Doña Ana Community College (DACC) recently introduced a new program called the Career and Life Skills Academy (CLSA), which has a focus on assisting neurodiverse individuals in identifying and pursuing life aspirations. Neurodiverse individuals ar people with developmental disabilities, according to a report by the Las Cruces Bulletin on July 6.
"This is a remarkable program. The academy provides an educational opportunity for those in our community who often have too few opportunities to continue their personal and professional development,” DACC President Monica Torres said according to Las Cruces Bulletin. “We are happy to continue to be an all-inclusive, welcoming, and supportive college."
According to DACC program specialist Kay Lilley, students in the CLSA use graphic images, colors and text to create a personalized vision of their future. The vision is a blueprint for their personal, academic and career development. it outlines the necessary knowledge and skills to be cultivated, as well as the available resources needed for success. The document also provides recommendations for college and job opportunities, as well as additional training options that are offered at places like Cruces Creatives makerspace and Mesilla Valley Timebank. CLSA students are currently involved in summer internships at institutions including Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, the City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department, Munson Center and Rio Grande Theatre.
“CLSA recognizes that neurodiverse individuals are at risk of being misunderstood and often fulfill stereotypes and live up to low expectations that others have of and for them,” said Lilley.
