OCCC Small Business Development Center Offers Free Workshop on Accessibility, Thanks to ICAP Grant

The Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is pleased to announce that its upcoming workshop, A Day in the Life of Disability, will now be offered at no cost to participants, thanks to funding provided by the Inclusive Career Advancement Program (ICAP) grant.

Scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., at OCCC’s Central County Campus in Newport (400 SE College Way), this workshop is designed to help small businesses understand the importance of inclusivity and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance—not only as a legal obligation but as a key factor in their overall success and bottom line.

The workshop, led by instructor Taylor Yount, will offer attendees an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with accessibility needs. Participants will be encouraged to view the world through the lens of those they interact with daily—whether it be family members, veterans, or individuals with conditions such as long COVID. The session aims to inspire and educate business owners on how inclusivity can enhance their customer experience and workplace culture.

OCCC is a recipient of ICAP grant funding, an initiative of the Oregon Department of Human Services, to support opportunities to advance understanding and facilitation of changes in organizations that support the access and success of adults with disabilities.

“With the generous support of the ICAP grant, we are thrilled to remove financial barriers and provide free access to this valuable training,” said Kelliane Parker, Assistant Director of the OCCC SBDC. “We encourage local business owners and entrepreneurs to take advantage of this opportunity to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”

Registration for A Day in the Life of Disability is now open. For more information and to register online, visit oregoncoast.edu/sbdc.

For additional details about the ICAP program, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services ICAP page or contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation office.

About Oregon Coast Community College

Since 1987, OCCC has served Lincoln County with educational opportunities, workforce training, and community enrichment programs. The College offers two-year transfer and associate degrees, career-focused certificates, and a range of non-credit community education courses.