Irene Swain, who is Deaf and neurodivergent, is a disability inclusion advocate currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Disability Studies online at CUNY. Her goal is to ensure that all communities benefit from learning environments shaped by accessibility and inclusion. She develops and presents workshops on disability empowerment and has contributed to disability inclusion initiatives at Diablo Valley College, including a disability justice history timeline, a disability pride speaker series, monthly neuro-affirming student meet-ups, and a disability rights advocacy group for employees. She also serves on the statewide DEIA Institute Planning Committee for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
Irene is a Gallaudet University alumna with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Before joining DVC’s Disability Support Services team in January 2023, she worked as an elementary school instructional assistant, a middle school resource teacher, and an Assistant Director of Education at a private learning center serving students from preschool through college.
Irene grew up throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. She and her partner, Rob, met in middle school, began dating in college, and have been married since 2005. Together, they enjoy a simple, minimalist lifestyle centered on travel. Irene is vegan, with a clear preference for desserts over plants. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, tabletop games, and non-fiction books.