Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Dallas College Celebrates Disability Awareness Month With Events and Student Spotlights

Oct. 6, 2026

During Disability Awareness Month and year-round, Dallas College celebrates the ambition and resilience of students with disabilities who are following career paths. Behind the scenes, Dallas College Accessibility Services fosters a community of acceptance for students with visible and invisible disabilities, while supporting them to thrive.

Accessibility Services is hosting a virtual speaker series during Disability Awareness Month in October to promote awareness and understanding of disabilities. Explore events here.

To kick things off, meet three inspiring students who share their personal stories of resilience as they pave their paths to success.

Larame Cunningham Larame Cunningham

Larame Cunningham will graduate in May 2027. He says he strives to serve a “bigger purpose” than himself.

Please describe your background and your journey to Dallas College.

I struggled with Asperger’s syndrome and anxiety growing up. I spent my childhood navigating adopted homes, foster placements, boys’ homes and residential programs — ultimately living in over 22 foster homes. I struggled academically and socially. After graduating from DeSoto High School in 2016, I enrolled in Cedar Valley, but I was living in survival mode. I faced periods of homelessness and worked two jobs. Eventually, the weight of these challenges led me to withdraw, though I never let go of my dream of returning.

I came back on academic probation, holding a 1.2 GPA. I sought out resources, asked for help and used every support available to me. Through discipline, consistency and community, I worked my way into a strong academic standing.

What would you like other students to know about you?

No matter what negativity is spoken toward me, I remain focused on a higher calling. My life is guided by purpose, not ego. I am committed to the work of creating stability, dignity and opportunity for those who have walked the same path as me.

What are you studying at Dallas College and what is your career goal?

I am pursuing my Associate of Arts degree with electives focused on business. I will continue my education at the University of North Texas at Dallas, where I will major in hospitality management with a minor in real estate. Following my undergraduate studies, I plan to attend UNT Denton to earn a Master of Business Administration.

I would like to have a career in hospitality management as a hotel director, then transition into executive leadership. I would like to collaborate with nonprofit partners to invest in multiple properties on a piece of land and build homes for struggling foster care alumni to keep siblings together and prevent homelessness.

Why did you choose this path?

I remember sitting with my foster dad — the man who believed in me when the world didn’t — and telling him that I was going to make it. I was going to college despite the labels placed on me and the odds stacked against me. He passed away, but that commitment became the foundation of my determination. My journey has been shaped by loss, instability and adversity — but also by resilience, purpose and an unshakable belief that my future can be greater than my past.

How has Accessibility Services supported your success at Dallas College?

It’s given me an avenue to learn and develop marketable skills at my own pace. Richard Hernandez has been a big support and mentor, along with the rest of the team at the Cedar Valley Campus.

I also received support from the Hand in Hand foster care support program.

Have you been involved in any activities or clubs outside of your classes?

I’m a former Student Government Association president, senate chair and vice president. I served as a panelist for a Meadows and Moody foundations roundtable on support programs at Dallas College. Currently, I serve as a student ambassador and volunteer for support programs.

Evelyn Lainez

A second-year student at Dallas College, Evelyn Lainez is a talented artist working on her Associate of Art degree. She enjoys the freedom that art provides.

Evelyn Lainez

Could you describe your background and your journey to Dallas College?

I am a first-generation student. I was diagnosed with autism and received speech Drawing by Evelyn Lainez therapy when I was very little. I was able to start speaking but my social skills aren't good. Art has been in my dad's side of the family, and I inherited those skills. It became my way of expressing myself without the use of words. In high school, I got better at socializing and was able to help others be comfortable in social situations. I originally wanted to attend UNT Denton after graduation. It was my dream since high school, but I ended up attending Richland. I remember feeling so behind and disappointed in myself, but over time, I accepted it.

What is one thing you would like other students to know about you?

The one thing I would like people to know is that not everyone who has autism is "happy" or "careless" and "rude," just because we don't talk or forget a lot. We feel afraid of those who would judge us for thinking differently and keeping to ourselves. We are human and feel emotions, including negative thoughts and self-doubt.

Where and what are you studying at Dallas College? What is your career goal?

I'm studying graphic design, but due to the rise of AI, I'm considering taking other creative fields such as drawing, dance, photography and animation. I'm hoping I will be able to have at least two other career paths to keep a roof over my head in the future. I'm attending Richland on-campus classes since I feel more focused. The campus’s arts school is the closest to where I live. My original plan was to graduate from Dallas College this year and transfer to UNT. I am on track with taking required courses, but math is holding me back. I have a feeling that my time in Dallas College is extending.

How has Accessibility Services supported your success during your time at Dallas College?

It's been useful and has made me feel seen that there are services given in college. My professors talk to me about my needs.

Have you become involved in any clubs or activities during your time at Dallas College?

I was in Women's Empowerment, guitar lessons and Student Leadership.

What is your best Dallas College memory so far?

My best memories so far in Dallas College are my art classes. I felt included and appreciated, even if I wasn't talkative. When I did talk to people, I didn't feel nervous, despite being in a new environment and meeting new people in my classes.

Amanda Ortiz Amanda Ortiz

Following a medical event, Amanda Ortiz decided to stay home and take some prerequisites at Dallas College Richland Campus before transferring to Texas Woman’s University next fall.

Could you describe your background and your journey to Dallas College?

I graduated from North Garland High School in 2026, and I was going to Texas Woman’s University. I already got accepted and had a room and all, but about two weeks before my graduation I had to have an emergency heart operation. It really set everything back. So, I decided to take a year off and do some prereqs at Dallas College, instead of going straight to Denton.

What’s one thing you would like other students to know about you?

I would love people to know that I’m a very friendly person. I don’t believe it shows much on my face, but I love talking and making friends. I was really excited about that part of the college experience. But, it’s hard with going to school and working almost 40 hours a week.

I am happy to be included in this article because people think they have to be able to see disabilities. Though you can’t see it, I know it’s there.

What are you studying at Dallas College? What is your career goal?

I am pre-nursing. So I’m doing anatomy and physiology I, psychology and I’m also taking ceramics as my art requirement. I want to work in pediatrics and hopefully a cardiology unit.

Why did you decide on this path?

I have Celiac Disease, and since second grade I’ve had a 504 accommodation because I was diagnosed with a reading disorder and ADHD, and then, the heart problem too. It all takes me back to the medical field. I’m hoping to help others who have problems.

How has Accessibility Services supported your success during your time at Dallas College?

Just applying to Dallas College to begin with, they were so helpful. At my orientation I asked a question, and they brought me to the office and explained everything so well and clearly, especially with test taking. I need a smaller, quiet room and extra time. Honestly, it’s been one of the best test-taking experiences I’ve had.

What have been your best Dallas College memories so far?

I enjoy my classes. … I can happily say I’ve made two friends, which is amazing.

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