Since its inception in 1974, DVC's Disability Support Services (DSS) has grown to serve over 1,500 students with disabilities each year.
DSS provides instruction and services to students with disabilities that are designed to increase access to college instructional programs. Students with acquired brain injuries, delayed learning, learning disabilities, hearing impairments, visual impairments, psychological disabilities, mobility disabilities, and chronic health conditions may qualify for services.
The DSS office is open for both in person services and remote communications, such as via email, phone, online, and zoom. Please email Nichole Santamaria if you have general questions or call 925-969-2182 and leave a message. For questions about the San Ramon campus, please email Irene Swain.
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Alternate media is defined as instructional materials, textbooks, college publications, and/or library materials in formats accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities. DSS credentialed staff will determine the most suitable format for each student. Alternate Media Services is for students who have the accommodation. Students who are blind or with low vision will get priority. This includes testing materials.
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DSS counselors offer students with disabilities specialized counseling and guidance to assist with coordinating accommodations, decision-making and educational planning. Counseling is available by appointment or by drop-in. See below for details on how to meet with a DSS counselor on a drop-in or in a scheduled appointment.
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DSS hires professionals to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation or live captioning to students. Services will be provided for students with documented profound hearing and/or speech impairments but only for required course activities. The DSS office contracts and assigns all captioners and interpreters.
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Educational access sometimes means that students need equipment or furniture such as tape recorders, listening devices or accessible tables or chairs to benefit from instruction. DSS makes these accommodations available for loan during class time.
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The High Tech Center (HTC) lab offers in-person and Zoom-based training in DVC computer-based systems like Insite, Canvas, and DVC email, as well as assistive technologies such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, screen magnification, and more. It’s also a great place to study and connect with other students, with supportive and knowledgeable staff available to assist. The HTC has PCs, scanners, table-top video magnifiers, and a Mac for student use as well as ample table space for students to use their own devices.
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Two accessible shuttles are available to provide on-campus transportation. Students who may be eligible for this service are those with temporary and permanent orthopedic disabilities that affect their mobility and ability to traverse to campus.
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Note Taking Services offers shared notes and tools to develop students' ability to take notes independently. Note taking is available for both in person and online classes.
Request Notetaking Services for the current semester.
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DSS students can receive testing accommodations for in-person exams and online exams at the Pleasant Hill campus and the San Ramon campus. The request procedure for accommodated exams is the same for either campus.
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Many students with disabilities benefit from enrolling in specific sections of a course to accommodate their disability. They also may need to arrange for interpreter services, participate in DSS curriculum, or coordinate other accommodations. As a result, DSS offers priority registration to qualified students. As with all DSS services, students must complete the DSS application process to be eligible for priority registration.
Priority Registration Guidelines