Dallas College has long focused on providing an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported. Through its Accessibility Services Department, the college coordinates accommodations and support for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to programs and services.
During National Disability Awareness Month this October, the college is celebrating the launch of three new programs specifically for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These opportunities empower the students to reach their full potential and foster self-determination, community inclusion, and meaningful work.
The U.S. employment rate for IDD adults is only 19.1%. Currently, more than 500,000 Texas individuals (children and adults) have an IDD (CDC.gov). In the 2021-2022 school year, 64,000 Texas students, aged 3-21, who received special education services, were identified as having an intellectual disability (TEA.Texas.gov). The adult population with IDD in Dallas County is estimated to be almost 76,000 (MyPossibilities.org). Many students with IDD do not exit high school until age 21, and many do not receive career guidance or employment training.
Hugs Training Academy
Hugs Training Academy at Dallas College, introduced earlier this year, provides entry-level skills and training for adults with IDD to enter the culinary and hospitality workforce. The program is a partnership with Hugs Café Inc., a nonprofit enterprise located in McKinney, Texas, that facilitates the training. During the 12-week curriculum, students study professionalism in the workplace, food safety handling and certification, and introduction to food preparation and service.
“The expansion of the Hugs Training Academy program with Dallas College has been an exciting step toward creating more inclusive hiring opportunities in North Texas and beyond,” said Lauren Smith, executive director, of Hugs Café Inc. “Our trainees are empowered to learn in a state-of-the-art space where culinary arts and careers collide. This partnership is an example for others of how nonprofits and educational institutions can come together to support our community.”
Hugs at Dallas College currently enrolls eight students for each session. So far, nine students have completed the program.
Project Aspire
Launched this Fall, Project Aspire provides individuals with IDD access to comprehensive support services to improve workplace readiness skills. Adults, aged 18 to 28, learn planning and organizing, problem-solving, decision making, and business fundamentals. Students in Project Aspire work closely with an accessibility services case manager to guide them through any academic concerns or accommodation issues. Case managers also ensure overall student well-being and help them access additional support through Dallas College’s Student Care Network.
“High school graduation should symbolize hope for the future; however, students with IDD who exit high school may experience a community nonreceptive and unresponsive to their needs. College can be the next step for students with IDD,” said Beverly Neu Menassa, dean of accessibility services at Dallas College. “The Project Aspire program aims to eliminate barriers and ensure equitable access for students with IDD. Students will have various opportunities to develop essential employability skills, preparing them to become productive and successful members of the workforce and community.”
The first two cohorts (16 students each) have begun the one-year program with a curriculum that covers academic skills development, career exploration/employability skills acquisition, and independent living skills. After completing 10 continuing education courses, they will receive two certifications—Customer Care Agent and Workplace Readiness Skills.
Uniquely Abled Academy
The first of its kind in Texas, Dallas College’s Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA) also launched this Fall. The 15-week program provides training for adults with level 1, high-functioning autism, who wish to work in machine shops. With support from an industry advisory board, instructors and lab staff provide hands-on training through Dallas College School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology at the Eastfield Campus. The UAA in Machining Program is supported by a $640,677 grant from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technical Education Program.
Dallas College works with state workforce and vocational rehab partners to help identify prospective students. The program admissions process includes an in-person interview and tour of the UAA machining lab to ensure each applicant is comfortable with the environment. Students are also taught professional behavior skills and receive assistance with job placement as entry-level machinists or computer numerical control (CNC) operators.
Businesses interested in hiring through the program undergo their training in how to effectively employ individuals with autism.
“We are piloting this program to learn how to best serve the needs of level 1, high-functioning autistic adults while providing technical training for careers in the manufacturing industry. In the future, we hope to develop other UAA programs in technical areas such as computer-aided drafting or robotics,” said Dr. Veronique Tran, vice provost, of Dallas College School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology.
About Dallas College
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025, Dallas College consists of seven campuses—Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake, and Richland—plus a dozen centers located throughout Dallas County. As one of the largest community colleges in the U.S., Dallas College offers online and in-person learning, serving more than 127,000 credit, workforce, and continuing education students annually. Students benefit from partnerships with local school districts, four-year universities, industry, and community leaders. Dallas College offers associate degrees and career/technical certificate programs in more than 100 areas of study, as well as bachelor’s degrees in education and nursing. As the largest provider of dual credit in Texas, Dallas College serves 30,000 high school students through 63 dual credit programs.
