News

In an apartment just outside of UC Davis, four women are building a life together—planning meals, playing games and sharing chores.

“It feels like home,” said Cristina Riegos, one of four Redwood SEED graduates now living together off-campus. “My friends are like my family.”

Good morning, everyone, and thank you for the warm welcome. It’s such an honor to join you today as we celebrate the first set of graduates from the Redwood SEED Scholars program. Let’s give them another round of applause!

Congratulations on reaching this milestone.

Families, faculty, and guests, welcome to this momentous occasion! Your presence here today is a testament to the strong community and support system that surrounds these students.

This article, published by the Association for Women in Science (AWIS), explores how inclusive college programs—like Redwood SEED—are transforming universities by expanding access, strengthening campus communities, and reimagining who belongs in higher education.

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the SELPA Administrators of California shared an inclusive video compilation that incorporates inspirational messages from its students, parents, staff, educational partners, state and federal officials and lawmakers, and LEAs and SELPAs across the state.

It was our JOY to be part of this compilation and celebration video created by the SELPA Administrators of California for the 50th Anniversary of the IDEA (we are at minute 15!)

UC Davis’ first-in-California inclusive college program for individuals with intellectual disabilities is celebrating a momentous milestone. The first class of Redwood SEED Scholars has graduated from the four-year, non-degree program.

“It’s all sorts of emotions, and hard to believe,” said Olivia Adams-Falconer, one of the eight graduates. “I’ve made so many memories, and I loved the program. It’s been completely life-changing.”

Across FOA departments, a quiet transformation is taking place, led by the hardworking, determined Redwood SEED Scholars, California students with intellectual disabilities who live, work, attend classes and participate in student life at UC Davis.

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth is a goal that encapsulates inclusivity and sustainability in relation to economic growth.

The Redwood SEED Scholars Program was highlighted in an article entitled "College for All" in the quarterly newsletter, The Special EDGE, published by Supporting Inclusive Practices.

The Special EDGE Newsletter | Summer 2023

Two Redwood SEED Scholars are pictured on the cover of the Employment First Committee Final Report 2022, prepared by the California State Council for Developmental Disabilities.  Jaylen Parks is pictured at his job on campus with the Student Disability Center and Kirra Troeger is pictured at her job working behind the scenes in tech set up at the Mondavi Center.

You can also read about the urgent need for inclusive college opportunities, like the Redwood SEED Scholars Program, for students with I/DD in California on pages 28-30 of the report.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and we’re proud to highlight Redwood SEED Scholars who are student employees at the UC Davis Library: Kai Gardizi and Karis Chun.