Disabled Students Programs and Services

Congratulations!  You have decided to continue your education at College of the Redwoods.  We’re glad that you’re here.  This department is an important partner in your success.

What does DSPS offer me?  Educational support services and special instruction are designed to help you to be successful in the degree and certificate classes offered by the college. Programs, services and special class availability may vary at each of the College of the Redwoods campus locations.

Who is eligible?  Students with verified disabilities enrolled at the College may receive accommodations and instruction intended to increase access to education.

Who needs to know about my disability?  Information about your disability is considered confidential.  It is, with your permission only, discussed with college instructors when we are recommending your accommodation needs or with rehabilitation or medical professionals who may speak with us.

How do I begin?  Call (707) 476-4280 to make an appointment with a DSPS Counselor/Advisor.  Please bring a verification of disability with you, or the name and address of a professional who can verify your disability.

Please visit www.redwoods.edu/district/dsps/ for the most current and up to date information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Support Services Agreement (SSA)
• Alternate Format of Printed Materials
• Testing for Learning Disabilities
• Instructional Support – LIGHT Center
• Assistive Technology – High Tech Center
• Testing Accommodations
• Note taking
• Books on Tape/CD
• Sign Language Interpreters
• Mobility/Transportation Assistance
• Adaptive Physical Education/Special Equipment
• Student Code of Conduct Standards
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Academic Accommodations Policy
• Suspension of Services Policy
• Emergency Evacuation Guidelines for Students with Disabilities
• DSPS Names and Numbers to Know

SUPPORT SERVICES AGREEMENTS (SSA)

Students participating in Disabled Student Programs and Services who are eligible for accommodations must complete a Support Services Agreement each semester requesting the accommodations which they wish to use.

The following are the student’s responsibility:

1. Document disability with DSPS.
2. Request accommodations appropriate to the disability from DSPS.
3. Fill out a Support Services Agreement with DSPS each semester.  Support Services Agreements may be revised more than once a semester depending on the needs of the student and the documentation in the DSPS file.
4. Identify him/herself as soon as possible to the instructor from whom the accommodations are being requested.  Present to that instructor a photocopy of the current Support Services Agreement as authorization to receive accommodations.
5. Tell DSPS early in the semester if accommodations (such as note taking, or test taking accommodations) are NOT working so that corrective or additional action may be taken.
6. Exercise rights and responsibilities as a student with a disability; ask for what is needed to be successful at College of the Redwoods.
7. Alterations of the SSA by a student are prohibited and a violation of the student code of conduct.

Some accommodations must be negotiated on an individual basis among Disabled Student Programs and Services, the student and the instructor.

A student who presents a Support Services Agreement is authorized to receive those accommodations by Section 504 of the National Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which deals with the non-discrimination of disabled students in post-secondary education.  All authorizations for accommodations have been validated based upon assessment and/or review of disability verification documents kept on file in the DSP&S office.

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ALTERNATE FORMAT OF PRINTED MATERIALS

Alternate media generally refers to text or other materials produced in a specialized format intended for use by persons with disabilities.  Types of alternate media include, but are not limited to, Braille, large print, audio material, certain types of electronic files and video with closed and open captioning.

PROCEDURE FOR USING THIS SERVICE

1. Meet with DSPS counselor/advisor to determine eligibility for alternate format accommodations.
2. Complete SSA and Alternate Media Form for each semester identifying books/materials and specific alternate media required.
3. Student purchases the textbook.
4. The Alternate Media Specialist/DSPS Program Assistant identifies name of book, author, edition, publisher, and copyright date and ISBN #, contacts the publisher or book representative or agency and orders the book in the requested alternate format.
5. Student provides a course syllabus and chapter deadlines to DSPS to ensure that chapters are made available in a reasonable time frame.
6. In the event that the materials will need to be scanned into e-text, the Alternate Media Specialist will produce the requested items and the student will be advised to enroll in Guidance 379 to learn how to scan and assist in the production of material when necessary and appropriate.
7. The student will sign an agreement to not share e-text or other alternate format materials with others and to adhere to all pertinent copyright laws.

Refer to Alternate Media Request Form for additional student responsibilities.

HOT TIP:  Students must request the service as early as possible prior to the start of the semester.  In some cases the production of materials may take up to 8 weeks.

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TESTING FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES

The presence of a learning disability can prevent students from achieving their highest potential, often resulting in reading and/or writing difficulty, math difficulty, poor grades, etc.  If you suspect you may have a learning disability, an eligibility assessment is available.  If a disability exists, you will be eligible for DSPS services.

Procedure for using this service:

1. Schedule an appointment with the Counselor/Advisor in DSPS.  If appropriate, a referral will be made to Guidance 343 for diagnostic assessment.
2. Arrange a second appointment with the LD Specialist to discuss your questionnaire and the possible presence of a learning disability. 
3. Schedule your next two appointments with the LD Specialist to do cognitive and achievement testing.  This testing will take approximately four hours.
4. Finally, you will have an exit interview with the LD Specialist.  Your assessment results indicating your eligibility for services will be discussed with you, and if a learning disability is detected, techniques for dealing with it will be covered.  You will be given a copy of your assessment results.
5. See a Counselor/Advisor to complete a Support Services Agreement.
6. Services for students with a learning disability include, but are not limited to:
   • Note taking Assistance               
   • Testing Accommodations
   • Books on Tape                          
   • Special Classes
   • Tape Recorder Loans

HOT TIP:  Once you have enrolled in Guidance 343, keep your appointments!  If you miss one, reschedule it immediately.

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INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT - LIGHT CENTER

Guidance 345 – Adaptive Strategies is a course designed to allow students to utilize the services of the Learning Skills Program in the LIGHT Center on the Eureka campus.  Options include academic support, mini classes, and study groups.

Procedure for using the service:

1. Meet with a DSPS Counselor/Advisor to determine if enrollment in Guidance 345 is appropriate.
2. Make an appointment with the LIGHT Center Secretary to begin the process.
3. Complete 36 hours of participation to earn 1 unit or credit.  This class is open-entry and can be added throughout the semester.

HOT TIP:  To maximize your learning potential, utilize a variety of campus resources – math and English labs, the Academic Support Center, faculty and peer tutor assistance, and study groups.

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY -   HIGH TECH CENTER

Guidance 379 and 380 are courses designed to provide individualized assistive computer instruction to students with verified disabilities.  Instruction in the use of specialized software and hardware, computer applications, and a variety of mini classes are offered.  These classes are open-entry throughout the semester and may be repeated to a maximum of 16 units each.

Procedure for using this service:

1. Meet with a DSPS Counselor/Advisor to determine if enrollment to Guidance 379 or 380 is appropriate.
2. The HTC is located in the Learning Resource Center
3. Complete 36 hours of participation to earn one unit of credit. This is an open-entry and can be added throughout the semester

How the High Tech Center can benefit you

VISUAL DIFFICULTIES:

• Screen readers
• Scanner
• Computer screen magnifiers
• Closed Circuit TV magnifiers
• Tactile graphics

KEYBOARD/MOUSE PROBLEMS

• Speech input
• Word prediction
• Joystick/rollerball
• Keypad controls

Adaptive computer stations are available throughout the district campus lab locations. Please contact DSPS for locations and any other assistance required.

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TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

If the Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) Counselor/Advisor determines that you are eligible for testing accommodations, those services can be arranged through the DSPS office.  Testing services are provided in the Academic Support Center (ASC) in the LRC.  Some of the accommodations that can be made are:

• Extra time to take the exam     
• Use of a word processor/typewriter/computer
• Use of a Spell Checker/dictionary
• Calculator
• Large print materials
• Distraction-reduced environment
• Scribe (someone to write the answers that you dictate onto the exam)
• Reader (someone who will read aloud the questions on the exam)

Procedure for using this service:

1. Each semester meet with a DSPS Counselor/Advisor to complete a Support Services Agreement and colored ASC test proctor card.
2. Take a copy of SSA form to each instructor and have instructors also sign the ASC test proctor card (in ink).
3. Take the signed ASC test proctor card to the Academic Support Center (ASC) inside the Learning Resource Center (LRC).
4. As tests are scheduled in classes, please make arrangements through the ASC to schedule distraction-reduced modules, scribe, and/or computer station.
5. When requesting extended time ONLY, please make arrangements of time and date with instructor.
6. Alterations to ASC test proctor card by a student are prohibited and a violation of the student code of conduct.

Refer to ASC Use of Test Proctoring Services Guidelines for other student responsibilities.

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NOTE TAKING

If your Counselor/Advisor determines that you require note taking assistance in your classes, DSPS will provide this service.  The note taker is usually another student in your class who is willing to provide a copy of his/her lecture notes.  The note taker receives a small stipend.  DSPS copier and NCR paper are available.

Procedure for using this service:

1. Meet with DSPS Counselor/Advisor to complete Support Services Agreement.
2. Give a copy of the SSA to each instructor and ask him/her to make an announcement in class that a note taker is needed.  Interested students should be directed to the DSPS office to fill out paperwork for payment.
3. If you prefer to name a specific student in your class to provide notes, please discuss it with that student and make arrangements with DSPS before your instructor makes an announcement to the class.
4. If the notes are inadequate or illegible, or if the note taker is frequently absent, please come into the DSPS office and the DSPS Program Assistant will review the situation.  If necessary, arrangements can be made for copies of other notes. If you have any difficulty securing a note taker you must contact DSPS immediately.
5. Note taking assistance is not a substitute for attending classes!  You must attend class in order to get notes! Note taking services does not replace your responsibility to take notes.

HOT TIP:  Review your notes immediately after class and make additional notes in the margins.  Sometimes the things you want to remember haven’t been emphasized by the note taker.

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BOOKS ON TAPE/CD

Some students experience difficulty reading due to visual problems or learning disabilities.  DSPS works with Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) to provide textbooks on audio tape/CD at no charge to the students.

Procedure for using this service:

1. Find out what textbooks you will be using in your classes.  Write down the exact title, author, and edition (or copyright date).  Identify required texts.
2. Contact the DSPS Counselor/Advisor to discuss your needs and place your order.
3. DSPS will order the tapes/CD’s from RFB&D, and will notify you when they arrive.
4. If you would like to order unlimited books/CD’s for educational or recreational reading, you can purchase an individual membership for $75 for the first year, and $25/year thereafter.  Contact RFB&D at 1(800)221-4792.
5. You will be required to return your tapes/CD’s at the end of the semester.  Failure to comply will result in a hold on your records and you will not be allowed to register.

HOT TIP:  Do not wait until classes start to order your books.  Sometimes there is a lengthy turnaround time to get your textbooks recorded (up to six weeks!)  Order your books the same time you register for classes.

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SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS

Interpreters

An Interpreter will be provided through the DSPS office for students who are deaf or hard of hearing and who wish to use sign language as their primary and preferred mode of communication.

Procedure for using this service:

1. Complete a Support Services Agreement and Student Guidelines for Interpreter Services form with DSPS Counselor/Advisor each semester.
2. DSPS will then recruit qualified Interpreters for the classes the student will be attending.
3. If you need an Interpreter for meetings with your instructor, please notify DSPS at least 5 days in advance to secure this service.
4. Requests for Interpreter services for courses need to be made 8 weeks in advance. Requests to change the original schedule need to be made 4 weeks in advance.

Refer to Student Guidelines for Interpreter Services for other student responsibilities.

Real-Time Captioning

Some deaf or hearing impaired students prefer real-time captioning.  A court reporter types everything that is said in the class as it is being said.  The words appear on a lap top computer for the student to read!  A transcript can be provided after class.

Procedure for using this service:

1. Complete Support Services Agreement with DSPS Counselor/Advisor.
2. DSPS will coordinate with the Court Reporting Program.
3. If you need a real-time captionist for other campus activities or for meetings with your instructor, please notify DSPS who will secure this service.

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MOBILITY/TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE

Mobility Assistance – Mobility Assistance consists of on campus van service and/or scooter use for students with verified mobility limitations.  Transportation is provided for class-related activities.  If required, students must provide their own personal attendant care.

Procedure for using this service:

1. Request mobility assistance from your DSPS Counselor/Advisor during your registration appointment.
2. Complete Support Services Agreement each semester.
3. Meet with DSPS Mobility Assistant each semester.

Refer to Van/Scooter Use Agreement and/or Personal Attendant Guidelines for additional student responsibilities.

Classroom Accommodations – This service may consist of appropriate tables, chairs, floor mats and positioning of seating.

Procedure for requesting these accommodations:

1. Meet with a DSPS Counselor/Advisor to complete Support Services Agreement each semester.
2. Meet with DSPS Mobility Assistant each semester.

Disabled Parking – There are disabled parking places throughout the campus.  These designated parking spots require a state “Disabled Person Placard or Plates.”

Procedure for requesting this accommodation:  The DSPS office has the California Department of Motor Vehicles applications or you can apply at any Department of Motor Vehicles for a placard or license plate.

Temporary Medical Parking – This service is provided for students with temporary mobility limitations who need to park in close proximity to college facilities, not to exceed 2 weeks.

Procedure for requesting this accommodation:  Meet with DSPS Counselor/Advisor and fill out appropriate paperwork. DSPS will require verification of temporary condition from a medical professional.

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ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The Adaptive P.E. Program provides students with physical limitations direct participation and individual growth in classes designed for lifestyle fitness.  The program includes avenues for physical, mental, emotional, and social growth with an end result of positive attitudes plus motivation toward physical activity.

Procedure for using this service:

1. Meet with a DSPS Counselor/Advisor to determine if enrollment in PE 93 (aquatic exercise/swim) or PE 90 (adaptive exercise) is appropriate.
2. Attend the first class meeting to schedule an evaluation time and establish goals to be completed during the semester.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

Special equipment such as tape recorders, and others may be available for you based on your individual needs and accommodations.

Procedure for using this service:

1. Complete a Support Services Agreement and Equipment Check out Form with DSPS Counselor/Advisor each semester.
2. You will be required to return your checked-out equipment at the end of the semester. Failure to comply will result in a hold on your records and you will not be allowed to register.

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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT STANDARDS

A student at College of the Redwoods may rightfully expect that the total academic community (faculty, students and administration) will maintain an open environment in which there is encouragement and freedom to learn and grow.  The students, in turn, are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with standards of the college.  When a student is charged with misconduct, the charge shall be processed in accordance with this policy (Board of Trustees Policy No. 505).  The Board hereby acknowledges the establishment of Administrative Regulation No. 505.01 for the purposes of defining standards of student conduct.

• For more detailed information, please refer to the College of the Redwoods catalog.  They are available for review in the campus library, the DSPS office and on the web-site, at www.redwoods.cc.ca.us.

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STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges believes that your education is important and that the services and accommodations are to be taken seriously.  Your rights and responsibilities are defined by them in law, as well.  Title V of the California Code of Regulations is quoted below.

6008. Student Rights

1. Participation by students with disabilities in Disabled Student Programs and Services shall be entirely voluntary.
2. Receiving support services or instruction authorized under this Sub-chapter shall not preclude a student from also participating in any course, program or activity offered by the college.
3. All records maintained by DSPS personnel pertaining to students with Disabilities shall be protected from disclosure and shall be subject to all other requirements for handling of student records as provided in Sub-chapter 2 of Chapter 5 of this Division.

56010. Student Responsibilities

1. Students receiving support services or instruction under this Sub-chapter shall:
   1. Comply with the Student Code of Conduct adopted by the college and all other applicable statutes and regulations related to student conduct;
   2. Be responsible in their use of DSPS services and adhere to written service provision policies adopted by DSPS; and
   3. Make measurable progress toward the goals established in the Student’s Educational Contract or, when the student is enrolled in a regular college course, meet academic standards established by the college pursuant to Sub-chapter 8 of Chapter 6 of this Division.
2. A district may adopt a written policy providing for the suspension or termination of DSPS services where a student fails to comply with Sub-divisions a2 or a3 of this section.  Such policies shall provide for written notice to the student prior to the suspension or termination and shall afford the student an opportunity to appeal the decision.  Each student shall be given a copy of this policy upon first applying for services from DSPS.

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ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS POLICY

The Board of Trustees Policy No. 533 recognizes that no qualified student, on the basis of a disability, who may be reasonably accommodated, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any academic, research, occupational training, housing, health insurance, counseling, financial aid, athletics, recreations, transportation, other extracurricular or educational program or activity provided by the District.

Board of Trustees Policy No. 533 Administrative Regulation no. 533.01 Academic Accommodations Regulations covers 4 areas: Requests for Academic Accommodations, Academic Adjustments, Suspension of Services of DSPS and Grievance Procedures.

Grievance Process:

Every effort will be made to resolve the matter through the informal process.  This may include a meeting with the Coordinator at DSPS, the faculty member and the student to determine a reasonable accommodation or service for the student.

In situations when an agreement can not be reached informally, the Academic Accommodations Panel will review the grievance. The panel will include three faculty (at least one from Disabled Student Services), one student representative, one administrator, one DSPS staff member, and the staff diversity representative. In the interim the DSPS Coordinator will make a decision (if situation warrants this)

Complaints of unlawful discrimination may be directed to the Director of Human Resources who is the college officer responsible for insuring district compliance with the American’s with Disabilities Act and non-discrimination. Procedure for complaints Board of Trustees Policy No. 809 Administrative Regulation No. 809.03 can be found @ http://www.redwoods.edu/district/board/policies/ar/AR80903.Htm

The student still has the right of external appeal to the Office of Civil Rights under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Contact information: V: 1-800-421-3481 TTY: 1-877-521-2172

http://www.edu.gov/about/offices//list/ocr/index.html?src=mr

Questions regarding the complaint processes can be directed to the DSPS Coordinator of Vice President of Student Services and Learning Support.

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SUSPENSION OF SERVICES POLICY

There are two ways that eligible students may have services suspended through DSPS:  1) lack of measurable progress, and 2) inappropriate use of services.

Measurable Progress

1. Failure to meet College of the Redwoods academic standards established by the college.
2. Failure to make progress toward the goals outlined in the Student Educational Contract (SEC) for two consecutive semesters.

Inappropriate Use of Services

Inappropriate use of services is defined as a failure to comply with the policies and procedures of individual services that students are using.  Failure to comply with the terms stated within each specific service area may result in the suspension of that service.

1. Only services that have been used inappropriately may be suspended in the middle of the semester.
2. Prior to the suspension of a service, the student will be notified in writing that, unless he/she meets with his/her DSP&S Coordinator or Counselor to discuss the area of concern, the service will be automatically suspended one (1) week from the date of the letter.
3. At the time of the meeting with the Coordinator or Counselor, the student will need to sign the Warning of Suspension Contract which outlines the guidelines for continuing services.
4. If service is suspended, it will be suspended for the current semester only.
5. Suspended services may be reinstated during the current semester only on the authorization of a DSP&S Coordinator or Counselor, and only if there are extenuating circumstances which warrant the reinstatement of the service.
6. Reinstatement of services for subsequent semesters will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF DSP&S

Title 5 Section 56101b of the California Code of Regulations indicates that “a district may adopt a written policy providing for the suspension or termination of DSP&S services, service provision policies and measurable progress policies.  Such policies shall provide for written notice to the student prior to suspension or termination and shall afford the student an opportunity to appeal the decision.  Each student shall be given a copy of this policy upon first applying for services from DSP&S.”

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College of the Redwoods

Emergency Evacuation Guidelines for Students With Disabilities

BE PREPARED

1. Meet with CR Security staff to review the best evacuation routes for the buildings you will be using.
2. Persons who are deaf may wish to prepare a written card requesting non-verbal emergency assistance and guidance (in writing or gesture).
3. Persons using a power wheelchair should consider scheduling battery recharging on a regular basis before leaving home.
4. Provide contact information for accessible transportation services should personal vehicles be inaccessible.
5. If you are blind or low vision learn the location of the exits in advance.
6. If you have a personal attendant, family member or friend who cares for you, make arrangements before an emergency for her to check on you immediately after an emergency.

IN AN EMERGENCY

1. Give clear requests for assistance (verbally or in writing) and explicit directions on how you want assistance.
2. Persons who have mobility disabilities please note that if you are in an elevator CR will be installing mechanisms for emergencies that will automatically send the elevator to the first floor and open the doors.
3. In the case of a power outage during daylight and you are on the second floor you may choose to wait near a window where there is natural light and access to a working telephone. Be sure to inform others leaving the building of your decision and ask them to inform the Security Office of your location.
4. If there is a power outage and an evacuation has been ordered, or if the outage occurs at night, call CR Security at 4112 from a campus phone to request evacuation assistance.
5. If assistance is not immediately available and you cannot exit the building you should remain calm and move to the safest area possible such as an enclosed stairwell, the elevator lobby, or an office with the door shut which is a good distance from the hazard and away from falling debris. Rescue personnel will first check all exit corridors and stairwells for those trapped.
6. Continue to call for help or use a whistle or noisemaker until rescued.

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DSPS NAMES AND NUMBERS TO KNOW

DSPS Office:  (707) 476-4280
FAX:  (707) 476-4418
TTY:  (707) 476-4284

Office Hours: 
Monday – Thursday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

LIGHT Center:  (707) 476-4290
High Tech Center:  (707) 476-4557
Adaptive Physical Education:  (707) 476-4655
Admissions Office:  (707) 476-4200
Career Center:  (707) 476-4159
CalWORKS Program:  (707) 476-4157
Counseling:  (707) 476-4150
EOPS:  (707) 476-4270
Financial Aid:  (707) 476-4182
Security:  (707) 476-4112

Trish Blair, Ph.D. – Lead Learning Disabilities Specialist
Ken Love – Alternate Media Specialist
Harry Pyke, Ed.D. – DSPS Counselor
Bill Straub– Assistive Technology Specialist
Tracey Thomas – DSPS Coordinator
Mary Thompson – DSPS Advisor

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