National Disability Employment Awareness: Polk State offers environment where all students can thrive

Committed to providing an environment where all students can thrive, Polk State College is recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month for October.

The College and students have seen firsthand the difference that special accommodations can make. For the Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 semesters, Polk State had nearly 650 students registered through the Office of Disability Services. Those students combined to take more than 2,000 classes.

“Our mission is to be accessible,” said Kim Pearsall, Director of Disability and Counseling Services. “We want students to have a safe space and to feel comfortable letting staff know that they need support and that their individual learning styles need support.”

Overcoming obstacles

Throughout the month, there are days dedicated to raising awareness for several different conditions, including cerebral palsy. In May, Kaitlyn Dunn was able to overcome her condition to graduate cum laude with her Polk State Associate in Arts degree. Dunn attended most of her in person.

“I needed that in-person experience,” Dunn explained. “I really enjoyed going to Polk. The professors were amazing. (Coordinator for the Office of Disability Services Dionne Formey) has been extremely caring and so kind to me over these two years. She encouraged me to get the services I needed.”

For Dunn, those services included preferred seating in classes and extra time for testing. One student who will be referred to as Alex lives with autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Special accommodations include additional time for assignments and a separate test taking area where he can better concentrate. Symptoms of his conditions include increased anxiety and inattention.

“Polk State does a great job providing students with special accommodations to fit our academic needs,” he explained. “It has been incredibly helpful. I don’t know if I would have been able to have the same success without Polk State and its staff that has been so patient and understanding.”

Like Dunn, Alex is also a 2025 cum laude graduate, finishing with a 3.74 grade-point average. He first enrolled in 2019, but faced challenges along the way, including a global pandemic, that slowed his journey.

“I am quite proud,” Alex explained. “I am aware of how blessed I am to have had all the help I was given here. There were still challenges. My mother was told when I was young that these ailments were going to stunt me. There were instances where I could have thrown in the towel, but I had a lot of people extend grace and support for me.”

Other types of accommodation made through the Office of Disability Services include providing note takers or special cutting-edge note-taking technology, readers for assignments, scribes and specialized access to class materials. Names of students who utilize the Office of Disability Services are confidential.

“Outside of our staff and your instructors, the only people who know your needs will be the ones you tell,” Pearsall emphasized. “We encourage students to utilize what’s available and not worry about the judgement. We let them know the importance of controlling the things you can.”

Gratitude

Dunn’s cerebral palsy forces her to use crutches. Like Alex, however, she keeps a positive perspective. Born nine weeks early and diagnosed at birth, Dunn recognizes that many people who battle cerebral palsy are non-verbal.

“I’m very fortunate that it only limits me physically,” she explained. “It can affect your mind and ability to speak. It only limits my legs and ability to walk. I’m fortunate to have great friends and parents who have encouraged me to be strong and independent.”

For Alex, a strong support system has also been vital. His mother has always been in his corner, but those in Polk State’s Office of Disabilities have also played a major role.

“My mother really put her backbone into fighting for me,” Alex added. “She educated herself with any piece of material she could get her hands on. She fought for me – any obstacle in my educational journey she would go above and beyond to resolve. She was a cornerstone in helping me succeed.

“At Polk, Kim Pearsall has been fantastic,” he continued. “She’s great at what she does. She’s an outstanding communicator. She was my advocate. She really helped all the pieces fall into place. I really took my studies seriously and tried my best for all the support and patience extended outward to me.”

For Pearsall and her staff, seeing the student successes is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.

“Some of these students are told what their limitations are early on in life, and they go on to exceed them,” Pearsall said. “They graduate; they learn independently. Watching their progress has been amazing.”

Next steps in the journey

Alex isn’t sure what his next steps are, but with a degree in hand, he knows he has options. Attending a university to pursue a degree in digital media or communications is a possibility. He’s also explored a trade such as exterior and interior painting.

“My degree is worth something,” Alex exclaimed. “I’d like to be able to support myself. There are so many options.”

After earning her AA at Polk State, Dunn is now living on campus at the University of South Florida in Tampa, majoring in psychology. Most of her classes are in-person.

“At USF, there are a lot of research opportunities and opportunities to do internships,” she said. “I’m not sure what my end goal is yet, but I want to take it one step at a time.”

An understanding approach

When it comes to people living with disabilities, there are a lot of misnomers, both explained. Perception is sometimes an obstacle in itself.

“I wish people wouldn’t assume that we fit in a certain box,” Dunn noted. “We’re stronger than people give us credit for. As a child, there was always this voice inside my head. I felt like people looked at me differently or didn’t think I could do much. I learned that I wasn’t limited. We have to work harder to get where we want but we can do just about anything.”

While others may assume people with disabilities are weaker, Dunn explained that often times, they have to be stronger mentally.

“There’s a certain fortitude,” Dunn added. “You have to have a thicker skin. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to help, but people will do say certain things because they don’t always know what you’re going through.”

Dunn’s disabilities are physical, but interacting with those who fight neurological conditions also requires an understanding approach.

“The best thing you can do if you know someone with autism or who is neurodivergent in any way is to know that person is not sick or unsalvageable or needs to be cured,” Alex urged. “They are people who need your patience, your understanding and who thrive through proper communication, flexibility and your graciousness and acceptance. That’s what we need.”

Having helped more than 600 students since the start of the calendar year, Pearsall offered advice for Polk State students, faculty and staff.

“Don’t presume that people aren’t living with certain differences or difficulties,” she added. “Disabilities aren’t always obvious. I encourage everyone to be kind. You never know what someone is going through. Be empathetic, move with good intentions and try to understand. Learn as much as you can. Do whatever you can to support student success.”

Parting thoughts

For those with disabilities who are considering college, or Polk State specifically, both Alex and Dunn offered words of advice. They’re proof of what is attainable.

“Do not be afraid to reach out to the people in your life who understand or are willing to help,” Alex concluded. “The (Office of Disability Services) is willing to do whatever they can for you. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. See what you can accomplish.”

Those with disabilities are encouraged to contact Pearsall at kpearsall@polk.edu or 863.669.2309. Special accommodations can be made for students attending any campus or center.

During her time at Polk State, Dunn was a member of STEM Club and National Honor Society. Those clubs, she said, were a big part of her success.

“It’s important for people with disabilities to be unafraid to put themselves out there,” Dunn insisted. “Polk is a great local option. Having a local college with great people and staff made it a great place for me to take that leap. Involve yourself with organizations. That’s one thing I wish I would have done more of. Being involved on campus will help you in the long run.”