Connecting with CAE Newsletter

We know that rapid policy shifts and executive actions are causing uncertainty about the future of higher education and we know that this uncertainty is growing. We'd like to emphasize that we share in the concern on how these actions may impact institutions, students, and accessibility efforts. The CAE is committed to monitoring the evolving landscape and providing guidance where possible.

Events & Happenings

"Screening and conversation with artist Alison O’Daniel" hosted by UCLA Disability Studies- Thursday, March 20th at 7:30pm at the Hammer Museum

"Maisam Alomar: 'Carceral Medicine and State Violence: Conceptualizing Abolition Medicine'" hosted by UCLA Disability Studies- Tuesday, April 1st at 12pm in Hershey Hall Room 201

CAE in the Community!

Last quarter, the CAE visited the Braille Institute for a tour of its Los Angeles location and to learn more about the programs and services they offer to the blind and low-vision community.



Scholarship Opportunities

The CAE is currently accepting applications for the Disability in Career Development Program. CAE Disability in Career Development Program provides a small stipend ($250 - $500) on a quarterly basis to students with disabilities registered with CAE pursuing an internship, shadowing, or other experiential learning opportunities connected to a career outcome. As always, the Will Rogers Scholarship to support the purchase of products or services to support your disability is available all year. The CAE has made the application process a little easier with a common application. Please complete the CAE Scholarship Application if you are interested in future funding this academic year.  

My name is Elena Rodriguez, and I’m the CAE Intake Coordinator. I am a proud UCLA alumna with degrees in Psychology and Disability Studies. I’m passionate about supporting the disabled community and advocating for access & equity for students with both visible and invisible disabilities.

In my role, I review academic accommodation applications, assign students to Disability Specialists, and address inquiries about our processes and documentation guidelines. Ensuring that students receive timely support is a top priority for me. If you’re experiencing difficulties registering with the CAE, please don’t hesitate to reach out at erodriguez@saonet.ucla.edu.

Don’t forget to submit your housing accommodation requests as soon as possible! Housing accommodation requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, so earlier applications mean that if your request is approved, Housing Services can then start working on modifying your assignment to reflect your approved housing accommodations.

Is your department or organization interested in learning more about CAE, accommodations, and disability inclusion and belonging? Request a personalized training for your office or department this Spring!

Just a reminder that the CAE hosts weekly drop-in sessions with various CAE staff members to answer questions about accommodations or resources offered by the CAE.

Visit our website for more information!

Graduation Recognition

For the first time ever, CAE is proud to offer cords to graduating students recognizing that they are a graduate with a disability. Students can now drop by the office in Murphy Hall A255 and choose from a selection of five cords representing the Disability Pride Flag and various disabilities:

• Black & Red: Physical Disability
• Black & White: Invisible Disabilities
• Black & Light Blue: Emotional & Psychiatric Disabilities
• Black & Green: Sensory Disabilities
• Black & Gold: Neurodiversity

Students may choose multiple cords should they desire their multiple disabilities to be represented. Cords can be picked up at any time through Spring finals week when the office is open (Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm).

Mural Competition with CAE

CAE is in the process of reviewing the use of our front office space. In an effort to reflect the spirit of the student body and the experiences of disabled students, CAE will be sponsoring a mural competition and will begin taking submissions early in April. Additionally information will be provided to registered students later, but we encourage students to get started designing their submissions. The theme of submissions should reflect "Disabled and Proud."