“Being invited into a student’s journey is something I never took for granted. When someone reaches out for support, it’s a brave act. I always tried to meet them with compassion.”
Rusty Krumm, former SDCCD WorkAbility III vocational specialist
For 23 years, Albert “Rusty” Krumm dedicated himself to creating spaces of belonging and opportunity for students with disabilities throughout the San Diego Community College District. Before retiring this past spring, he dedicated his career to helping hundreds of students feel seen, preparing them for careers, and advocating for their needs.
As a vocational specialist with the Disability Support Programs and Services WorkAbility III program, and previously as an employment outreach specialist, Krumm’s influence extends across the District. He helped shape a culture of belonging and inclusion among faculty and staff — he was a trusted voice who understood the challenges of students with disabilities because he had lived them.
“Rusty is an amazing example of what people with significant disabilities can accomplish when access is ensured,” said Poppy Fitch, dean of Wellness and Disability Support Programs and Services.
A spinal cord injury left Krumm quadriplegic at age 12. At that time, 1969, living a meaningful life with disabilities was uncertain. Education and inclusion were afterthoughts in a world not built for people with disabilities. Doctors advised his parents to institutionalize him. They refused.
“Schools weren’t accessible. There were no disability rights laws, no internet, no road map. It was learn-as-you-go,” Krumm recalled. “But growing up in a small town in South Jersey had its upside; people looked out for each other.”
That sense of community planted early seeds of resilience. Still, adulthood came with its own barriers. After moving to San Diego in 1982, Krumm struggled to find employment. Like many people with visible disabilities, he faced limited opportunities. Instead of giving up, he turned to the SDCCD and enrolled in classes at San Diego City and Mesa colleges.
“For years, I volunteered and took classes just to feel part of something,” he said. “Community college gave me a sense of purpose before I even realized that’s what I was looking for.”
A turning point came in 2002 when Rusty, then working at a nonprofit independent living center, met DSPS instructor Lori Contreras. After witnessing his passion for advocacy, she encouraged him to apply for an open position in the WorkAbility III program at the SDCCD. It would become his first full-time job at age 43.
“That is when I found belonging. I was overwhelmed with gratitude when I got my long-awaited job. I was so happy I wanted to frame my first paycheck,” Krumm said. “There is such a remarkable difference between collecting disability benefits and collecting a paycheck. I cried knowing I was giving back.”
And the District, he said, led by example in supporting him. Krumm remembers various
hardships, including local wildfire emergencies and when he broke his femur, where
the District and his immediate supervisors stepped up to support him and his colleagues.
“That kind of support shows you what real belonging looks like,” he said.
Assistive technology also played a role in his own success. At Access to Independence
and the SDCCD, Krumm found workplaces that not only understood his needs but also
anticipated them.
“Having an employer who understands and embraces assistive technology makes a world of difference. The SDCCD went above and beyond, not only supplying assistive devices but also ensuring I had access to the latest technology and tailored everything to my needs.”
Now happily retired, Krumm enjoys spending time with his family and community, and he continues to be an active advocate. He currently mentors a young man with multiple disabilities, helping him navigate education, independence, and employment.
“He’s a triple amputee who was home-schooled his entire life. It’s been a fun and eye-opening experience, and I’m hopeful he’ll soon be connected with SDCCD, California Department of Rehabilitation, and the WorkAbility III program,” shared Krumm.