National Leadership Program, Summer 2017
Ricky Rendon
Ricky Rendon was a Policy Fellow with RespectAbility, where he helped to create an innovative Community of Practice in Long Beach, California, with the ultimate goal of creating a national model of success while advancing opportunities for the people and community of Long Beach.
Rendon’s educational background in social services as well as his experience working with individuals with disabilities increased his passion for advocating for the needs of others to find solutions to overcome obstacles faced by people with disabilities. His primary role at RespectAbility is using education and training to help people with disabilities in Long Beach to obtain employment. Through his role, Rendon also is participating in discussions on current policies and joining the organization’s efforts to fight stigmas and stereotypes faced by people with disabilities.
Rendon obtained his Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services from the University of Texas, Pan American, and currently is working towards his Master in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. Rendon describes the profession of rehabilitation as a field that has a central focus on holistically assisting people with disabilities to reach their desired quality of life. This field contributes to the journey for inclusion, which can unveil the hidden talents of people with disabilities.
Prior to joining RespectAbility, Rendon worked for Project HIRE (Helping Individuals Reach Employment), a grant funded by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities that allowed more than 52 students with developmental disabilities to reach postsecondary education at South Texas College. Through his time at Project HIRE, Rendon served as an educational coach and project advisor where his primary role was to ensure that students with disabilities received the tools necessary to graduate and successfully find employment. Rendon believes that every person has something special to offer, a potential to obtain an education, and the ability to maintain suitable employment. He also believes that with proper social support and respect, people with disabilities will be able to reach their goals, just as everyone should.
Rendon profiled Randall Duchesneau and Andrew Imparato, two guest speakers for the 2017 Summer Fellowship. Read them on our website:
- Striving for Common Ground – Randall Duchesneau Provides Imperative Information and Advice for Disability Advocates
- A New Generation of Disability Activists – Advice from AUCD’s Andrew Imparato
