NOCE is proud to announce that the Disability Support Services (DSS) Program has been selected as a “Model Program” by the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) at its annual conference held September 24-26, 2025, in Anaheim, California.
The program was recognized for its exemplary initiatives in pathways and persistence. DSS serves adults with disabilities by providing inclusive educational programs, support services, and workforce development opportunities designed to help students succeed in higher education and competitive employment.
The DSS Program at NOCE guides students from K–12 transition to postsecondary education and beyond, offering foundational courses in academics, employment skills, and independent living. NOCE DSS serves students with mild intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and moderate cognitive disabilities through on-campus, online, and community-partnered instruction. Partnerships with NOCE’s Career Technical Education Program have expanded workforce pathways, including noncredit and credit certificates in fields such as healthcare, digital marketing, retail, childcare, and food service. Beyond traditional accommodations, NOCE DSS provides specialized counseling, educational coaching, peer mentoring, neurodivergent learner labs (ARISE), bus mobility training, and the Inclusion Ally program, which trains faculty and staff to support students’ inclusion and persistence. Workforce services assist students in developing employment goals and resumes, practicing interviews, job placements, and achieving competitive employment.
The program’s impact is measurable: in recent years, hundreds of students have participated in ARISE labs, educational coaching, and career programs, with many earning high school diplomas, certificates, and employment. Success stories, such as 2025 Student Success Award recipient Dar’rius Smith, who progressed from DSS classes to earning professional certificates and preparing to transfer to Cypress College for a career in IT support, highlight how the DSS Program transforms skills and career readiness.
A hallmark of the NOCE DSS Program is its collaboration with regional consortia, professional organizations, and community partners, ensuring innovative, replicable, and research-based approaches to inclusion. Through CAEP and other funding sources, the program continues to expand, demonstrating a model for postsecondary institutions across California and the nation. Congratulations to Dr. Adam Gottdank, Associate Dean for DSS Program, and the entire DSS team of faculty and staff for earning this award!