CSUN Alumna’s Impact on Integrated Employment Reaches National Levels

  • CSUN psychology alumnus Santa Perez '89 will be representing Nevada nationally on the new Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities — a key provision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Photo by Santa Perez

CSUN psychology alumna Santa Perez ’89 is a shining example of what an enduring spirit can accomplish. Her commitment to fighting for rights for people with disabilities has gained national attention. Perez will be representing Nevada nationally on the new Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities — a key provision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Selected from 280 nominees, Perez joined 16 public members on the committee as representative for Nevada.

“It’s awesome to be on the committee because this is the first time that I know Nevada is being represented nationally,” Perez said. “My hope is that every state is an ’employment first’ state, which means people with disabilities will look at competitive employment first before they go to a shelter workshop — an organization that employs people with disabilities separately from others.”

The committee advises the U.S. Secretary of Labor on ways to increase competitive integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Integrated employment refers to people with disabilities working with employees who are not disabled.

“This is the first time that the country looking at competitive employment for people with disabilities,” Perez said.

Perez’s journey for self-advocacy in Nevada began when she moved to Las Vegas and discovered that there were no self-advocate groups for citizens with disabilities. Perez co-founded People First of Nevada project of the Nevada’s Governor’s Council on Development Disabilities in 2003, leading a self-advocacy movement in Nevada. Through continuous efforts, there are now seven chapters all over the state and employment is the first priority of their advocacy.

Currently, Perez is the advocate co-coordinator for the People First of Nevada project. She has been active in getting the People First Respectful Language Law and Signature Stamp Law passed. In 2013, she received the Champions of Equal Opportunity Award from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. The award recognizes outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to advancing the values and goals of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.

She continues to be a true champion of rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I have been an advocate all my life. I want to be able to fight for rights for people with disabilities,” Perez said.