Victoria L. Graf, Ph.D.

 

Victoria L. Graf, Ph.D. (Loyola Marymount University ’94)

 

Victoria Graf, Ph.D. is the Academic Program Director for the Special Education Program at Loyola Marymount University. She has spent her career as a fierce advocate for individuals with disabilities, a champion for educating teachers to serve students with disabilities, a spokesperson for state and national organizations, and is currently a convener of disability rights focused educators across the globe.  She created one of the first Catholic Inclusion Educator Preparation Programs in the U.S. and a online program for Catholic educators to teach and support Catholic school students with disabilities and their families. She has engaged an army of staunch disability supporters who call attention to the needs of this marginalized population and collaborates with disability rights advocates in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and South Africa.  Dr. Graf’s work impacts many sectors: schools, districts, dioceses, and community and state agencies. The impact of her work reflects her focused commitment “to the well-being of others,” particularly those often neglected in schools and systems.  Her enthusiasm inspires her students and colleagues to go out into the field and fight for the rights of people living on the margins—for the greater glory of God.