Students with Disabilities

Background

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) is a civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The protection is similar to that given to women, minorities, and others through the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Protected are an estimated 61 million Americans with disabilities that substantially limit a major life activity such as working, walking, talking, seeing, hearing, or caring for oneself. People who have documentation of such an impairment, and those regarded as having an impairment, are also protected. This federal legislation prohibits excluding individuals from jobs, services, activities, or benefits based on their ability.

Student Rights

Students have the following rights under Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, as revised (29 U.S.C. 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act (28 CFR35.102-35104), California Assembly Bill 803 (Government Code, section 7405 et seq.) and Title 5 (section 56008) of the California Education Code:

  • Right to voluntary participation in Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS).
  • Right to confidentiality and protected disclosure of student records.
  • Right to access college classes, programs, activities, services, and facilities to facilitate learning. The college will make a reasonable effort to provide equal and timely access.
  • Right to request an appropriate accommodation to facilitate participation in class and campus activities.
  • Right to participate in campus activities, class demonstrations and laboratory experiments to the extent that the disability does not pose a risk to the student or to others.
  • Right to protection against discrimination and harassment. Students have the right to participate in classes and campus activities without being harassed or discriminated against.

If a student with a disability feels that they are the target of discriminatory treatment, the student can file a complaint.    
    Phone:     760.773.2529
    Location:  Office of Human Resources

Student Responsibilities

  • To provide DSPS with documentation of disability;
  • To request accommodations in a timely manner and according to established procedures;
  • To utilize accommodations according to established policies and procedures;
  • To notify DSPS 24 hours in advance for planned absences from classes where services are being provided (i.e., American Sign Language interpreters or captioning services). Failure to notify DSPS may result in a suspension of services; and
  • To abide by the College Student Conduct Standards.

Determining Need

Students who need reasonable accommodations must submit disability documentation and complete the DSPS application, then meet with a DSPS counselor to determine educational limitations and services needed, and complete an academic accommodation plan.

Contact the DSPS Office

The faculty and staff of the DSPS Office are available for consultation on any questions students may have related to accommodations for a disability. The highest standard of confidentiality is maintained. For more information, please call 760.773.2534, email DSPS, or visit the DSPS website.