Disability Resource Center – opportunities A Rich Career Awaits

Rich Career/Entry to Student Affairs Pathways to Student Affairs careers Entry path often in Housing, Diversity Centers New route through Disability Resource Centers! Experience from Cal State University, Fullerton – four staff in DRC are former SA’s AVP, Dean and VP’s who began career in DRC (Bea-FL, Anne-TX and Melanie-ND) DSS offers variety of work/positions, utilizing wide variety of skills Collaboration between DKC and GSNP-KC and AHEAD NASPA’s DKC and GSNP KC’s have been discussing this pathway Tool shared here (NASPA 2017) is a beginning step

Grad Students / New Professionals

Benefits of the DRC Pathway Disability Resource Centers (DRC) offer unique career development opportunities Gain experience: administrative, IT sw and hw, service delivery Examples from DRC’s in U.S. Undertake small assessment or research projects Create and manage a peer mentoring program or advisory board GS/NP activities and supports – promoting career development

The “Tool” – print and e-version A simple tool (print of web resource) that covers: Why Disability Resources in Higher Education? 65% of DRC’s are under Student Affairs Most hire student assistants and/or graduate assistants What are the Opportunities? Service delivery support, front office, accessible materials production, administrative or research/assessment projects How does one Connect with these opportunities? NASPA’s KC’s, AHEAD and your local colleges Do a job shadow, practicum, internship; seek a part time position Examples of Successful Experiences within DRC’s

Further career examples in DRC’s Illinois State University – state university Entire accessible materials is staffed by five GA’s; supervisor is staff Grinnell College – private college Staff member from Housing volunteered in DRC, became Coordinator Wheaton College – private college First DRC staff was a GA; testing accommodations managed by students California State University, Fullerton Hired three GA’s in 2016-2017; students work in front office, AIM Wm. R. Harper College – community college in Illinois Students provide front office and AIM (Accessible Instructional Materials)

Discussion with participants What is your role? Do you interact with students about their career development? What do you know about the DRC where you work? Do they employ student and graduate assistants? What else would you like to know? What action can you take?

Promoting Awareness – Disability and the DRC on your campus!