For Achieve student Ryan Reed, having a quiet and relaxing place to spend time on campus is an important part of his college experience. That place is the Disability Cultural Center—also known as the d-center.
“What I like the most about the d-center is that it’s chill in there,“ Reed said. “I like to hang out with my friends between classes.”
At Highline College, 392 students formally requested disability-related accommodations during the 2024-25 academic year, representing 3% of the student population. However, national data indicates that approximately 20% of community college students have a disability, highlighting the need for dedicated spaces on campuses.
“The vision of the d-center is focused around the creation of an active community where students with disabilities can thrive while building connections across campus,” said Jenni Sandler, associate dean for accessibility resources.
Designed for comfort and accessibility, the d-center has a plush couch, cozy rocking chair, oversized bean bag chairs, along with dedicated workspaces. A computer and projector help facilitate collaborative learning, and there are plenty of drinks and snacks on hand.
Raman Kaur, program manager for neurodiversity, access, and accommodation said the d-center is, “a place where students can be authentically themselves—fully seen, valued, and celebrated for who they are.” Kaur elaborated that, “the transformative power of belonging,” is at the heart of the space.
In fact, Achieve student Sammi Ogden said the d-center offers a way to, “stay on campus,” because there are no distractions and less noise.
“I like hanging out and talking with people at the d-center. It gives me more opportunities to socialize and get to know more people that I wouldn’t get a chance to talk to otherwise,” Ogden said.
Highline’s Achieve certificate program is designed specifically for students with intellectual disabilities and Autism.
Director of Achieve, Julie Pollard, said Highline has been watching the emergence of disability cultural centers nationwide over the past few years.
“This relatively recent movement represents an exciting opportunity to expand support and resources for our Highline students,” Pollard noted.
“Highline College has always been distinguished by our commitment to celebrating students through dedicated spaces, innovative programs, and cohort communities that recognize and value the full spectrum of identities and experiences our students bring to campus,” Pollard said.
According to Kaur, the d-center provides students with possibilities to engage in advocacy and social change, form meaningful friendships, and to collaborate with other campus communities.
As Ogden—who uses the center—puts it, the space is “bad ass.”
The d-center is located in Building 22, Room 204. It’s open to students with disabilities, from Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Fridays 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES AT HIGHLINE COLLEGE