Frequently Asked Questions
What is DSPS?
The Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) program provides support services and educational accommodations to students with disabilities so that they can have full and equitable access to the community college experience. An Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP) is developed for each student served by DSPS. The AAP defines the student’s educational goals and outlines the support services and academic accommodations to be provided to address the student’s specific disability-related educational needs.
How do I qualify for DSPS Services?
Students with verifiable disabilities are eligible for special accommodations. The disability must be verified by credentialed, certified, or licensed professional. In many instances, a recent high school IEP, 504 Plan, LD testing report, or psychological evaluation will be an appropriate level of qualifying documentation. Additionally, paperwork from medical professionals, Regional Centers, and other governmental agencies (i.e., Veteran's Affairs) is appropriate. A DSPS Counselor can work with students to determine eligibility. Schedule an appointment by coming to room 1615 or calling 925.424.1510.
How do I make a DSPS Intake appointment?
Schedule an appointment by coming to room 1615 or calling 925.424.1510. Students should download and complete the Application for Services and Interactive Intake Application, and bring it with you along with qualifying documentation.
What should I bring to my first DSPS appointment?
Prospective students should bring any qualifying document such as a letter from a doctor, a 504 plan from high school, or a previous IEP. These documents will help the DSPS counselor create an accommodation plan and educational plan with you. When in doubt, bring as much information as you can gather and someone from our team will help you sift through it during an appointment.
Who should come to my DSPS appointment?
For many students, parental/guardian participation was expected during high school IEP or SST meetings. Students 18-years or older do not have to bring parents to DSPS meetings. One of the goals of our program is to provide students with the skills, resources, and tools that will help them learn to advocate for themselves. DSPS student information is confidential and will be protected. The program and the college will not release any information to anyone without your written permission.
What basic services are offered by DSPS?
Support services include priority registration, academic, career and disability related counseling, new student orientation, interpreters, real-time captioning, note takers, extended time for test-taking, reduced distraction test-taking, and referrals to additional campus resources as well as community resources.
What is the Disability Resource Center?
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) offers support services for students with physical, communication, learning, and psychological disabilities. Located in 1615, the DRC provides a comfortable place for students to study, use adaptive equipment, and take tests and quizzes in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
How do I notify my professors about my accommodations?
DSPS counselors will provide each student with a signed Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP) that can be shared with professors. The AAP will state the accommodation that is needed to help you participate fully in the course. Your counselor along with any DSPS staff member can provide you with this plan per your request (with appropriate student identification). DSPS counselors and staff practice, rehearse, script, and role-play with students to help them find their voice as they learn to self-advocate and present their accommodation needs to professors.
What do I say to my professors in order to use my accommodation?
We want to help students find their voice and learn to advocate for themselves. Below is an example of how a student might speak to a faculty member about using an accommodation for extended time on tests in a biology course.
"Hello Professor Dave. My name is Ann, and I have an accommodation through the Disability Resource Center for extended time on my tests. I'd like to partner with you to use my accommodation so that I can be successful in your class."
Students are encouraged to follow this format and use it as a script and change/insert appropriate faculty member names, course information, and specific accommodations.