Santa Clara County Inclusive Advisory Group: In a commendable move, Santa Clara County is reaching out to individuals within the disabled community to form an advisory group centered on disability issues.
The College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) in Saratoga is playing a vital role, offering higher education tailored for adults with special needs. With 224 students enrolled, including some in remote locations spanning 12 states, CAA is breaking new ground.
DeAnna Pursai, the executive director of CAA, expressed her enthusiasm for Santa Clara County’s initiative to establish an advisory group, emphasizing that many of their staff members have disabilities and are exceptional contributors.
Housing, employment, and public transportation represent pressing challenges for CAA students, as illustrated by the hour-long bus journey endured by student Zachary Krumbine, traveling from Campbell to Saratoga.
The creation of a community board focusing on disability issues, including the voices of adults with disabilities, has been a long-awaited endeavor. Society’s reliance on visual judgments often leads to misperceptions and misunderstandings about people with disabilities. Sharon Lea, who transitioned from volunteer to music director at CAA, emphasizes the importance of giving these individuals a platform to express their truths and be heard.
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The county invites individuals who are deaf, blind, physically disabled, intellectually disabled, as well as caregivers, parents, and community-based organization workers to join this new county committee. Interested individuals can sign up at the Office of Disability Affairs website until December 4.
In this endeavor, society needs to elevate its commitment to inclusivity, taking the time to listen and recognizing the immense contributions that these individuals can make to our community.
CAA’s partnership with West Valley Community College is truly transformative, aligning seamlessly with the mission of access and life transformation. On a county level, promoting inclusivity is of paramount importance. As we reflect on historical exclusions, it’s clear that individuals with disabilities have often been left out of educational systems. By joining forces with the College of Adaptive Arts and other county agencies and movements, West Valley College is taking a crucial step toward advocating for disability justice and promoting inclusivity. The future looks bright, and these voices will undoubtedly shape a more inclusive society.
Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the chief equity and inclusion officer in Santa Clara County?
Meet Analilia Garcia, the Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer at the County of Santa Clara. With a Doctorate in Public Health and a Master’s in Public Health, Garcia is a seasoned professional in her field. Her role is to ensure that the county’s policies and practices promote equity and inclusion for all residents. Her expertise in this area is invaluable, and she is committed to making a positive impact in the community. Connect with Garcia on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and the initiatives she is leading.
Is County of Santa Clara a state or local government?
As a crucial component of the local government structure in the region, the County of Santa Clara is committed to meeting the needs of its residents. Serving as both a local government entity and an agent of the State of California, the County government is responsible for a diverse range of services. Its primary objective is to ensure that the residents of Santa Clara County receive the support they require.