and empowered as they navigate campus life and build their college experience.
The DAI Coordinators are the team members who are primarily meeting with students on a daily basis and who are really establishing those relationships with the students identified to our office and helping ensure that our students have their needs met while they navigate their time at URI.
Elizabeth is often the first friendly voice you’ll hear when you reach out to DAI, by phone, Zoom/Webex, email, or in person. She helps students and families understand the process, get connected with the right staff, and begin their journey toward accessing supports.
Walter is known for his kind, friendly presence on campus and helps provide safe, reliable point-to-point transit for students who rely on transportation services due to access needs.
In addition to our core team, we have three professional staff members who bring specialized expertise to DAI’s programming and support services. These team members focus on areas like assistive technology, transition planning, and targeted skill-building. They work closely with students to explore tools, strategies, and resources that enhance access and independence, ensuring that students not only understand what supports are available but also how to use them effectively during their time at URI.
Student Assistants & Peer Leaders
The DAI team is also supported by a group of student office assistants and peer leaders who play an important role in office operations, building community, and strengthening access across campus. We have Disability Resource Mentors (DRMs), fellow Rams carefully selected and trained to serve as peer educators, mentors, and ambassadors.
Through one-on-one and group engagement, DRMs actively support students in navigating campus life and connecting to key resources. They listen, share strategies, and guide students in building meaningful relationships. With their help, mentees can take concrete steps toward their academic and personal goals. Since DRMs have firsthand knowledge of campus systems and services, they can guide students in identifying and accessing appropriate support, navigating university processes, and finding the people, places, and opportunities that contribute to their success.
Come by and talk to us
DAI representatives will be present at the URI Welcome Days (in the winter and spring of 2026), Orientation (in June), and Open Houses (in the fall of 2026) for the Student Support Services Fair.