This practice helps disabled students improve employability skills and obtain

employment in a self-selected occupational or career area. The program serves students

with a variety of educational objectives, including those obtaining a certificate or degree,

or increasing life skills and employability. The program works with disabled students at

any level, providing job development services such as:

• Career interest surveys (COPS and Myers/Briggs)

• Resume development

• Work experience through volunteer positions, job shadows or internships

• Mock interviews

• Assistance with job placement, and

• Referral to the College’s Career Center to explore occupational areas.

An employment specialist conducts the assessments, works with students on

employability skills, assists them with job placement, and refers them to the career center.

The college has approximately 2,000 disabled students, each of whom is a participant in

the college’s case management system. These students are referred to the program.

Other referrals come from the Department of Rehabilitation, or from faculty who are

aware of program services.

Each student that completes a significant milestone (e.g. receives certificate or degree;

becomes employed) receives a congratulations card from the program. Based on the

number of cards sent out, the program sees a high percentage of participants pursuing

either a certificate or achieving a life-altering change. 

1501 Mendocino Ave

Santa Rosa, CA 95401

(707) 527-4822, dbliss@santarosa.edu;

Patie Wegman, Coordinator of Disability Resources

(707) 527-4906, pwegman@santarosa.edu