DSS provides instruction and services to students with disabilities that are designed to increase access to college instructional programs.
Services include specialized instruction, adaptive equipment, job placement, mobility assistance, interpreting, note taking, textbooks in alternate format, testing accommodations, educational counseling and planning, priority registration.
Apply for Disability Support ServicesOverview of Services
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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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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 and online exams at the Pleasant Hill and San Ramon campuses. The request procedure for accommodated exams is the same for both campuses.
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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