Photo by: Karla DeAlba
Autism is described as a spectrum.
So are rainbows and sunrises.
All are unique.
Southwestern College Disabled Student Services staff tries to treat all its clients as special and one-of-a-kind, said Alejandro Fernandez, a rehabilitation counselor and former SC student.
Fernandez said being a member of the disabled community can be challenging, but also rewarding. He earned a BA then a Master’s degree at SDSU before becoming a counselor. He encouraged DSS students to seek support, then stick it out.
Two SC siblings are working to do just that. Andrew and Emilio Penalosa agreed that the help they have received at DSS has been key to their success. Emilio Penalosa said DSS provides a variety of useful services.
“More time for tests, books, counseling and priority enrollment are some of the main services I receive,” he said.
DSS specialist Dr. Michelle Gealy said there were 113 students enrolled in DSS department in 2018-19.
“Accommodations for students on the spectrum could be a variety of things depending on their level of functioning,” she said. “It could be extended time on tests, availability to walk around in the room or take small breaks.”
Gealy said students with autism may ask for permission to use an audio recorder and a note taker.
“About six percent of students who received DSS services are autistic,” she said. “We have about 1,900 DSS students in the program this school year.”
Emilio Penalosa said the program needs some improvements.
“I would like the counselors to be more involved in the students’ goals and provide better counseling,” he said.
At the beginning of their academic path the Penalosas experienced confusion about the college process, said Andrew Penalosa.
“We had to dig into it to learn about DSS,” he said. “When we first got to the DSS department we had no idea what services we needed and the people there expected us to already know what we needed.”
Things are different now, he said, and the brothers both consider DSS personnel staunch allies.
Andrew Penalosa said he has blossomed as a student thanks to DSS guidance. He is an editor at The Sun and a curated artist.
“One of my biggest accomplishments at Southwestern College was to have my photography exhibited at the art gallery in campus,” he said.
Emilio Penalosa said his desire is to be seen as part of the community like anyone else without impairments.
“Autism is an ability, not a disability,” he said.
