Disability Access Services (DAS) departments at both Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College exist to create welcoming, inclusive environments where accessibility is prioritized. Staffed by dedicated professionals, DAS equips students with a wide range of tools for success—but those tools can only make a difference when students know what’s available.

To celebrate Disability Awareness Month in October and deepen understanding of how disability shapes student life and learning, SCC’s DAS hosted a screening of Normal Isn’t Real followed by a panel discussion with SCC students who experience disabilities in different ways.

Normal Isn’t Real highlights the experiences of students with learning disabilities, which often go unseen but can significantly impact academic success. The film also underscores that challenges are not solely about individual ability—many can be about culture and perceptions as well, which was something that resonated with the student panelists.

Olive, an Automotive Technology student at SCC planning to continue into Aviation Maintenance, shared their experience living with narcolepsy and pointed to the stigma surrounding disability in the trades as an area that still needs change. They shared their experience that misapprehensions about disabilities can themselves create barriers.

The panelists also identified the difficulty in asking for help as a barrier. While industries, organizations, and others may have difficulty understanding or accommodating disabilities, DAS specializes in it.

DAS integrates its services into student life and academic programs. Students can connect with DAS by completing an intake process, providing documentation, and meeting with staff to identify individualized accommodations tailored to their needs. These may include assistive technology, alternative testing arrangements, notetaking support, or flexibility in attendance and deadlines. DAS also assists students with temporary conditions, pregnancy-related needs, and other accessibility challenges.

By collaborating with instructors and DAS staff, students gain the tools and confidence to participate fully in their courses and the broader campus community.

Branden, another student on the panel at the event, spoke about how the work of DAS and these kinds of awareness events directly help students. “I know I’m not alone in this,” he said. “Everybody has something in life.”