This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act and its landmark Section 504 Plan, which prohibits disability-based discrimination for any institution receiving federal financial assistance. This transformative legislation, firmly anchored in the principles of civil rights, not only reshaped the educational landscape but also stands as a cornerstone of disability activism, paving the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act and other milestones.
"National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the diverse talents and abilities that individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce," said Dr. Poppy Fitch, SDCCD Dean of Wellness and DSPS. "At the San Diego Community College District, we believe it is a powerful reminder that when we create inclusive and accessible environments, we unlock the full potential of every person, paving the way for a thriving society."
In line with this year’s national theme of “Advancing Access and Equity,” SDCCD community members can find several opportunities this month to expand their disability awareness, integrate simple accessibility techniques, and foster connections with DSPS personnel to create strengthened support systems for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities.
Advancing Access and Equity at SDCCD
Within the SDCCD community, dedicated efforts are ushering in a new chapter of advancements that resonate with this year’s “Advancing Access and Equity” theme. At the District, DSPS is excited to showcase several projects that embody this mission:
Disability and the World of Work: Launched last year, this WorkAbility III[BROKEN LINK]-led workshop helps job-seeking students with disabilities navigate all aspects of employment, including crafting resumes, preparing for interviews, and making informed choices about disclosing non-apparent disabilities.
Disability Aware: A cross-college collaboration made possible by the Perkins Reserve Innovation Grant, this three-hour professional development course empowers SDCCD faculty and staff to learn about the diverse disability community, implement accessibility strategies, and foster connections with DSPS.
California Sub Minimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment Project: With a three-year, $1.8 million grant, SDCCD will partner with the California Department of Rehabilitation to transition individuals from subminimum wage settings to competitive integrated employment. Over 12,000 Californians with disabilities currently earn less than minimum wage, and this project aims to end this practice. By offering pre-vocational and vocational skills training, educational coaching, mentoring, employment services, and post-employment support, SDCCD will help 100-120 individuals transition to real-wage, integrated work settings.
Proactive Outreach at Mesa College
This year, Mesa DSPS Coordinator Erika Higginbotham and her team are focused on "illuminating pathways for student retention and success through proactive outreach efforts and highly individualized support services, ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed." Some noteworthy projects at Mesa include:
Academic Facilitator Program: Students are provided with one-on-one academic and technology support throughout their time at Mesa.
Test Proctoring Center (TPC): Opening its doors this fall to serve all Mesa College students, the Center provides a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible learning environment, allowing all Mesa College students the opportunity to thrive.
Making the Invisible Visible at Miramar College
Miramar’s DSPS staff is focusing their efforts around a theme of “Making the Invisible Visible.”
According to DSPS Coordinator Kandice Brandt, “We could not be more excited to embrace this theme as so often the needs and experiences of students with disabilities are not clearly visible. DSPS is committed to advancing understanding, awareness, and appreciation for the diversity that is disability throughout all that we do!”
Current projects for Miramar DSPS are all about emphasizing training, making meaningful connections, and highlighting success. For example:
Connections and Conversations: A monthly counselor-led student workshop series that creates opportunities for students to connect with one another socially and academically while also learning together about study strategies, career development, transfer, and goal setting.
Showcasing Student Success: This month, DSPS students and their achievements will be celebrated with particular attention paid to the skills they are developing through engagement in volunteer and paid employment.
Get Involved!
If you’re interested in learning more about advancing access and equity at SDCCD and its colleges, we invite you to follow us on Instagram and visit the DSPS website[BROKEN LINK] for more information and educational opportunities for the SDCCD community, including our Districtwide calendar of NDEAM events[BROKEN LINK]!
Employers and employees in all industries can always learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages—during October and throughout the year—by visiting dol.gov/NDEAM.