CCU Monthly Newsletter
April 2026
Queer, Disabled, and Proud Peer Support Group
The LGBTQIA+ community is more likely to have a disability compared to the non-LGBTQIA+ population. Because of the intersections of queerness and disability, we face higher rates of medical neglect, systemic discrimination, and aren’t able to access queer spaces the way other folks without disabilities are able to. The challenges our communities face in accessing life saving medical care or legal protections is a way our identities intersect. Whether it be the hurdles to access hormone replacement therapy, the ADA protecting gender dysphoria, or the lack of funding for HIV medications and research, our needs and fight for civil rights align. LGBTQIA+ people are also more likely to be on the receiving end of systemic violence that can lead to the development of a disability, which makes this kind of group all the more necessary.
Golden West's College Autism Program (CAP)
Coastline College COAST Vocational Program
Workforce Preparation for Adults with Disabilities
New Horizons
New Horizons is a program designed for adults ages 18 and up with developmental disabilities and special needs. Through a variety of enriching activities and community-based outings, the program provides participants with a safe, supportive environment to build social connections, develop life skills, and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Community Connect
Community Connect is a community-based behavior day program that is built around each individual's unique needs, goals, interest, and abilities.
Focus on developing:
- Vocational skills
- Financial awareness
- Social and communication
- Safety and daily living skills
CalJOBS
CalJOBS is an online resource where you can find thousands of job listings and manage your career.
Benefits of CalJOBS include:
- Find education and training programs.
- Customize and perform job searches.
- Create different resumes and cover letters for specific jobs or career paths.
- Make certain resumes viewable to specific employers.
- Research employers and learn about the job market.
- Set up alerts for job openings.
- Apply for job openings.
- Find information about Unemployment Insurance and other services.
Career One Stop
- Staff who can help you with skills assessments, job plans, and career planning.
- Workshops on writing resumes, cover letters, job searching, and practicing interviews.
- Information about local jobs and in-demand careers.
- Access to training and work experience opportunities.
TGR Learning Labs
Peer Ambassador Program
YMCA Opportunities
Free Digital Skills Training
Resources are available online nationwide, with in-person workshops offered in 14 regions, making it easy to access training in the way that works best for you or the people you support.
Participants will learn skills such as:
Getting started with computers, mobile devices, and video conferencing
Navigating websites and search engines
Online safety, passwords, fraud, and scams
And more
Building Financial Confidence Recording
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and the California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CalABLE) program hosted a financial empowerment workshop that shared simple, practical tips on budgeting, saving, money management and setting financial goals. It's packed with real-life strategies you can start using right away.
Benefits to Independence 101
Coordinated Care Network
The Arc's Center for Future Planning
The website covers the planning priorities that matter most to people with disabilities and their families.
Making Decisions: Understand your options around supported decision-making, guardianship, and self-advocacy.
Financing the Future: From ABLE accounts to special needs trusts, get clear guidance on building financial security without jeopardizing benefits.
Deciding Where to Live: Explore housing options, from living independently to shared living and everything in between.
Work & Daily Activities: Find resources on employment, day programs, and building a meaningful daily routine.
Friends & Social Life: Because connection and community are just as important as finances and housing.
The resources are free, practical, and built for real life. No professional background required.
North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE)
NOCE is the noncredit provider for the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD), offering unique program and service options that enable students with verified disabilities to achieve their educational, vocational, and personal goals.
Disability Support Services (DSS) is the campus resource that assists instructors in providing educational accommodations to students with verified disabilities.
DSS offers a wide variety of programs, each with a special focus!
MHS Work Center: Get Help Landing Your 1st Job
We’re proud to partner with Youth Employment Services (YES) to provide one-on-one support and resources to help you find your 1st job!
What we do:
Help with applying for jobs
Resume building support
Interview practice & skill-building
Info on local job postings & job fairs
Thursdays after school at the MHS Family Center
A New Blog Series Dedicated to Your Financial Freedom
Many people assume investing is out of reach—reserved for those with extra income, financial expertise, or exclusive networks. This perception is exactly what needs to change. A new three-part blog series, now live on ablenrc.org, explores how Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts can expand financial opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities, their families, and the broader network of service providers and partners who support them. Designed to be accessible and practical, the series offers a clear entry point into building more equitable financial futures.
