Our personality profile for this week is Dr. Daniel Weigel, the Director of the Student Access Office at Avila University.
He is in his third year at Avila, serving in this position. He also served as a full-time faculty member for 17 years prior to arriving at Avila.
Dr. Weigel has a strong background in mental health counseling and addiction counseling. His knowledge in mental health counseling and teaching helped steer him down his current career path as a disability services professional.
In terms of his job, Dr. Weigel uses one effective and successful approach when meeting with students. This is a person-centered approach. From this approach, he views students as the experts on their lives and their disabilities.
“I view disability as a rich part of human diversity,” stated Weigel.
He views disabilities not as limitations but as unique expressions of the individuality of Avila’s student population. Together with students, he explores barriers they face in conjunction with their disabilities.
Dr. Weigel has placed a great emphasis on increasing awareness of mental health disabilities among students this year. He shared that his goal is to talk with all Avila students who live with disabilities. Also, provide a compassionate and non-judgmental environment to discuss each student’s unique needs.
Dr. Weigel encourages any student living with a disability to contact his office to discuss any barriers they may be facing. In addition to the services Student Access may be able to provide, he can assist students in connecting with a variety of other helpful resources.
Dr. Weigel is available for a confidential conversation regarding any student’s disability-related needs.
(816) 501-3606
Hodes Center for Student Excellence.
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