About Deaka
Deaka McClain is a lifelong social justice advocate, public speaker, and mentor who, having been born with cerebral palsy, knows firsthand the power of positive change and the value of using one’s voice. No one title fits Deaka. She is a motivational speaker, self-advocacy coach, mentor, cultural sensitivity trainer, and servant leader.
Full of passion and energy, Deaka spends much of her time in the role of public servant and advocate. She sits on numerous committees serving the disability community on municipal, county and state levels. She has served as a Commissioner for the City of Long Beach CACOD. Presently Deaka is the Vice Chair of the Self-Determination Advisory Committee for Harbor Regional Center, where she’s served since 2021. She is the former Board Secretary and former Vice Chair of Disability Rights California, where she’s served since 2015, and she continues in her role as Commissioner for the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities, where she’s held a seat since 2021.
After earning an A.A. Degree in Liberal Arts from Harbor College, Deaka received her B.A. Degree in Journalism and then her Masters in Public Administration in Urban Affairs at California State University, Long Beach.
She is co-founder of Divine Victory Ministries, where she’s created a book and resource fair highlighting authors that are people with disabilities, has launched a weekly podcast with her business partner, and hosted a collection of PPE during COVID. She also finds time to serve as a poll worker and supports local election campaigns in her community.
Recent Honors, Recognitions, & Roles
LA County Commission on Disabilities
- District 4 Representative, 2021 - present
Democratic Women’s Study Club (DWSC)
- Lifetime Achievement Recognition Award, 2022
- Vice President of Membership, Executive Committee Member, 2024 - present
- Member, 2019 - present
LA Care Health Plan
- ECAC Member at Large, Representative for Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD), 2018 - present
Black Liberation Meetup
- Member, 2023 - present
Creating Independence Award
- HOPE, 2024
Bob Murphy Access Center Hall of Fame Inductee
- CSULB, 2023
Long Beach Citizen’s Advisory Commission on Disabilities (CACOD)
- Chair, Vice Chair, and Member, 2012 - 2020
Jerry Stein Independent Living Award
- Disabled Resources Center, Inc., 2018
Sheila Ringer Woman of the Year Award
- CSULB Associated Students, 2009
CSULB’s Bob Murphy Access Center celebrates 50 years of supporting students with disabilities
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 9, 2023
By Janis Carr
Deaka McClain ‘09, ‘16
Deaka McClain didn’t need help. At least that’s what she kept telling herself. Until one day, she had dropped her books in a planter at Brotman Hall and realized her mobility issues and learning disability were hindering what she wanted to do.
“It took me a while to get to that point,” McClain said. “I was struggling, but it was pride, I guess.”
From the moment she entered the Disabled Student Services office, McClain, who was born with cerebral palsy and dyslexia, found the tools she needed to pursue her journalism degree and master’s degree and become a leading advocate for the disability community. By using her voice, she has brought about positive changes through public speaking, storytelling and volunteering.
But getting to that point was not easy. McClain applied to CSULB twice and twice, she didn’t get in. On the third try, a counselor suggested she apply under the Special Admission process through DSS. She still got denied but at least she had found allies who helped her navigate the required math class. On her fourth try, McClain received an acceptance letter.
But her struggles weren’t over. She needed several surgeries, but still managed to stay on course and graduated in 2009, thanks in large part to her persistence and the support from DSS. She said being inducted into the Hall of Fame is an honor that she could never have imagined.
Connect with Deaka
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