1. Disability Resource Center – opportunities
A Rich Career Awaits

2. 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

3. Grad Students / New Professionals

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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 ; students work in front office, AIM
Wm. R. Harper College – community college in Illinois
Students provide front office and AIM (Accessible Instructional Materials)

7. 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?

8. Promoting Awareness – Disability and the DRC on your campus!