Disability Aware
Disability Aware Background
Disability Aware was created by the San Diego Community College District’s DSPS teams with review from DSPS students to help people better understand the disability community and to promote simple inclusion practices. Inspired by the Safe Zone Project for LGBTQ awareness, this training aims to reduce barriers in education and work. In 2024, it was adapted for local employers and made open source, so anyone can use it in schools or workplaces to help build a more inclusive environment.
Funding & Predecessors
This training was developed by DSPS with generous support from the Perkins Reserve Innovation Grant.
Special thanks to the creators and facilitators of recent DEI initiatives (Ability Ally, Safe Zone Project, Racelighting, Spoon Theory, and more!) which provide excellent models and resources while strengthening solidarity across advocacy movements. It’s an honor to help sustain and build upon the foundation laid by those who came before us.
Bring Disability Aware to your Organization
Empower your organization to lead with inclusivity by adopting Disability Aware Training for your members. This engaging course dives into essential disability awareness, practical strategies, and meaningful connections to foster a truly inclusive environment.
Disability Aware Training Will Equip Your Team To:
- Enhance Disability Awareness- Increase general knowledge around disabilities and inclusivity, tailored specifically for the needs of your organization.
- Implement Accessibility Strategies- Adopt accessible practices and tools that are easy to integrate and impactful for all members.
- Connect with Support Networks- Develop pathways to connect individuals with key support resources and disability services.
- Build Lasting Support Systems-Strengthen your organization's commitment to inclusion by empowering members to create supportive networks and collaborate with dedicated resources
Make inclusivity a core part of your organization. Adopt Disability Aware Training and create a more connected, accessible community for everyone!
Materials and Resources
Below you will find all the resources you'll need to bring Disability Aware to your college or district! Feel free to download and adjust the materials to make them perfect for your needs.
Thank you!
We thank you for your interest in Disability Aware, if you have any questions about the iniative or using the open source materials, please contact Letty Vavasour at [email protected].