Rebuilding Capacity and Increasing Access for Students with Disabilities in Post-Pandemic Recovery
Submitted By: Jesus Rivas
San Diego Adult Education Regional Consortium
Website: https://sdcce.edu/dsps
Type of Practice: Program Development / Curriculum / Classroom
Program Area(s): Adults with Disabilities
Region: San Diego - Imperial
Consortia Involved: San Diego Adult Education Regional Consortium
The Program of Practice
The DSPS program at San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) faced declining enrollment, productivity, and instructional capacity due to the dual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the retirement of multiple long-serving faculty members. Student groups most affected included both younger students (under age 30) and older students (50+), and the loss of instructors particularly impacted course offerings and student services. The result was a constrained ability to meet students’ evolving needs in a post-pandemic world that demanded hybrid and technologically accessible learning solutions.
The Response
Despite systemic challenges, the DSPS program maintained stability by strategically prioritizing course continuity, community building, and the integration of accessible technology. The team sustained student numbers through pandemic-related disruptions by distributing Chromebooks, incorporating assistive technologies (e.g., JAWS, Dragon NaturallySpeaking), and expanding online accessibility in courses. Instructors reimagined their teaching delivery using Zoom and Canvas platforms, enabling continuity of services for students navigating the digital divide.
The Unique Features of the Program
The DSPS program distinguished itself through its:
• Holistic focus on quality of life: Courses prioritize life skills, independence, and social connection—promoting retention through a strong sense of community and experiential learning.
• Commitment to equity in technology access: Recognizing digital exclusion as a barrier, the department purchased Chromebooks and provided assistive technology training for both students and faculty.
• Inclusive and adaptive curriculum: The program supports diverse student goals—from personal enrichment to workforce readiness—and continually evolves based on student and faculty feedback.
• Department-led professional development: DSPS developed and shared internal PD opportunities pre-pandemic and maintained momentum even during institutional leadership gaps.
• Student-centered hybrid instruction: In preparation for a return to campus, the department planned a balanced hybrid format (in-person and distance education) to meet the needs of students with disabilities facing mobility, transportation, or stamina limitations.
The Outcome
DSPS achieved the following outcomes:
• Program-Specific Growth:
o Community Living Skills enrollment grew by 27% from 2019/20 to 2023/24.
o Adaptive Arts and Crafts FTES increased by over 470%, showing major interest and effectiveness .
o Cognitive Retraining/ABI maintained top performance, with a headcount of 257 and FTES of 201.05 in 2023/24.
• Technology Integration: Tools such as ZoomText, Kurzweil, and Typeability were deployed across the curriculum to support access.
• Resilient Instruction: Programs like Beginning Computers rebounded from a 69% retention rate during COVID to 100% in 2023/24.