In December, after nearly 25 years at the Institute on Disability, Dr. David Hagner, a Research Professor at the Institute on Disability, retired.
“David epitomized what it is to be a ‘scholar advocate,’” shares Dr. Andrew Houtenville, the IOD’s Research Director. “A desire to advocate led him to investigate ways to improve the employment opportunities of people with disabilities. His adherence to sound scientific principles guided these investigations, giving him a solid footing upon which to advocate.”
Dr. Hagner served as a Research Professor and Rehabilitation Projects Director with the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability. He holds a Ph.D. in Vocational Rehabilitation from Syracuse University and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with over 30 years’ experience in teaching, research, evaluation and direct service.
While at the IOD Dr. David Hagner directed research and demonstration projects in the areas of transition, employment, and community living for individuals with disabilities. They included a model transition project for students with autism spectrum disorders and development of an online course for employment support staff. Dr. Hagner is the author of six books and over 50 chapters, monographs, and journal articles related to employment and rehabilitation. He is a frequent presenter at regional and national conferences and serves as a reviewer for several academic journals. Recently, Dr. Hagner took a trip to Poland to learn more about the disability community there and share some of his research.
Staff and colleagues gathered to celebrate Dr. Hagner’s retirement at the Red Blazer in Concord before the winter break. They shared some of their favorite stories as well as the impact of his work.
“[David’s] commitment to social equality for individuals with disabilities, [his] principles and values, as well as [his] wonderful ability to make people laugh—all this and much more—will be greatly missed at the office,” shared Beth Dixon, Outreach and Development Coordinator for the NH Leadership Series.
Everyone at the Institute on Disability wishes Dr. Hagner the best as he transitions away from the academic and research life.
