Lynn Gallagher

Lynn Gallagher serves as Assistant Professor of Disability Studies and Program Director for the Disabilities Studies Master of Arts Program at Loras College, teaching ARC 101, ARC 125, and ARC 336 in the ARCH Program. Her career centers on advocacy for full inclusion of individuals with disabilities across all societal domains, with leadership roles spanning state and national organizations.

Her academic credentials include:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Mundelein College of Loyola University (1979)
• Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed.) from University of Wisconsin – Platteville (2004)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from National-Louis University (2008)

Gallagher's research and professional focus centers on disability studies with emphasis on inclusive education systems, developmental disabilities policy, and autism spectrum support frameworks. Her work critically examines economic and employment barriers while developing community-based inclusion models that prioritize self-determination for persons with disabilities.

She has held pivotal leadership positions including President of IL TASH and Iowa MAEOPP, and served on boards of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, Autism Society of Illinois, Think College Illinois Task Force, and Illinois Economic and Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Task Force. Gallagher founded Galena Parent Advocates to support families navigating disability systems.

As Program Director for the new Master of Arts in Disability Studies (debuting Summer 2024), she oversees curriculum development and program implementation while mentoring students through her undergraduate teaching. Her community engagement extends to serving as Jo Daviess County Board Member and volunteer EMT with Galena IL EMS.