DRC Newsletter

October 2026 Edition

Accessible versions of this and past Newsletters are available in the past issue section below.

DRC Newsletter, text version is below in past issues section.

Text Version & Previous Issues


Fall has officially arrived, and the DRC is welcoming October with cozy vibes, exciting events, and plenty of opportunities to connect! As the semester gets into full swing, take a moment to check out what’s happening at the DRC—from upcoming programs and activities to resources designed to support you along the way.

Stay tuned, keep an eye on your inbox, and mark your calendars! You won’t want to miss what we have brewing this October.

Wishing you a fun, spooky, and successful October from all of us at the DRC!

Inspiration and Fun

Meme of the Month

A kitten wearing a wtiches hat and a small carved pumpkin next to it. Text above the picture says "Are you excited for Hallowe-" Me:.

Motivation for the Month:

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou

Social Skills Tip

Social Skills Tip: Start Small When Making Friends

Building a friendship can begin with small, everyday interactions. Try saying hello, sitting near someone new in class, or asking a simple question about a shared interest or activity. Look for people you naturally see regularly—such as classmates, club members, or coworkers—and give yourself opportunities to build familiarity over time. Meaningful friendships often grow through small, repeated interactions.

 

 

DRC Events

 

 

DRC and UHS Relax and Create

Join the DRC & UHS for "Relax & Create"! A relaxing and interactive Sensory Wellness Experience event where participants can de-stress through Lego building, play-dough sculpting, essential oils, and coloring in a supportive and calming environment.

Food will be provided! Save the date for October 22 from 12-1pm in Sicomoro MPR (73-107).

RSVP For Relax and Create

CAPS Events

Check out some of the great workshops and Groups happening at CAPS. For all events, register on myHealth Portal. Follow @caps.cpp on Instagram for more events.

Plot Twist: You Actually Belong Here

Imposter Syndome in College Students

Every feel like you don't belong or that everyone else has college figured out? This workshop explores imposter syndrome, why it happens, and practical ways to challenge it and build confidence.

  • Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
  • Time: 12 pm-1 pm
  • Location: Student Success Lab (Building 66-126)

Hosted By: Counseling & Psychological Services & Disability Resource Center

RSVP by for "Plot Twist"

Career Center Events

Review the list of Career Center Events for the month of September. Check out the Career Center website for more information.

Career Center Graduate & Professional School Fair

Other Campus Events

Community Based Theatre Collaboration

We are excited to share a unique collaboration opportunity with the Theatre Department and invite students to help bring the experiences and perspectives of the disability and neurodivergent community to the stage.

The Theatre Department offers a course called Community-Based Theatre, which focuses on working alongside a specific community to learn about its experiences, understand what represents that community, and explore how others can become better allies.

This semester, the class will collaborate with students who identify as neurodivergent or as having a mobility-related, non-apparent, or other disability. If you are interested in sharing your experiences and helping shape this creative project, we invite you to complete the interest form.

Interested participants will need to attend all the following sessions; all sessions are 12:00pm – 3:00pm:

  • Saturday, October 10, 2026 — Story Circle & Interviews
  • Saturday, November 7, 2026 — Feedback Session
  • Tuesday, December 8, 2026 — Final Performance Reading

Broncos Care - Health Huts

Health Huts are back! Stop by to learn about health and wellness topics, connect with resources, and pick up free wellness supplies. Find us around campus!

Wednesdays 10:00am - 12:00pm Thursdays 12:00pm - 2:00pm Around Campus

CalFresh Enrollment Party

Ready to apply for CalFresh? Meet with a Department of Social Service worker for on-the-spot enrollment, in-person interview and resources to make the process easy and stress-free. Don't miss this chance to get your application started and celebrate taking a step toward food security!

Thursday, October 29th 10:00am-3:00pm Bronco Student Center Andromeda AB

Suicide Prevention Awareness Week

October 26-29, 2026

Week of events, activities and resources across campus. Join us for a week of connection, education, and community as we raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote mental health and well-being.
Pop-ups at various spaces on campus all week! Stop by and check in, grab resources, and take a moment for your mental health. More information coming soon! For questions, please contact CAPS at 909-869-3030 or visit www.cpp.edu/~caps.

Mental Health & Wellness Pop-Up

  • Stop by for resources, activities and ways to check in on your well-being!
  • Hosted by ENB & Student Health Services (SHS)
  • Monday October 26, 11:00am – 1:00pm
  • ENB Atrium & Gallery

EOP Community Building Event

  • Support. Connection.
  • Tuesday, October 27, 11:00am - 12:00 pm
  • Building 94 – Room 122

University Housing Services (UHS)

  • Support. Connection.
  • Tuesday, October 27, 5:30pm - 6:00 pm
  • Location TBD

Bubble Breathing

  • A mindfulness breaking program hosted by CAPS
  • Wednesday, October 28, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
  • Courtyard by the BRIC

TREE Suicide Prevention Presentation

  • Wednesday, October 28, 12:00 – 1:30 pm
  • Rainbow Weaver Room

Renaissance Scholars Resource Table & Activities

  • Wednesday, October 28, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
  • Bookstore Atrium

Send Silence Packing & Mental Health Resource Fair

  • A campus-wide event featuring Send Silence Packing, an interactive program, a resource fair, food, activities and more!
  • Friday, October 29, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • University Park

In the Community…

Office of Community Belonging Sticker Contest

What if a few simple words could brighten someone’s day, remind them they matter, or help them feel a little less alone?

This semester, the Office of Community and Belonging is bringing a Culture of Care to life across campus through a new Culture of Care Sticker Campaign, inspired by the Eight Dimensions of Wellness. These dimensions remind us that wellness is about the whole person — our physical, emotional, social, intellectual, financial, occupational, environmental, and spiritual wellbeing — and that each part of our lives can shape how we learn, connect, and thrive.

Through creative designs and affirmations placed across campus, small everyday messages can offer powerful reminders: you matter, your wellbeing matters, and you are not alone.

To highlight the talent of our Bronco community, we're inviting all students, faculty, and staff to create and submit a custom design for our sticker contest! Winners will receive $50 in Bronco Bucks, eligible for use anywhere on campus.

Contest is open from September 14 through October 12. Open to all current students, faculty, and staff members.

Enter the Sticker Contest Now!

Research Collection Promotion Request

If you are 18 years or older and have a vision-related disability where you use some form of mobility aid (such as a guide dog), please take a moment to complete this anonymous survey to support a research study (IRB-26-136). This research study is meant to help the development of a potential robotic guide dog, by having users of mobility aids identify what aspects of assistance would be preferred in order to prioritize the user’s agency and comfort. This study is not meant to replace guide dogs, but rather explore an alternative that could be helpful in some settings.

To complete the survey, please visit tinyurl.com/spotguidedog or see the attached flyer for more information by October 19th.

By completing this brief anonymous survey, you will contribute valuable data to an under-researched area and support future initiatives aimed at improving accessible technology. This survey should take 15-20 minutes of your time and you are free to stop taking the survey at any point. Thank you for your time and consideration. This announcement is shared on behalf of Cal Poly Pomona student Jai Sutaria. If you have any questions please contact Jai at jsutaria@cpp.edu or the faculty advisor for this project, Dr. Tang at ftang@cpp.edu.

The Cal Poly Pomona Institutional Review Board has reviewed and approved for conduct this research involving human subjects under protocol IRB 26-136.

Join The Inka Empire for Let's Make It Happen, Happy Halloween – An Inclusive Halloween

Experience on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Location: To Be Announced). Designed for individuals of all abilities, this one-of-a-kind event brings together participants, families, volunteers, and community partners for an evening of music, entertainment, games, food, and meaningful connections.

More Than a Halloween Event—A Movement for Inclusion, Learning, and Opportunity
Designed for individuals of all abilities, with a special focus on transitional youth and adults with disabilities, this event is much more than an evening of costumes and music. It is the flagship experiential learning event of The Inka Empire Academy's Education, Entertainment, and Entrepreneurship (E³) Program, where participants gain meaningful experiences, develop transferable skills, build confidence, and create lasting friendships while celebrating Halloween in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.

To be considered for participation, please complete our Attendee Interest Form by clicking below, which will take you to our SurveyMonkey registration page. After your form has been reviewed, a member of The Inka Empire may contact you to discuss your interests, accessibility needs, and support preferences.

 

Welcome to another great year at CPP!

Inspiration and Fun

Meme of the Month

Pie chart with a small portion labeled as "Fall" and the rest labeled as "waiting for fall". The title of the chart says "FYI, There are actually only 2 seasons".

Motivation for the Month:

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman

Social Skills Tip

It’s the beginning of a new semester, it is a great time to practice starting conversations.
Introduce yourself: Say hello to the person sitting next to you in class or in the dining hall by sharing your name, major, or where you are from.

DRC Introduces New Tutorials on YouTube

DRC has created a YouTube channel with instructional tutorials on how to complete requests or other actions on the myDRC Portal.

Check-out the DRC YouTube Channel

Shout out to our amazing student assistants for creating the videos!

CPP Library Launches Neurodivergent Study Room

New Study Room at the CPP Library

What is the Neurdodivergent Study Room?

The University Library's Neurodivergent Study Room is a study space designed with the needs of neurodiverse folks in mind. The space offers alternative seating and lighting options as well as focus tools like a noise machine and fidget toys. The environment can be reconfigured to individual users needs.

How can I use the Neurodivergent Study Room?

It's easy! Make a reservation online through the study room reservation site. At your reserved time, come to the 2nd floor Circulation Desk to check out the Neurodivergent Study Room Kits which include the light machine, sound machine, and fidget toys. CPP Students can make one 3-hour reservation each day. Make sure to fill out the technology loan agreement form before arriving for your study session which is required to check out the kits.

Where is the Neurodivergent Study Room?

The room is located in the University Library, building 15, on the 2nd floor, room 2442.

DRC Events

DRC Social Success Series

This workshop series builds essential skills to build and maintain meaningful connections.

This month’s upcoming session is:

September 29, 2026 - Entering Group Conversations

12:00 - 12:50pm

Building 9, Room 117

RSVP for the Social Success Series

Accommodation Hour with a DRC Specialist

Drop-in Zoom hour for DRC Students to ask questions about accommodations with a DRC Access Specialist.

September 15 12:00-1:00pm

Join Zoom

DRC and UHS Relax and Create

Join the DRC & UHS for "Relax & Create"! A relaxing and interactive Sensory Wellness Experience event where participants can de-stress through Lego building, play-dough sculpting, essential oils, and coloring in a supportive and calming environment.

Food will be provided! Save the date for October 22 from 12-1pm in Sicomoro MPR (73-107).

RSVP For Relax and Create

CAPS Events

Check out some of the great workshops and Groups happening at CAPS. For all events, register on myHealth Portal. Follow @caps.cpp on Instagram for more events.

Speed Friending for Parenting Students

  • A welcoming opportunity for parenting students to meet and connect.
  • September 10
  • 12:00–1:00 p.m.; Building 66, Room 101

Mindfulness Mondays

  • A drop-in group for guided mindfulness practice.
  • September 14 & 21
  • 3:15–3:45 p.m.; Hybrid: Zoom or in person at CECCHE

Social Anxiety Group

  • A psychoeducational, skills-based group designed for social anxiety.
  • September 24, October 1, 8 & 15;
  • 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Anxiety Toolbox

  • A CBT-based psychoeducational group to understand anxiety and build healthy coping skills.
  • September 28, October 5 & 12
  • 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.; Virtual on Zoom

CAPS × Bronco Wellness: Stress Management & Burnout Prevention

  • Recognize signs of burnout and learn practical strategies for managing academic stress.
  • September 29
  • 12:00–1:00 p.m.; CAPS Conference Room

Healing After Trauma (HAT)

  • A trauma support group for those impacted by sexual trauma or dating violence.
  • September 21 & 28
  • 3:00- 4:30 p.m.; CAPS Conference Room

Career Center Events

Review the list of Career Center Events for the month of September. Check out the Career Center website for more information.

Get Career Ready! Career Prep Event

Fall Career Fair

STEM Career Fair

In the Community…

Check out the Disability Pride Parade and Festival in Los Angeles

The event is joyful, family-friendly day of entertainment, food, and local resources. Everyone is welcome, no registration required. Come celebrate disability pride, take part in accessible activities, and connect with your community.

Saturday, October 24

  • 3PM - 8PM
  • East LA Civic Center
  • 4801 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90022
  • This event is FREE!

More information available on the Disability Pride LA webpage.

The end of the school year is almost year! Good luck to all our students on their final exams, projects and assignments. Congratulations to all our graduates who are completing their degree this semester!

Inspiration and Fun

Meme of the Month

The singer Adele with text, Hello It's May.

Motivation for the Month:

"All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney

DRC Finals Information

Important Finals Information

Here are some quick things to know about finals week at DRC:

Testing Locations – We will have testing at both DRC and the Test Center. About 1-2 days before your test you will get a reminder email which will include the location you will be testing at. Make sure you know where to go for each exam. Locations for each exam can also be viewed on your myDRC portal once the reminder has been sent.

DRC recommends you arrive 15 minutes early to your scheduled exam time and line up outside the front door. Additional time will not be added for late arrivals or for students who do not finish within their allotted time.

Students are responsible for providing their own pencils, erasers, Scantrons, Blue Books, or other required testing materials.

If you need help scheduling your finals, contact us at drctesting@cpp.edu or review the Finals Tutorial.

 

BAM Bulletin

Now Playing

Thoughtfully selected music playlists to match your soundtrack for the month.

Fun Activities on Campus

The Japanese Garden – North West of Classroom/Laboratory/Administration (C/LA) (Bldg. 98)

Looking for a peaceful spot where you can slow down, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of campus? Cal Poly Pomona’s Japanese Garden offers a calm and welcoming environment for students who need a break from their busy schedules. With its quiet pathways, natural scenery, and relaxing atmosphere, it is the perfect place to step away from the stress of classes and reset. Whether you are taking a solo walk, spending time with friends, or simply sitting and enjoying the view, the garden provides a refreshing space to clear your mind and recharge.

Social Success Tip

Compatibility Matters - Friendships are a choice, not an obligation. You won’t connect with everyone—and that’s completely normal. Even when people share common interests, differences in personality, values, or beliefs can affect whether a friendship develops. Instead of trying to force connections, focus on building relationships with people who genuinely align with you and make you feel comfortable and respected. Remember, just as you have the freedom to choose your friends, others have that same freedom too—so aim for mutual connection, not pressure.

 

CAPED Scholarship Application

Open from May 1st to August 31st, 11:59pm

Welcome! The California Association for Post-Secondary Education and Disability (CAPED) has proudly offered scholarships to students with disabilities in post secondary education since 1982.

Scholarship applications are available online May 1st to August 31st.

Check out the CAPED Scholarship website for details.