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Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4463-6265
Date Available
12-31-2026
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Community & Leadership Development
College
Agriculture, Food and Environment
Department/School/Program
Community and Leadership Development
Faculty
Sarah R. Sprayberry
Faculty
Wes Harrison
Abstract
Throughout history, individuals with disabilities have not been provided the same opportunities at the same rigor as their peers. However, many industries work diligently to provide means for individuals with disabilities to be incorporated into events. To mitigate this issue, disability-inclusive livestock events have begun to form across the country, where 4-H and FFA members mentor individuals with disabilities. Even with the inclusion of all individuals, this overshadows the mentor's lack of previous collaboration and knowledge about disabilities. This qualitative study examined mentors’ self-efficacy before and after volunteering for the 2025 Sunshine class, while participating in a disability awareness training program. Based on participants' responses from the semi-structured interviews, it was found that the mentor’s four pillars of self-efficacy (mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, emotional and psychological feedback) had a greater influence on their self-belief than the disability training. It was also established that participants' attitudes and beliefs about inclusion were pre-established based on personal influences. Even though the training did not leave a drastic impact on mentors, it was still a recognized tool that participants reflected on. Based on this study, youth development programs should consider implementing longer disability awareness interventions to increase self-efficacy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2026.219
Archival?
Archival
Recommended Citation
Childress, Hannah Grace, "BUILDING INCLUSIVE AGRICULTURE: DEVELOPING TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH IN THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY TO SUPPORT DISABILITY INCLUSION THROUGH THE 2025 SUNSHINE CLASS" (2026). Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development. 82.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cld_etds/82
