DSPS provides support to many students with physical, communication, learning, psychological and developmental disabilities who are enrolled in instructional programs. The central mission is to provide access to regular college programs. To do this, we often need to help students with arrangements for reasonable specialized support services and academic accommodations. All requests for accommodations are handled on a case by case basis. Support services and academic accommodations provided through DSPS include but are not limited to the following:
ASSISTANCE WITH PAPERWORK: DSPS staff can assist the student with the filing of the application for admission to the college, registration for classes, and/or Board of Governors Grant (BOGG) fee waiver. Students are encouraged to seek the assistance of DSPS as early as possible.
SPECIALIZED COUNSELING: DSPS counselors provide students with academic, career and limited-term personal counseling. Special attention will be given to the unique needs and concerns of students with disabilities
LEARNING DISABILITIES PROGRAM: The program includes learn-ing disabilities assessment and specialized classes supplementing regular college courses. These classes include, but are not limited to; Modality training, College Awareness, core program, ABI class and special tutoring. The Learning Disabilities department is located in the Holt Building, Room 244, at 954 5259.
INTERPRETER SERVICES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED: Oral and Sign language interpreters are employed to interpret for hearing impaired students for classes, labs, and other school related activities. These services provide the communication link enabling hearing impaired students to mainstream into any of the classes offered at the college. For more information concerning interpreter services, including students' rights and responsibilities, contact the Interpreter/ Coordinator for the deaf and hearing impaired at: DSPS, Cunningham Building, Room 120 or call (209)-954-5330 TDD.
ACCOMMODATED TESTING or ASSIGNMENTS: Services include, but are not limited to: the use of special equipment, extended time for tests, quiet room, readers for the visually impaired, test proctors, alternate formatting of testing materials (e.g. large print, audio or braille), adapted computer equipment, CCTV, and writing assistance.
Students are asked to schedule their tests at least one week in advance, in order to secure a space in our testing room and to allow provision of appropriate testing accommodations.
For alternate formatting of materials, such as, enlargements, Braille or tape recording for testing purposes or class assignments please allow at least 48 hours notice.
When appropriate, students with disabilities may arrange to take the college Assessment Tests, Assessment Challenge Tests, the DRP reading level test and/or the Ability to Benefit Financial Aid test in this office with appropriate accommodations.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS IN ALTERNATE FORMAT: To help ensure that communications for persons with disabilities are as effective as those for non-disabled persons, educational materials such as; class handouts, syllabi, class notes and homework assignments, may be obtained in alternate format at the student's request. Alternate formatting includes: Braille, digital text, audio and enlarged print materials.
READERS: Upon timely request, qualified readers will be made available on campus to students who may require this service.
TEXTS IN ALTERNATE FORMAT: If the student requires texts, or portions of texts, in Braille, digital text, audio or enlarged print format, reasonable advance notice is required.
RECORDINGS FOR THE BLIND & DYSLEXIC (RFB&D): DSPS may assist eligible students to order books-on-tape. Normally, if the book needed is on file with RFB&D, at least one month is required for delivery. Books which are not on file require much more time for delivery. Please contact DSPS as early as possible with any questions you may have concerning procedures for obtaining books on tape from RFB&D.
NOTE TAKERS: Students who, because of their disability, are unable to take their own notes are encouraged to find volunteer note takers or tape record the lectures in their classes. If the student is unable to locate an volunteer note taker, DSPS may employ a note taker to assist the student with note taking functions.
AIDES: Classroom/Lab/Homework/P.E.: DSPS will arrange for the services of aides to assist the student with specific classes/tasks based on the student's needs. DSPS does not provide tutorial services. Tutorial services are available to all students through the Tutorial Center located in Shima 217.
ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Many students who are physically limited enroll in one or more of our adaptive physical education classes. P.E. aides are employed to assist students in these classes.
MOBILITY/ORIENTATION SERVICES: Students who are physically limited and require help in getting around the campus can request mobility assistance, campus orientation, the temporary use of a wheelchair/scooter, and/or an ELEVATOR KEY.
EQUIPMENT LOAN/USE: DSPS may loan or make available for use to students equipment that can improve access to instruction. Examples of adaptive aids and devices include:
(Please note that some adaptive equipment is loaned on a limited time basis only.)
CAMPUS LIAISON: DSPS works with students and teachers to solve various problems which may arise within the educational environment. DSPS also provides liaison between students with disabilities and other campus resources.
COMMUNITY LIAISON: DSPS can provide students with referrals to important community services related to a variety of special needs including; transportation, employment, rehabilitation, education, vocational training, mental health and social services. Interviews with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor from the Department of Rehabilitation can be made through this office.
CAREER/JOB PLACEMENT SERVICES: DSPS works with other agencies both on and off campus, to assist students in their attempt to find employment upon completion of their educational program. Students are also encouraged to utilize the services of the Career Center and the Job Placement Center located on the second floor in Danner Hall.
HIGH TECHNOLOGY CENTER: The center, located in Cunningham Building Room 220B, provides access to computers using adaptive hardware and software for students with verified disabilities receiving services through DSPS and/or the Learning Disabilities Program. Available accommodations include: Specially designed IBM and Macintosh work stations to accommodate a wide range of disabilities, and educational software which assists students in reaching personal goals and/or enables students to benefit from other college courses.
Special adapted computer classes are available. Please see Appendix for a more complete listing of the High Technology Center computer Hardware/Software and available accommodations.
PRIORITY REGISTRATION: Students may be eligible for priority registration. Requests are handled on an individual basis through your DSPS counselor.
EVACUATION/SAFETY: If you are concerned about your ability to evacuate from a building in the event of an emergency, please request a Safety Alert Form (See Appendix) from DSPS and take the time to share your concerns and needs with your instructor.
ANIMALS ON CAMPUS (POLICY 9850): With the exception of laboratory
animals and seeing- eye dogs or other helper animals for a person with a
disability, certified for use on campus by DSPS, the harboring of animals
on campus is not permitted. To be certified by DSPS, the use of the animal
on campus must be verified as medically required and reasonably expected
to cause minimal disruption or danger to students, staff, or the public.
Animals which may create a hazard and endanger the safety of anyone on campus
are not permitted and may be removed from campus by College personnel.