Legislative and Policy Advocacy

Historical Perspectives

A basic axiom for the continuation of any successful organization is put simply by the statement, "replace yourselves." With this in mind, this message is directed at the new CAPED members. Do partake and do participate in the treasures you've inherited. Our history is rich in tradition, both for internal development and external influence.

By internal development, I refer to an original organization of about 45 members with no budget and no internal structure that with time and dedication has evolved to one with a sound structure, a solid financial foundation and a membership of nearly 500. CAPED's internal structure of by laws and policies, CAPED Interest Groups (CIGS), Committees and Officers' Council interact in a dynamic way to generate change appropriate to the challenges of the time. Our annual conventions and elegant Communiqu? publications display in an eloquent fashion the network, camaraderie and service our membership produces.

By external influence, I refer to some startling facts. Before 1970, there were only 3 colleges in the nation (Riverside Community College and San Fernando Valley State College (now CSUN) here in California and Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.) that had formal programs to serve disabled students in higher education! In the early 1970's there were 6 community colleges in California and one informal club, called "The Rolling Quads" of UC Berkeley. CAPED was founded within this context. Now look around at what you see on our State and national front - affirmative action policies that include people with disabilities, helmet laws for motorcycle riders, funding mechanisms assuring reasonable accommodation, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), electronic accessibility, and so on. All these affect the everyday lives of us as professionals and the students with disabilities we serve. I'm not saying CAPED is solely responsible for all of this evolution. However I am saying that CAPED has been and is one of the main players in all these successful efforts.

Challenges face us today, of course. Internally, we continue to examine the concept of CIG restructuring with an emphasis on function rather than disability category. Also, producing successful conventions and Communiqu?s always take great effort. Externally we are challenged by a weakened State economy and must be vigilant to quickly respond to possible actions that might undermine support services. Unpredictable, high cost services plague our programs as well. However, these cycles of difficulties can also open doorways of new thinking and new solutions when they are faced with courage and ingenuity. If anything, this is CAPED's tradition - courage and ingenuity.

So once again to you new members especially, do partake and do participate in the treasures you've inherited. This passionate involvement is where we derive the joy in our careers. A hearty welcome to you, our leaders of the future!

Rick Scuderi, L.A. Mission College

Legislative Committee Report