{"id":26,"date":"2023-09-24T22:25:25","date_gmt":"2023-09-24T22:25:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/heading-to-the-classroom\/"},"modified":"2023-11-15T21:14:59","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T21:14:59","slug":"breaking-barriers-inspiring-potential-dvc-special-education-students-empower-others","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/breaking-barriers-inspiring-potential-dvc-special-education-students-empower-others\/","title":{"rendered":"Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Potential: DVC Special Education Students Empower Others"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cI enrolled at DVC to save money as well as take time to figure out what I wanted to do, gain more experience and work on my mental health,\u201d said Hawthorne \u201cZack\u201d Girodie, who graduated from DVC in 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Girodie earned his associate in arts in early childhood education as well as a certificate of achievement in special education fundamentals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cThe special education program prepares students for a rewarding career working with children and adults with special needs. Students learn teaching strategies for the special education paraprofessional, study psychology and child development, and gain practical work experience,\u201d said Carrie Million, who focuses on assistive technology and special education at DVC as a member of the Disability Support Services (DSS) faculty.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Girodie really enjoyed his time at DVC and felt that the special ed program was both fascinating and fun.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cI loved the different styles of assignments. The program was practical and accessible. The time I was able to spend with professors, advisors, and classmates was worthwhile,\u201d said Girodie.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Girodie transferred to San Jose State University to earn both a bachelor\u2019s degree and master\u2019s degree, as well as a teaching credential and special education credential. He feels that DVC provided the right start for his academic goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cI always recommend DVC. It\u2019s perfect for students planning to transfer. The classes required for this major are useful and will help when getting a job,\u201d said Girodie.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-123\" src=\"http:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/11\/BreakingBarriers_800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/11\/BreakingBarriers_800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/11\/BreakingBarriers_800-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/11\/BreakingBarriers_800-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><b>DVC special education program leads to a meaningful career \u00a0 <\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">The special education program equips students to work with people with disabilities in a variety of educational and rehabilitation settings. \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cGraduates are qualified to work as special education paraprofessionals in the K-12 educational setting, as well as other entry-level jobs in adult day programs and care centers,\u201d said Million.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><b>Degrees and certificates<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Associate in arts &#8211; special education paraeducator\/instructional assistant\u00a0 <\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Certificate of achievement &#8211; special education paraeducator\/instructional assistant\u00a0 <\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Certificate of achievement &#8211; special education fundamentals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Students earning the associate degree take part in either an internship or paid work experience. DVC is also part of a regional teacher preparation pipeline that connects students to opportunities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cAfter enrolling at DVC, I worked at after-school programs, caregiving\/respite care, and even worked at the San Ramon Valley Unified School District as a paraeducator my last year! I\u2019m currently working as a respite worker through 24\/7 Nightingale as well as 24-hour Home Care,\u201d said Girodie.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><b>Job outlook<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cThe overall outlook for jobs in special education is strong. Many school districts across California are looking for qualified special education professionals. Some are even offering significant hiring bonuses,\u201d said Million. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">To find out more, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvc.edu\/academics\/special-education\/index.html\">special education program<\/a>. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><b>Bay Area <\/b><b>Average Starting Salaries:<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Special Education Teachers, Elementary School: $69,170<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Special Education Teachers, Middle School: $109, 760<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Special Education Teachers, High School: $94,890 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><b>Connection to DVC disability support services<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Students enrolled in the special education program may also gain work experience within the DVC disability support services (DSS) office. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Opportunities include working as a lab assistant in the High Tech Center (HTC). The HTC offers adaptive computer and software technologies that support students registered with DSS. \u00a0 Students accessing DSS services may also discover their own career interest in working within the field of special education. \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cI registered for DSS support during my first year of college. It was easy to sign up and learn about options for accommodations. Any time I interacted with a DSS employee, I was treated with respect and care,\u201d said Girodie. <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><b>Reaching her full potential<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_48\" style=\"width: 2570px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-48\" class=\"wp-image-48 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8224-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Lilian Benitez with a DVC student\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1709\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8224-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8224-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8224-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8224-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8224-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8224-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-48\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10pt;\">Lilian Benitez (right) with a DVC student.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cGrowing up, I wanted to continue my education, even though my sixth-grade teacher said that if I graduated high school, I would flip hamburgers and push shopping carts. My parents and 12th-grade English teacher believed I should attend college to accomplish my dream,\u201d said Lilian Itzel Benitez, who began her studies in early childhood education and special education at DVC.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Benitez overcame many challenges and barriers to pursue her passion and achieve a level of success that some thought would not be possible.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cI was diagnosed with a learning disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other mental health issues. Some of the accommodations I received through DSS were alternative media services, testing accommodations, and note-taking accommodations,\u201d said Benitez. \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Benitez graduated from DVC in 2020, earning associate in arts degrees in early childhood education and special education paraeducator\/instructional assistant, as well as several certificates in early childhood education. She also gained valuable work experience. \u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cI worked in the HTC supporting students registered with DSS. Students would come in to ask for help because they were struggling. We would guide them to the appropriate resources, and reassure them that they were in great hands,\u201d said Benitez.\u00a0 Benitez transferred to San Francisco State University to obtain her bachelor\u2019s degree. She is now pursuing an online master of arts in assistive technology and human services at California State University, Northridge. She also returned to DVC as an instructional assistant in the HTC to give back to DSS staff and students. \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cWhen I meet students, I speak with them not only as a former student, but also as a former recipient of disability support services. I let them know that the help we provide will benefit them and contribute to their success,\u201d said Benitez.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><b>Supporting others with compassionate understanding<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-51 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8198-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Jaime Tomasello\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1709\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8198-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8198-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8198-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8198-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8198-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/DSC8198-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Jaime Tomasello found her joy and passion for helping others through her own unique experience as a legally blind student.\u00a0 \u201cBefore I enrolled at DVC, I attended the California School for the Blind and completed some courses at Ohlone College. Although I had initially been interested in a culinary career, I found my interests had changed. I decided to become a special educator for the blind and teach assistive technology and art,\u201d said Tomasello.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Tomasello graduated from DVC with associate in arts degrees in liberal arts, special education and paraprofessional studies, and California State University (CSU) transfer studies. She transferred to Saint Mary\u2019s College of California where she earned a bachelor of arts degree. Like Lilian Benitez, Tomasello is also enrolled in the master of arts in assistive technology in human services program at California State University, Northridge.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cWhen I was a DVC student, I accessed disability support services for both my physical disability as well as my learning disability. I love that the HTC is now in the new student services center building. We are more visible and accessible to students who would benefit from DSS services,\u201d said Tomasello. <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Tomasello works as an instructional assistant in the HTC. She assists students with a broad range of disabilities, providing the support they need to be successful in meeting their academic and career goals.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cOur philosophy is to show all students respect, kindness, and grace. Students with disabilities should be treated with equity and compassion,\u201d said Tomasello. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">To learn more, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvc.edu\/student-services\/disability-support-services\/dss-student-handbook\/program-services\/high-tech-center.html\">High Tech Center<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><b>Disability Support Services Ensures Equal Access to Resources and Opportunities<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-52 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/52403147988_8336effbd1_o-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"DVC students\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/52403147988_8336effbd1_o-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/52403147988_8336effbd1_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/52403147988_8336effbd1_o-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/52403147988_8336effbd1_o-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/52403147988_8336effbd1_o-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/10\/52403147988_8336effbd1_o-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">DVC disability support services (DSS) provides academic support and accommodations to students with learning differences, as well as students with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities. DSS also often works with student veterans to provide academic support in conjunction with the services available within the Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC).\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u201cOur goal is to allow students equal access to the opportunities and resources available at DVC,\u201d said David Hagerty, the manager of disability support services at DVC. <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Options may include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Extended time for exams and quizzes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:4,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Testing in a distraction-reduced setting\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:4,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Assistance with note taking, including recording and annotation tools\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:4,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Alternate media, which involves converting written text into other formats, such as audio or Braille\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:4,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Disability counseling\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:4,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Training on organization, time management, and prioritization\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:4,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Transportation on campus\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559682&quot;:4,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">American Sign Language (ASL) and captioning\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><b>How to enroll in DSS<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> Submit the <a href=\"https:\/\/dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com\/Submit\/Page?form=8d82cfe4-7007-4de0-8554-0b27cdf59988&amp;page=425067&amp;token=CBle3ZJByOTQj7U4Tgk6mJ1VILxs25r5O62_7cQQJ48\">DSS Application for Services<\/a>\u00a0<b>\u00a0<\/b><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Provide documentation of your disability<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Meet with a DSS counselor\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">To find out more, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dvc.edu\/dss\">www.dvc.edu\/dss<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><b>Don\u2019t Let ADHD Keep You From Pursuing Your Dreams<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2753787?utm_source=For_The_Media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_term=110119\">2019 study<\/a> focusing on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) found that between 2007 and 2016, there has been a 43% increase in adults with newly diagnosed ADHD. DVC\u2019s DSS team can provide support to students diagnosed with ADHD, or other physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities. If you are an adult learner with ADHD, or if you are simply an adult learner juggling multiple responsibilities, DVC can help you to be successful. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\">Here are some strategies that can help:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><strong>Stay organized and manage your time:<\/strong> It can be challenging to balance family obligations and\/or a job while in school. An online calendar or day planner is key to staying on top of responsibilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><strong>Utilize DVC student centers:<\/strong> DVC offers seven student centers where you can get free assistance with registering for classes, access drop-in counseling, and more. Whatever questions you may have, staff will be able to connect you with the right service or program to meet your needs. \u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><strong>Access professor office hours:<\/strong> Your instructors are an outstanding resource. They are happy to help you understand the course material and will have tips and advice to support you as you prepare for exams. \u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\"><strong>Contact Disability Support Services (DSS):<\/strong> If you feel you need academic support or accommodations related to learning differences or a disability, reach out to DSS to find out about your options.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica;\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cI enrolled at DVC to save money as well as take time to figure out what I wanted to do, gain more experience and work on my mental health,\u201d said Hawthorne \u201cZack\u201d Girodie, who graduated from DVC in 2023. Girodie earned his associate in arts in early childhood education as well as a certificate of&#8230; <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/breaking-barriers-inspiring-potential-dvc-special-education-students-empower-others\/\">read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":123,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,24],"tags":[6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15],"article_type":[18],"class_list":["post-26","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-student-services","category-teacher-education","tag-3-1","tag-3d-printing","tag-a-century","tag-a-to-z","tag-accounting","tag-additive-manufacturing","tag-administration","tag-administrative-assistant","tag-admission","tag-admissions","article_type-program"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Potential: DVC Special Education Students Empower Others - Winter\/Spring 2024, Volume 6 \u2013 Issue 2<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/breaking-barriers-inspiring-potential-dvc-special-education-students-empower-others\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Potential: DVC Special Education Students Empower Others - Winter\/Spring 2024, Volume 6 \u2013 Issue 2\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u201cI enrolled at DVC to save money as well as take time to figure out what I wanted to do, gain more experience and work on my mental health,\u201d said Hawthorne \u201cZack\u201d Girodie, who graduated from DVC in 2023. 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