Faces of Our Mission – Students With Disabilities and Neurodiverse Learners
March 11, 2026
The Teaching & Learning Excellence Division’s (TLED’s) Faces of Our Mission series celebrates Austin Community College (ACC) students and the support systems that help them succeed. This March, the series highlights Students with Disabilities and Neurodiverse Learners, recognizing the strengths, perspectives, and determination they bring as they navigate their educational journeys. Discover how ACC’s programs, resources, and services foster inclusive, accessible learning environments that empower these students to thrive.
View the full Faces of Our Mission blog post series here, and check back each month to meet the next group of inspiring ACC students!
March 2026 – Students With Disabilities and Neurodiverse Learners
For March, we celebrate the resilience, adaptability, and diverse experiences of ACC’s Students with Disabilities and Neurodiverse Learners. These students’ perspectives and strengths enrich the ACC community and help shape more accessible, inclusive approaches to teaching and learning.
These students’ perspectives and strengths enrich the ACC community and help shape more accessible, inclusive approaches to teaching and learning. In powerful ways, these learners embody ACC’s commitment to expanding access, fostering belonging, and designing learning environments where every student can succeed.
Hear from ACC students Aaron and Danielle about NeuroBats of ACCess Autism, a student organization supporting autistic and neurodivergent students at ACC. Through weekly events, participants build social cognition skills, strengthen relationships and leadership, and collaborate with the broader community to foster purpose and belonging.
Zachariah Ohora, creator of the PBS Kids show Carl the Collector, visited ACC with Austin PBS and ACC’s Military Families Center for a special screening of the show’s new season. In this video, they discuss the inspiration behind the series, the importance of inclusive programming, and how ACC supports neurodivergent students.
Spotlight on Student Resources
Student Accessibility Services (SAS): SAS advances equitable and effective access for ACC students with documented disabilities, supporting their full participation in college classes and activities. Through individualized accommodations, assistive technology, one-on-one advocacy meetings, and referrals to campus resources, SAS helps remove barriers that can impact student success.
To begin services, students complete the SAS Application for Services and Accommodations, submit documentation of diagnosis, and meet with an Accessibility Advocate. Whether students are new to ACC and exploring the process or current SAS participants requesting semester accommodations, the office provides structured, student-centered support that promotes access, independence, and academic achievement.
AIM Student Portal: ACC’s Accessible Information Management (AIM) system is the College’s confidential accommodation management platform used by SAS staff, students, and faculty to coordinate support efficiently. Through AIM, students can apply for SAS services, request semester accommodations, schedule or modify accommodated exams, access their accommodation records, and receive timely updates and reminders from SAS.
For faculty, AIM streamlines the accommodation process by providing secure access to student accommodation letters, enabling completion of Testing Agreements, and supporting the upload and download of exams. Together, these tools help ensure accommodations are implemented consistently and effectively across the College.
Celebrating Every Story
Through initiatives like the Faces of Our Mission calendar, TLED highlights the importance of understanding student experiences—backed by research and data—for everyone who shapes learning at ACC. By celebrating cultural heritage, supporting diverse identities, and sharing practical resources, we create an inclusive educational landscape where every student can achieve their goals.