Maxine Squirrell, Senior Manager, Disabled Student Services
Professional Overview
Maxine Squirrell is an experienced leader in the field of disability services in higher education. As the Senior Manager of Disabled Student Services at The Open University, she is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of comprehensive support programs to empower students with disabilities. With a strong background in student advocacy and disability policy, Maxine has dedicated her career to creating inclusive, accessible educational environments.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Maxine has served as the Senior Manager of Disabled Student Services at The Open University since 1998. In this role, she is responsible for managing a team of disability support coordinators and liaising with faculty and staff to ensure that the university's programs and services are inclusive and accommodating for students with diverse needs. Under Maxine's leadership, the Disabled Student Services department has expanded its offerings, including the implementation of assistive technology initiatives and the development of customized learning plans for students.
Career Progression
Prior to her current position, Maxine held the role of Disability Coordinator at the University of Cambridge, where she advocated for the rights of students with disabilities and collaborated with campus partners to improve accessibility and support services. Maxine's career journey has been marked by her unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities and driving positive change within the higher education sector.
Academic Background
Maxine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Policy from the University of Warwick, where she graduated with honors. She also completed a Master of Science degree in Disability Studies from the University of Leeds, further strengthening her expertise in the field of disability advocacy and inclusive education.
Areas of Expertise
- Disability services and support program management
- Accessible education program development
- Assistive technology implementation and training
- Disability policy and compliance
- Student advocacy and case management
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement
Professional Impact
Under Maxine's leadership, the Disabled Student Services department at The Open University has consistently exceeded its enrollment and student satisfaction targets, with a 95% student satisfaction rate in the most recent academic year. Maxine has also been instrumental in spearheading the university's digital accessibility initiative, which has resulted in a significant increase in the availability of online course materials and resources for students with disabilities.
Maxine's commitment to inclusive education and her expertise in disability services have been recognized by her peers, and she has been invited to speak at several national and international conferences on the topic of accessibility in higher education. She is also an active member of the National Association of Disability Practitioners, where she serves on the policy and advocacy committee.
Conclusion
With over two decades of experience in the field of disability services, Maxine Squirrell has established herself as a respected leader and innovator in the higher education sector. Her dedication to creating inclusive and accessible educational environments has made a tangible impact on the lives of countless students with disabilities. As she continues to drive forward the Disabled Student Services department at The Open University, Maxine remains committed to empowering individuals with diverse needs and fostering a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape.
