The CSD Counselors provide services and accommodations for students with documented
disabilities who attend Glendale Community College. A variety of programs and services
are available that provide eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to
participate fully in all aspects of college programs and activities through appropriate
and reasonable accommodations.
Eligible students include those whose conditions limit one or more of the major life
activities and impose educational limitations preventing them from fully benefiting
from classes, activities or services offered by the college.
Eligible students receive disability-related counseling and are assisted in the pursuit
of academic, vocational, and personal goals. The staff serves as liaison with on-campus
resources as well as off-campus agencies.
Support services and specialized instruction are provided to students based on the
interactive process, Academic Accommodation Plan, and Student Educational Contract.
The resources are provided for informational purposes only. Glendale Community College/DSPS
does not endorse the resources. Students should conduct their own research to learn
more about the services provided. Links are current from the time of posting.
ADVOCACY/LEADERSHIP/LEGAL/VOTING RESOURCES
Abilities Expo Los Angeles
Free, three-day all-access passports to products, technology, workshops and adapted
activities for individuals with disabilities.
https://www.abilities.com/losangeles/
American Association of People with Disabilities
AAPD works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities.
As a national disability-led and cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates
for full civil rights for over 60 million Americans with disabilities. We do this
by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political
participation.
https://www.aapd.com/
Asian Americans with Disabilities Initiative (AADI)
We support all forms of disability and all types of Asian-American identity. We also
welcome anyone who is passionate about our cause, and by doing so, promote inclusivity
of all identities. We believe that our resources ought to be accessible to every single
individual, no matter what sort of accommodation they may require. In this way, we
hope our resources can be valuable not only to our community, but also to various
others. We are an initiative comprised of young individuals. We believe that we can
harness the power of youth activism, and we commit ourselves to amplifying the voices
of others.
Asians and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California (APIDC) Youth Leadership
Institute
Trains young adults to become advocates for APIs with disabilities. We seek college
students from all backgrounds and ethnicities who have a passion for empowering APIs
with disabilities.
https://www.apidisabilities.org/yliapply
ASAN Autism Campus Inclusion Leadership Academy
Helps autistic students learn to make their college campuses better for people with
disabilities. ACI participants learn about making student groups, understanding disability
policy, and talking to people in power. During ACI, all participants go to the U.S.
Capitol to talk to their Senators and Representatives about policies important to
the disability community. After the Academy, students get help from ASAN to meet their
advocacy goals at their college.
https://autisticadvocacy.org/aci/
Bet Tzedek
Provides free, expert legal advice and representation to low-income residents of Los
Angeles County. Bet Tzedek offers a variety of specialized programs and services for
adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families and caregivers.
www.bettzedek.org
CA Secretary of State for Voters with Disabilities
Resources and information for voters with disabilities.
https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voters-disabilities
City of Los Angeles Department of Disabilities
Provides info on access to employment, programs, facilities and services; through
strategic management and partnership education, advocacy, training, research and improved
service delivery; for the benefit of persons with disabilities, providers of essential
resources and policymakers.
https://disability.lacity.gov/
Communities Actively Living Independent & Free (CALIF)
An independent living center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides advocacy
programs and services for people with disabilities primarily residing within the 50
zip codes of Los Angeles County covering south and central Los Angeles and neighboring
communities. Services include assistive technology, advocacy, disaster preparedness,
housing and systems advocacy, and referrals.
https://calif-ilc.org/
Disability:IN NextGen Leaders
For college students and recent graduates with disabilities. Students are matched
one-on-one with mentors from Disability:IN Corporate Partners across all industries
like Google, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Boeing, and Pfizer. POC, women, veterans,
and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with disabilities are especially encouraged
to apply.
https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/nextgen-leaders-initiatives/
Disability Rights Legal Center
Program that provides disability rights advocacy by providing free legal assistance
to people with disabilities experiencing discrimination in violation of their civil
rights.
www.drlcenter.org/
Disability Rights California
For assistance navigating the process to receive services through the Department of
Rehabilitation, Regional Center, Social Security Income and other disability related
assistance.
www.disabilityrightsca.org
Disability Vote CA
Non-partisan campaign to eliminate barriers to voting, promote accessibility of voting
technology and polling places; educate voters about issues and candidates; promote
turnout of voters with disabilities across the state; engage candidates and the media
on disability issues, and protect eligible voters’ right to participate in elections.
https://disabilityvoteca.org/
Fannie Lou Hammer Leadership Program
Fannie Lou Hamer is a well-recognized civil rights activist and organizer for voting
rights. Her work centered on elevating the rights of Black voters and women, particularly
across the state of Mississippi. Hamer had polio as a child and later became physically
disabled due to a severe beating in a Mississippi jail. The program is designed for
young Black disabled advocates (ages 18-30) who are committed to the social, political,
and economic issues surrounding the intersection of the Black and Disability communities.
https://www.aapd.com/fannie-lou-hamer-leadership-program/
Housing Rights for People with Disabilities
Nation's largest non-profit civil rights organization dedicated to securing and promoting
Fair Housing. HRC was founded in 1968, the same year that Congress passed the Fair
Housing Act. Our mission is to actively support and promote freedom of residence through
education, advocacy, and litigation, to the end that all persons have the opportunity
to secure the housing they desire and can afford, without regard to their race, color,
religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, familial status, marital status,
disability, ancestry, age, source of income or other characteristics protected by
law.
https://www.housingrightscenter.org/
Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities provides resources and information on
meetings regarding disability matters.
https://laccod.lacounty.gov/
National Black Disability Coalition (NBDC)
NBDC is a response to the need for Blacks with Disabilities to organize and assist
each other around issues of mutual concern and use our collective strength to address
disability issues in both the greater Black community and the greater disability community.
Our vision to be a source of change for Black disabled people and their families;
to build a place where Black disabled people and families can be participating members
in a greater society. Our goals are to Promote Unity among Black disabled people, our families, and our communities. Advance Equity within the disability movement and our communities.Foster Opportunity for Black disabled people.
https://www.blackdisability.org/
National Coalition for Latinx with Disabilities
The National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities (CNLD) is a volunteer organization
comprised of Disabled Latinx leaders and allies from across the nation. We came together
in 2016 to form CNLD because we shared the experience of living fractured identities
(in Disabled and Latinx worlds, respectively). Since then, CNLD has grown into a network
of colleagues who have become like family.
Pacer Center
PACER Center enhances the quality of life and expands opportunities for children,
youth, and young adults with all disabilities and their families so each person can
reach his or her highest potential. PACER operates on the principles of parents helping
parents, supporting families, promoting a safe environment for all children, and working
in collaboration with others.
www.pacer.org
YO! Youth Organizing: Disabled and Proud!
Yo! connects, organizes, and educates youth with disabilities! YO! gives youth leadership
opportunities, social networks, resources, and more. YO! is for youth with disabilities
to be PROUD of who we are and what we can achieve!
www.yodisabledproud.org
EDUCATION
California State University, Northridge, Explorer’s Program
A program to increase the employability and independence of individuals with intellectual/developmental
disabilities. For ages 18-28. Must take two CSUN undergraduate classes each semester.
https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/csun-explorers
College Connect
This is a support program for students with developmental disabilities to achieve
goals, promote academic and occupational success and create meaningful relationships.
Contact your Regional Center Service Coordinator and request an initial interview
(intake) for College Connect Services to determine eligibility.
www.collegeconnectsupport.com
College to Career
The College-to-Career (C2C) program is a partnership with select community colleges
and DOR to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities (I/D) and autism. C2C
students must be DOR and Regional Center consumers. The program provides employment
preparation and soft skills training in addition to some instruction in independent
living skills, and campus inclusion. Students are expected to be included in these
specialized services in addition to regular educational or vocational classes provided
by the college. The goal of the program is for the C2C students to become employed
in a competitive integrated community-based job.
https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/CppCollegetoCareer
Pathway at UCLA Extension
Pathway is a two-year certificate program for students with intellectual and other
developmental disabilities, offering a blend of educational, social, and vocational
experiences, taught and supervised by experienced instructors sensitive to the individual
needs of our students. On campus, Pathway students attend classes and participate
with UCLA students in the many social, recreational, and cultural activities of a
major university.
www.uclaextension.edu/pathway
Taft College TIL: Transition To Independent Living (Taft, CA)
The Transition to Independent Living Program endeavors to provide an environment with
Enriching collegiate experiences • Interactive and inclusive environments • Learning
outcomes transferable to lifelong productivity • Career education resulting in gainful
employment • Self-determination and knowledge of individual strengths • Empowerment
through education
www.taftcollege.edu/til
Think College
Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college
options for students with intellectual disability, and manages the only national listing
of college programs for students with intellectual disability in the United States.
https://thinkcollege.net/about/what-is-think-college
Tierra Del Sol (Sunland-Tujunga)
TDS works with Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation clients. Nexus program
serves students on local college campuses including GCC, Pierce College, LA Valley
College, Cal State Northridge and Mission College.
www.tierradelsol.org
Wayfinders at Fresno State (Fresno, CA)
Wayfinders is a 2-year non-degree independent living certificate program for young
adults (aged 18-28) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Wayfinders students
experience university life and increase their independence by taking classes at Fresno
State, living in student apartments, and participating in work experience internships
both on and off-campus.
www.fresnostate.edu/kremen/about/centers-projects/wayfinders
EMPLOYMENT AND INTERNSHIPS RELATED
1IN4 Coalition is an intersectional coalition of disabled creatives currently working
in Hollywood focused on long-term institutional shifts to increase employment and
authentic representation of disabled people.
https://www.1in4coalition.org/
Ability First works with Regional Center clients
Helps individuals with physical and developmental disabilities reach their full potential
throughout their lives. Offers a broad range of employment, recreational and socialization
programs and operates 12 accessible residential housing complexes. www.abilityfirst.org
Actors for Autism
is an LA-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing individuals
on the autism spectrum training in acting, voice over, and theatre based techniques
to work in the entertainment industry. We are dedicated to improving the lives of
individuals on the spectrum, their families, and the community at large.
www.actorsforautism.com
Advance LA
provides comprehensive and individually designed support services to post-high school
students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, ADHD and other Learning
Differences. Life skills coaching in time management, self-advocacy, social skills,
money management, personal hygiene, transportation, and independent living skills.
www.advancela.org
Best Buddies Colleges
pairs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one-to-one friendships
with college students. In the past, individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own environment.
Best Buddies Jobs continues the integration of people with intellectual disabilities
into the community through supported employment. The program helps individuals attain
and maintain jobs of their own choosing by providing ongoing support and training,
enabling people with intellectual disabilities to earn an income, pay taxes, and work
in an environment alongside others in the community.
https://www.bestbuddies.org/california
California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (Statewide)
Independent Living Centers (ILCs) are run and controlled by persons with disabilities.
They are non-residential, community-based centers where people with disabilities can
receive assistance with a variety of daily living issues, independent living skills
training, housing referrals, and learn the skills they need to take control of their
lives from people who have had similar experiences living with a disability. The centers
serve people with all types of disabilities.
www.cfilc.org
California Work Source
currently operates 16 WorkSource Centers and 3 portal offices located throughout Los
Angeles. These centers act as your personal employment agency and our services are
always free. We serve adults, dislocated workers, veterans, the homeless and the re-entry
population, and offer broad support to business owners and entrepreneurs.
https://ewddlacity.com/index.php/employment-services/adults-age-24-and-older/worksource-centers
Career One Stop is US Department of Labor website that provides information on career exploration,
training, and jobs. The workers with disabilities link has information on job accommodations
and disability disclosure, and more!
https://www.careeronestop.org/ResourcesFor/WorkersWithDisabilities/workers-with-disabilities.aspx
CITY Community Services works with Regional Center clients in metropolitan Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley,
San Fernando Valley, and parts of Ventura. CITY provides a wide variety of services
from job placement, independent living skills, mobility training services and supported
employment services, all of them emphasizing community integration.
www.citycommunityservices.org
Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is an employment and independent living resource for people with disabilities. www.dor.ca.gov Disability Information U.S. federal government website for information on disability
programs and services nationwide.
www.disability.gov
Easter Seals of Southern California works with Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation clients. Provides Adult
Day, Residential, Employment Services/WorkFirst, Independent Living Skills, Individual
and Family Support Services.
www.southerncal.easterseals.com
Exceptional Minds provides young adults on the autism spectrum with customized instruction and hands-on
experience to earn a living in the fields of multi-media, computer animation and post
production.
https://exceptional-minds.org/
Glendale Community College Career Center and Student Employment
https://www.glendale.edu/students/student-services/career-center
Inclusion Films is a two-phase practical program. Our goal is to provide developmentally disabled
adults with an entry-level working knowledge of film production. Our curriculum offers
students real world experience. At the conclusion of each semester, students will
work as a team to create and produce a short thesis film. After completing the program,
the most qualified and successful students may be invited to work join our micro-enterprise,
Team Diversity Media. Together we will work on production projects for clients in
the community. Works with Regional Center clients.
www.inclusionfilms.com
Independent Living Center of Southern California empowers persons with disabilities to seek an individual path to independence.
www.ilcsc.org
Jay Nolan Community Services provides support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Developmental
Disabilities to live fulfilling lives as members of the community by providing Enhanced
Support Services, Resource and Training Center, Family Support Services, Employment
Support and Supported Living Services. Works with Regional Center and private pay
clients.
www.jaynolan.org
Jazz Hands for Autism
Helps adults on the Autism Spectrum find community-based volunteer and paid work opportunities
by building on their musical talents, providing social, professional, technical and
musical skills training. The Academy is a three-stage program that provides person-centered
training that helps the aspiring musician improve their social, professional, technical,
and musical skills.
https://www.jazzhandsforautism.org/
Integrate Autism was founded in 2010. Our decades of corporate experience drive our mission to help
organizations identify, recruit and retain professionals on the autism spectrum. As
more and more organizations realize the benefits of hiring neurodivergent talent,
we come closer to fulfilling our vision of inclusive, competitive employment for autistic
individuals.
https://www.integrateadvisors.org/
PathPoint provides employment, day services and assisted living programs for people with developmental
disabilities and foster youth, as well as others. Works with Regional Center and Department
of Rehabilitation clients.
www.pathpoint.org
Southeast Center for Independent Living develops comprehensive programs, responding to the needs of the disability community,
enabling them to lead healthy, independent, and productive lives. Most services are
provided free of charge to all persons with disabilities. Works with Department of
Rehabilitation clients.
www.scrs-ilc.org
Tierra Del Sol’s mission is to serve our communities by empowering individuals with developmental
disabilities to realize their greatest human potential, become as independent as possible
within their families and to become productive and valued citizens. Instruction is
in a wide variety of vocational areas, employment training, adult life skills, social/recreational
and artistic expression. Works with Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation
clients. Nexus program serves students on local college campuses.
www.tierradelsol.org
Verdugo Jobs Center is a one-stop career center serving the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and La Cañada
Flintridge. We provide our region’s diverse workforce with career counseling, job
search assistance, professional development and training opportunities, job fairs,
workshops, and more, free of charge. Our career services are suited to a wide variety
of individuals, including dislocated workers, military veterans, ex-offenders, high-school
dropouts, migrant and seasonal farmworkers, non-English speaking, people with disabilities,
public assistance recipients, senior workers, youth, and much more.
https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/community-services-parks/verdugo-jobs-center
Villa Esperanza Services offers Adult Day, Vocational, Employment and Transitional, Residential, Independent
Living Skills, Care Management Outreach, Integrated Work Programs, Speech and Language
Services and Music Therapy. Works with Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation
clients.
www.villaesperanzaservices.org
Westview Services, Inc. provides day, community transitions and employment programs. More than 500 employees
serve about 2000 clients in 30 programs, each driven by our mission of enriching the
daily lives of people through services designed to realize their potential. Works
with Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation clients.
www.westviewservices.org
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
*Students should check each site for eligibility, due dates, etc.
Anne and Allegra Ford Scholarships: www.ncld.org/archives/blog/anne-and-allegra-ford-scholarships-areposted
Autism Can Do Crazy Socks: https://johnscrazysocks.com/pages/autism-can-do-scholarship-2023
Buckfire Law Disability Scholarship: https://buckfirelaw.com/scholarships/disability/
California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability (CAPED): https://www.caped.co/scholarships/
Dyslexia Advantage: https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/karina-eide-awards/
Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities: www.finaid.org/otheraid/disabled.phtml
Glendale Community College Scholarships: https://www.glendale.edu/financial-aid-fees/scholarships
Heumann Armstrong Award: http://www.equalopportunitiesforstudents.org/
InCight: https://www.incight.org/scholarship
Learning Ally National Achievement Awards (formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic):
https://learningally.org/About-Us/Overview/National-AchievementAwards/108
Microsoft Disability Scholarship: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/microsoftdisabilityscholarship.aspx
National Center for Learning Disabilities: https://www.ncld.org/what-we-do/scholarships
National Down Syndrome Society O’Neill/Tabani Enrichment Fund: https://ndss.org/ndss-scholarships/oneill-tabani-enrichment-fund
NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship: https://www.aapd.com/nbcuniversal-tony-coelho-media-scholarship/
Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award: https://www.aapd.com/paul-g-hearne-emerging-leaders-award/
Rise Scholarship Foundation: https://risescholarshipfoundation.org/
Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship: https://rubysrainbow.org/about/
Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color: https://researchautism.smapply.org/prog/synchrony_scholarship/
United Parent Support for Down Syndrome: https://www.upsfordowns.org/scholarships
Wells Fargo Scholarships Program for People with Disabilities : https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/pwdscholarship/
STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS
Department of Developmental Services - Regional Center
The California Department of Developmental Services is the agency through which the
State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental
disabilities. These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy,
epilepsy, autism and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated
developmental centers and community facilities, and through contracts with 21 nonprofit
regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and
access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities
and their families.
www.dds.ca.gov
Department of Mental Health (L.A. County office)
Mental health services provided here include assessments, case management, crisis
intervention, medication support, peer support and other rehabilitative services.
Services are provided in multiple settings including residential facilities, clinics,
schools, hospitals, county jails, juvenile halls and camps, mental health courts,
board and care homes, in the field and in people’s homes. Special emphasis is placed
on addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and other health problems such
as addiction.
https://dmh.lacounty.gov/
Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is an employment and independent
living resource for people with disabilities. www.dor.ca.gov Disability Information U.S. federal government website for information on disability
programs and services nationwide.
https://www.usa.gov/disability-services
Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
programs provide assistance to people who meet our requirements for disability.
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
TRANSPORTATION
Burbank Dial A Ride
https://www.burbankca.gov/senior-disabled-transit
Glendale Community College GoPass
https://www.glendale.edu/students/student-services/student-basic-needs/gopass
Glendale Dial-A-Ride
https://www.glendaletransit.com/tools/dial-a-ride
Los Angeles ACCESS
https://accessla.org/home/
Pasadena Dial-A-Ride
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/pasadena-transit/dial-a-ride/
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
