THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN BERNARDINO SINCE 1965
Coyote Chronicle COYOTECHRONICLE.NET
May 3rd, 2024
2023/24, Issue #9
IN THIS ISSUE Drake Citron’s Q&A Story
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By Arizdelsi Martinez Staff Writer
The University Center for Developmental Disabilities has alarming problems with staff wages, overcrowded facilities, and inadequate training protocols that jeopardize the safety and well-being of vulnerable children. The individuals at the University Center for Developmental Disabilities (UCDD) who dedicated their time and lives to work with children with special needs do not receive enough compensation for the amount of work they do. However, according to sources it was an inequality in the treatment of staff members at the University Center for Developmental Disabilities compared to their counterparts elsewhere in the institution. While other employees within CSUSB receive a minimum wage of $16.50, staff members at the center are compensated at a significantly lower rate of $15.50. This discrepancy not only serves as a slap in the face to the tireless efforts of these dedicated individuals but also raises serious questions about the center’s commitment to fair labor practices. The staff that works at the UCDD department when understaffed at many points of the week uses the labor of unpaid interns to fill in the spots for the extra help that
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The University Center for Developmental Disabilities is located on the grounds of California State University, San Bernardino. Its mission is noble: to provide a nurturing environment where these children can receive the care, support, and education they need to thrive. A place that states that it is a safe place for
One on one client workspaces inside the UCDD. children on the spectrum or who cannot be able to grow or progress behaviorally. However, recent revelations suggest that this supposed safe place might not be what is expected.
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The UCDD as seen approaching the entrance. they so desperately need. It is unconscionable that those entrusted with the care of some of society’s most vulnerable members are undervalued and underpaid, contributing to a demoralizing work environment and ultimately compromising the quality of care provided. In addition to the exploitation of its staff, the University Center for Developmental Disabilities also fails to have a stable and safe environment for the children under its care. As an anonymous witness states the neglect starts from the overcrowding in these inadequate facilities. The
department is consistent with two trailers that are old trailers in which these children are doing their sessions. A source revealed that a concerning number of children with developmental disabilities are placed in this trailer with a limited amount of space divided by cubicles that have no doors on them causing the children to elope out of the cubicles heightening tension with other children. Due to this, it can lead to a series of risks such as conflict, injury, an increase in the child’s behavior, and overstimulation of the children on the spectrum. For example, a key witness
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stated, “There was once a time where an older child pushed through another staff and ran out of the trailer, we had to chase them down.” According to the witness, there is inadequate security due to the understaffed and overcrowding of children. Only one staff member stands by the door to not let the children run out where the facilities are located very close to the parking lot. This goes to show the neglect of the facilities. That shows how vulnerable children are subject to such substandard and potentially dangerous conditions. The University Center for Developmental Disabilities programs consist of behavioral intervention programs for toddlers, children, and youth. A concern of these programs is an understanding if these are the appropriate training protocols to address the complex needs of children with developmental disabilities.
Story continues on page 3.