At Fresno State, students from the Wayfinders program participated in a forensics and debate class this semester, marking the fourth consecutive term of their involvement. The class, offered through the Department of Communication in the College of Arts and Humanities, has a history spanning over 50 years and is associated with the Barking Bulldogs speech and debate team.
Wayfinders is a two-year certificate program under the Kremen School of Education and Human Development designed for young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Participants live off-campus, develop independent living skills, engage in vocational training, and take at least six units of college courses each semester. The program encourages students to participate in community activities and explore new experiences.
During a recent debate session following the International Public Debate Association format, students took on both affirmative and negative positions on topics such as mandating four-day workweeks. Lorenza Parente, a Wayfinders student taking her first forensics course, presented closing arguments for her team. “I’ve been loving it so far,” Parente said. “It’s super fun hearing other people’s opinions on topics and also sharing yours.”
Parente also became the first Wayfinders student to travel with the debate team to compete at San Francisco State University. Reflecting on that experience, she said: “Two judges said I did super-well. It was fun getting to travel with [the debate team], and I felt like everyone who went was nice.”
Arlette Rodriguez, communication lecturer and forensics coach, emphasized that Parente’s participation was significant beyond competition: “She made friends with a lot of her peers, if not all her peers that went on the team,” Rodriguez said. “They were eating In-N-Out together, just bonding and practicing together. It was great, and we want to see more of that.”
Rodriguez has advocated for inclusive education since witnessing challenges faced by her brother who has disabilities. She recalled an experience from childhood when her mother was told that therapy could not help her brother because he was “too disabled.” This event influenced Rodriguez’s academic focus: “I talked to one of my professors, Dr. Amin Makkowy, and he led me to this new interest in communication – advocacy for individuals with invisible and visible disabilities,” Rodriguez said.
In graduate school during 2023-24, Rodriguez began integrating Wayfinders students into the forensics curriculum by having one-on-one conversations about their goals and interests. She explained: “What really worked…was sitting down and having a one-on-one conversation with each student, discussing step-by-step what their goals are… What passions do they hold?”
Connor Scott-Calaway, university inclusion coordinator for Wayfinders, noted improvements among participants: “Public speaking and self-advocacy are subjects that the vast majority of students struggle with. For Wayfinders students in particular, many of them have never been given space to advocate for themselves.” He added: “Where I have seen the biggest change is in classroom participation and engagement… I have also seen an increase amongst these students in confidence with communicating with professors and classmates.”
Rodriguez observed similar developments as Wayfinders students engaged more actively both inside and outside class.
Shail Lopez-Ortiz, executive director of Wayfinders, expressed appreciation for Rodriguez’s efforts: “This collaboration has been incredibly impactful…it was especially refreshing to see a Fresno State student like Arlette take the initiative to create a partnership that benefits both Wayfinders and communication students alike.”
Looking ahead, Parente plans to complete her certificate by spring 2026 while considering further study toward a bachelor’s degree. Rodriguez aims to continue collaborating with Wayfinders while pursuing research related to disability advocacy.
The collaboration between Fresno State’s debate program and Wayfinders highlights ongoing efforts toward inclusive education within higher learning environments.
