News & Events
Self Determination Videos
Learn what people in the Self Determination Program are saying…
It’s Never Too Late to Find Community
Haga clic aquí para español by Patricia Forgey "I want a hug!” …Of course, I said “yes!”! My first interaction with Tilla told me so much about her spirit, her nature - about whom she is and the person she has become. The support and advocacy of her sister and...
Graceful Expressions: One Young Woman is Changing Minds Through Dance
As the auditorium lights dim, the elegantly costumed dancers glide across the stage with delicate grace. At first glance, you might not notice that one of the dancers is using an electric wheelchair; that dancer is Jessica Clay. Jessica has been dancing since age 9...
Taking Action for Positive Change: Three Advocates Make a Difference
They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For some of us taking that first step can seem daunting. That journey could come in many forms: striving for a personal goal, taking on a home project, embarking on an educational path, or in some...
Working as a Team for Excellent Service
Jonathan Rosales has always enjoyed shopping at Best Buy. He really appreciated their excellent customer service. On one of his shopping trips, he expressed an interest in employment and inquired about any possible job openings that they may have. The sales person...
Jon Seyster: Riding with Heart
Jon Seyster (http://jonseyster.com), 32, of Simi Valley, has discovered his passion. Drawing great strength from his spirituality, he lives with cerebral palsy and hearing loss, “but I don’t allow that to stop me from living an amazing life,” as he wrote on the flyer...
A Place of One’s Own
Chad Brunot stands in the doorway of his very own home, sweet home. “Today is Day Number 80,” he announces. He moved in last June after surmounting great challenges to arrive there, fortified by his typical optimism and the support of his TCRC Service Coordinator and...
All Over the Map
A featured artist in Santa Barbara author Debra Hosseini’s popular book, The Art of Autism, Jason Cantu, 28, had his first solo art show at TCRC’s office in San Luis Obispo. The show, All Over the Map, hung during the first quarter of 2014. This was the inaugural art...
Ana Tamayo and the Art of Graceful Transitions
Ana Tamayo gets up early every morning and goes to work, returning home by 3:00 p.m. She works at A.C.C.E.S.S, (Adult Community Center for Educational Support Services.) Offered through the Ventura County Office of Education, A.C.C.E.S.S. is an educational program...
Practicing Service, Community Connection and Humility at Ralphs
Wearing a bright neon vest over his Ralphs shirt to help drivers see him in the parking lot, Luis Prado pushes carts around. A lot. He’s been employed at Ralphs for over 14 years. He greets regular customers with a cheery smile and a wave, and comments, “What I love...
National Yes I Can! Award
Won by Arroyo Grande student James Neal The Yes I Can! Awards were established by the national Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), to honor children and youth with disabilities who have excelled. Thousands of children and youth have been recognized since the...
One Big Community (with Dancing)
Santa Barbara DJ Chris Benedict is also a presenter and a motivational speaker. He’s been holding monthly dance events that are fully accessible for people with disabilities. He’s expanding now, with a vision to reach out to the entire youth community of Santa...
Transitioning to Adulthood: Nicole’s Success
Nicole Cantrell is an Assistant Aide at Carl Dwire Special Education School where she has been employed for over two years. Working alongside her team, Nicole supports preschoolers in their learning. Some children need a bit of prompting when responding to teacher,...