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Disability Awareness Month

Disability Awareness Month 2020

What is Disabilities Awareness Month?

Disabilities Awareness Month operates with the expressed purpose of educating the public about everything from universal design in education to social justice, and employment issues impacting persons with disabilities. It also serves as a celebration of the many and varied contributions of individuals with disabilities throughout history. Join us this October as we promote the independence, integration and inclusion of all people with disabilities.

Disabilities Awareness Month Events and Links:

Oct. 29th, 2020: Disabilities Awareness Panel, 5:30pm-7pm

Join us at this interactive panel discussion where past Cerritos College students with disabilities will tell their own stories. In addition, hear about issues impacting students/individuals with disabilities seeking alternative and additional ways to promote inclusion and empowerment among the disability community at Cerritos College.

Zoom Link or https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/96630093722

Disabilities Awareness Success Stories

Adam Ortega Major: Civil Engineering Academic Goal: Civil Engineering B.S. My Success at Cerritos College hasn’t always been easy, didn’t come easy and has been truly aided by the DSPS Program at Cerritos College. The services offered at DSPS have helped me and I am so grateful for my specialist Rachel Martinez. Who has been the biggest help at Cerritos College. She has shown me so many great things ranging from helpful websites for assistance in my upper level math problems, shown and pushed me to apply for scholarships, shared knowledge of the different services that the DSPS program offers, and explained how varies services have helped other students. Words to live by: Always take the utmost pride in any work you do.

Student Success Stories - Adam Ortega

Daryl Tyler Major: English/Deaf Studies Academic Goal: English Teacher for the Deaf Writer, Poet and Actor I think one of the hardest things in life is reinventing ourselves. For me, I did not just experience a hearing loss, I lost my confidence to be great; I lost myself for awhile. My family could not help and some of my friends did not understand (hearing or Deaf). Eventually, I found myself through poetry and with the help from my friend Savvy. My swagger came back better then ever. Now I surround myself with people who have reinvented themselves and we motivate and inspire each other to chase our dreams. Words to live by: : I am proud of who I am and what I’ve been through. Others peoples opinions don’t matter whether they like it or not, it not going to affect me working towards my goals.

Student Success Stories - Daryl Tyler

Kristine Crable Major: Self-Development & Social Behavior Academic Goal: Transfer to CSULB When I enrolled in 2005 at Cerritos College, I was not completely ready to focus on school. So I took some time off until I realized that I need to go back to school. I returned to Cerritos College in 2013. My counselor asked me to be a peer mentor for DHH. I was shocked and excited to work with students. This experience brought me to be more motivated and encourage student not to give up. That helps us to be successful with our goals, completing college and ahead in the future. Words to live by : Success is not just about what you accomplish in your life; it’s about what you inspire others to do.

Student Success Stories - Kristine Crable

Daniel Mora Major: Deaf Studies Academic Goal: Counselor Alumni- 2018 I was a former student at Cerritos College I graduated in Spring of 2018. My goal now is to transfer to CSUN to receive my B.A. degree. My experience at Cerritos College was always to focus on school and never give up. I did have some struggles but I also had a support system from my family and friends. It never hurts to ask for help…to those who read my story. Words to live by: Always focus on what you can do now than what you can do in the future because everything you do now in this second affects the next day little by little.

Student Success Stories - Daniel Mora

Nancy Morgan Major: Theater Academic Goal: Public Speaker There’s not enough words that can express my gratitude to God. I’m thankful that he allowed me to continue living the gift of life. I’m speaking of this deadly disease called cancer. I have overcome the challenge of lung cancer and multiple myeloma cancer. I am blessed to have survived a successful stem cell transplant. Attending Cerritos College, I have gained tremendous knowledge by becoming a student. Words to live by: An open mind can conquer any doubt.

Student Success Stories - Nancy Morgan

Ryan Rohrich Major: Psychology Academic Goal: Transferring with my ADT in Psychology while forging my purpose within this community as a lifelong learner. In junior year , I failed all of my classes but despite that I did not let it dictate my dignity and self-worth. Despite going blind, I haven’t let it turn me into a victim. I found other ways of succeeding and finding meaning in my everyday life. When I become lost on campus, I find people who are willing to help which shows me the best side of humanity. It begins with you; have faith in yourself. Words to live by: You’re fine just the way you are. -Fred Rogers

Student Success Stories - Ryan Rohrich

Josh Brown Major: Criminal Justice Academic goal: Accepted to Cal State Bakersfield I started at Cerritos College in fall of 2017. I was recruited by Coach Don Garriott to wrestle for Cerritos College. I was a Junior College All American in Fall 2017 and a California State Champion in Fall 2018. I was accepted to Cal State Bakersfield on a wrestling scholarship and will attend Fall of 2019. All of the support services I have received at DSPS has helped me navigate any academic hurtles I have encountered which has enabled me to overcome many obstacles. Words to live by: Be the first one in and the last one out.

Student Success Stories - Josh Brown

Adrian Emmanuel Jaramillo Major: Culinary Arts Academic goal: Chef My experience and the successful outcome is when I was about 8 years old my dream was to become a Chef so, I kept that dream as my main career goal. When I graduated from high school, in 2014, I immediately applied to college with help from the DOR program. I got into LATTC for a few months then I transferred to Cerritos! I attended Cerritos College for about 3 years and as soon as I finished my Culinary Arts Program, my instructor helped me apply for my very first job at Walt Disney, which I’m now working. That is not my final step, I still need to build up my career and work my way up to become a chef! When you graduate school, whatever your career is, it does not put you in top position to become the lead. You still need work your way up but, your diploma or any kind of achievements you make will show that you are intentional about your life goals. Words to live by: Always keep learning and never stop.

Student Success Stories - Adrian Emmanuel Jaramillo

Hector Arellano Major: Political Science Goal: Civil Rights Attorney After graduating high school in 2017, I already knew what I wanted to do with my life. Since I have a disability and had faced discrimination, I aspired to one day become a Civil Rights Attorney. Therefore, I decided to major in Political Science at Cerritos College. After 9 years of hardships and struggles, due to my health, I eventually earned my Associate of Arts in Political Science and graduated in the Spring 2016. Immediately upon graduation from Cerritos College, I transferred to California State University, Long Beach where after 3 years I am about to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Journalism. I am not a lawyer yet, but if all goes well, I will be entering law school in the fall of 2020. Words to Live by: Success is never linear or perfect, it is a journey with steep climbs and hairpin turns. Therefore; you must always remain determined and give it your most effort because we all have the ability to do extraordinary things.

Student Success Stories - Hector Arellano

Melissa Ramos Major: Liberal Arts & Sciences: Self-Development & Social Behavior Goal: Transfer to CSULB and have new experiences. Since I graduated from high school, I attended Cerritos College. It took me so many years at this community college but I didn't give up until I completed my education. The reason why I chose Cerritos College is because it offered me a great opportunity to receive a good education and a better life. It has helps me in so many ways, including developing my leadership skills, and understanding how to work with people. I also like the environment of the blended community of deaf, hard of hearing and hearing students. Words to Live by: Keep your mind going in the right direction, and your life will catch up with it. Just do your best.

Student Success Stories - Melissa Ramos

Ezinne Ejike Major: Early Childhood Education Goal: Transfer to a 4 year program When I first came to Cerritos College I was scared about which major I should chose. I went to DSP&S office and asked for help. It took about a year to decide my major because I also went to Cypress College and completed my math requirements and some of my general education classes. Therefore, I will continue to go to Cerritos College and get my AA degree before I can transfer to a Cal State University. Words to Live by: Going to college is a huge success to enhance learning and academic skills. It is also an excellent choice on who you want to become and I am proud to stay at Cerritos College to finish my education.

Student Success Stories - Ezinne Ejike

Ronnie Wilson Major: English Goal: Teach High school/ Middle school English snd write/ publish I've grown a lot being here at Cerritos. I've had amazing teachers and guidance along the way. I've grown to know my limits as well as my strengths. I hit a few bumps but always inspired to push back harder. Graduatingis like a. dream, I didn't think I'd make it. I've struggled a lot in my years of life more than one should and the fact it has made me the fighter I am today. I'd like to say a special thank you to my specialist Irving Bartikofsky for his genuinely amazing kindness and absolute inspiration. This journey wouldn't have been the same without you and I am thankful every day that you were apart of it. Words to Live by: You have to try something new at least twice, once to try and a second time to be sure, you never know what you're missing in the world if you don't try something new.

Student Success Stories - Ronnie Wilson

Brian Gutierrez Major: Sociology Goal: AA-T Sociology I attended Cerritos College from 2008-2015 where I received my Associate of Arts in Sociology. I was the first in my family to have attended college. I was born with Spina Bifida, and I am a son of proud immigrants who gave me an opportunity to pursue my ultimate dream; to become a college counselor for students with disabilities. Being a former DSPS student, I had the immense honor of meeting great leaders who make an impact on others like Judi Holmes. Under her genuine care, I was able to learn self-advocacy, and develop my fullest academic potential through resources the college has to offer. During my tenure at Cerritos College, I became an Osher Scholarship recipient in Fall 2012, and earned numerous leadership awards for my work as Vice-President in Sociology Club. Upon completing my Associate's degree, I went on to California State University, Los Angeles where i obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Services with Magna Cum Laude. In addition to my academic success, I earned Dean's list for three consecutive semesters, and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society. I am now working at a small non-profit as an Employment Specialist where I assist individuals with developmental disabilities. I will be starting graduate school at Cal State L.A. this Fall 2019. Words to Live by: Infinite passion leads results without limits.

Student Success Stories - Brian Gutierrez

Disabilities Resources

Attention Deficit Disorder: https://chadd.org/ 

Autism Spectrum Disorder: https://www.autism-society.org/what-is/aspergers-syndrome/ 

Blind and Low Vision: https://www.acb.org/ 

Deaf and Hard of Hearing: https://www.nad.org/

Intellectual Disabilities: https://www.ndss.org/ 

Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder: https://www.epilepsy.com/

Learning Disabilities: https://ldaamerica.org/ 

Psychiatric Disabilities: https://www.mhanational.org/ 

Federal Legislation 

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004

Section 508 

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Last Update: 10/9/2020