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INTRODUCTION:DisabilityServicesforStudents

TheModestoJuniorCollege(MJC)DisabledStudentProgramsandServices(DSP&S)strivestomakeallaspectsofcampuslifeconducivetothephysical,socialandintellectualgrowthofallstudents.Thedepartmenthasgrowntoserveover1000studentsannuallytopromotetheaccessibilityofprogramsandfacilitiesatthecollege.

DSP&Shelpsassurecompliancewiththerulesandregulationssetforthbyvariouscongressionalacts,i.e.,theRehabilitationActof1973andtheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)1990.Thisofficehascreatedanatmosphereofopportunitybyprovidingservicesandmediatingconsiderationsforstudents.

TheprimarygoaloftheMJCDisabilityServicesistoensureaccessforstudentswithdocumenteddisabilities,andtocontributetothedevelopmentofself-advocacyandconfidenceofstudentswithdisabilities.Weencouragestudentstotakecontroloftheirownlearningandtodiscussthemeansforarrangingtypesofappropriatesupport.Inaddition,weserveasanadvocateforstudentsindeterminingappropriateconsiderations.

Thishandbookdescribesstudentrightsandresponsibilities,proceduresforrequestingaccommodations,andinformationaboutcampusresources. However,theprovisionsofthishandbookarenottoberegardedasacontractbetweenthestudentandthecollege.Approvedaccommodationsaredeterminedonacase-by-casebasis.Studentswithsimilardisabilitiesmaynotneedsimilaraccommodations.Newtechnologiesandstandardsinthefieldleadtobestpractices. DisabilityServicesrecommendsthatyoureadthishandbookthoroughly,asitwillbeausefulreferencethroughoutcollegeandbeyond.PleaseconsultwithaDSP&Scounselorand/orProgramSpecialistifyouhaveanyquestionsabouttheseservices.IfyouhaveadisabilitythatrequiresspecialservicesorifyouwouldliketorequestacopyofthishandbookinBraille,pleasecontacttheDSP&Sofficeat(209)575-6225.

STUDENTRIGHTSANDRESPONSIBILITIES

Inrecentyears,lawshavebeenpassedtoprotecttherightsofdisabledpersons.Adisabilityisaphysicalormentalimpairmentthatsubstantiallyimpedesacademicachievement. Theselawsensuretherightsofpeoplewithphysicalandmentalimpairments,aswellasthosewithlearningdisabilitiesandemotionaldisturbances.

RehabilitationActof1973AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct

Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973andTitleIIoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)prohibitdiscriminationagainstdisabledpeoplebystateandlocalgovernmentsorbusinesseswhoreceivefederalfunding.ThisincludespublicaccommodationssuchasthoseprovidedbyModestoJuniorCollege.TitleIIandSection504helpensurethatyouwillhavethesameopportunitiesforsuccessasotherMJCstudents.ThesectionthatdirectlyaffectsModestoJuniorCollegestates:

“NootherwisequalifiedindividualwithadisabilityintheUnitedStates,...shall,solelybyreasonofhisorherdisability,beexcludedfromtheparticipationin,bedeniedthebenefitsof,orbesubjectedtodiscriminationunderanyprogramoractivityreceivingFederalfinancialassistance...”(TheUnited States Department of Education:

ModestoJuniorCollegeisobligatedtomakereasonableacademicadjustmentsandaccommodationsonlytotheknownlimitationsofotherwisequalifiedstudentswithdisabilities.However,theselawsdonotrequire,expect,orimplytheloweringofacademicstandardsoralteringofanycourse’scontent.ThelawsalsodonotrequireMJCtoprovideadjustmentsandaccommodationsthatareundulyburdensomeandareneverdoneattheexpenseoftheessentialstandards.Thelawsdorequire,expect,andimplythattheinstitutionmustprovidereasonableaccommodationstoassureequalaccesstotheinformationwithintheacademicsetting.Forexample,forastudentwhomeetseveryentrancerequirementforaspecificcollegecoursebutcannotreadtheprintedtextduetoadocumentedvisualimpairment,thatinstitutionmustmakealternativeformsofthebook(i.e.Braille,audioorelectronictext)available.

Forpurposesofunderstanding,thefollowingdefinitionsandexplanationshavebeenincluded.

Apersonwithadisabilityincludesanypersonwho:

  • Hasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivities
  • Hasrecordofsuchanimpairment,or
  • Isregardedashavingsuchanimpairment

Majorlifeactivitiesinclude:

  • Walking
  • Seeing
  • Hearing
  • Speaking
  • Breathing
  • Learning
  • Working

A“qualifiedpersonwithadisability”isdefinedasone:

  • Whomeetstheacademicandtechnicalstandards
    requisitetoadmissionorparticipationintheeducation
    programoractivity.
  • Withrespecttoemployment,onewhowithorwithout
    reasonableaccommodation,canperformtheessential
    functionsofthejobinquestion.

OBLIGATIONSOFSTUDENTANDCOLLEGE

Astudentwithadisabilityhasanobligationto:

  1. Self-identifythatheorshehasadisability,ifservicesaredesired;
  2. Providecurrent/recentdocumentationofthedisability;
  3. Self-identifytheneedforacademicadjustmentand/oraccommodation.

TheCollege’sobligationsundersection504andtheADA:

  1. Providereasonableacademicadjustmentsandaccommodationsforthestudent’sknowndisability;
  2. Affordthestudentanequalopportunitytoparticipateinthecollege’sprograms,coursesandactivities.

Reasonableacademicadjustmentsandaccommodationsmayincludebutarenotlimitedto:

  • Extendedtimefortesting
  • UseofanADAtable
  • Useofanaudiorecordingdevice,asallowed
  • ASLinterpretersorrealtimecaptioningforthedeafandhardofhearing
  • Notetakingsupportforclassroom,asappropriate
  • Printmaterialsinalternateformat
  • Otherneedsasappropriate

Limitations:
CollegesareNOTrequiredtoprovide:

  • Personalattendants
  • Readersforpersonaluseorstudy
  • Tutorialservicesotherthanthoseprovidedfortheentirestudentpopulation
  • Courseworkadjustments,IFsuchaprovisionwouldfundamentallyalterthenatureoftheprogramortheacademicrequirements,whichareESSENTIALtoaprogramofstudyortomeetlicensingprerequisites.

ImportantNote:Allacademicadjustmentsand/oraccommodationsarebasedupontherecommendationsincludedinastudent’swrittendocumentation.Documentationdoesnotnecessarilyentitleastudenttoalloftheconsiderationslistedabove,andwillbeevaluatedbyadisabilityservicescounselortodetermineaccommodationswhicharespecifictoanindividual’sneeds.

TheDisabilityServicescounselorreviewsthedocumentationofeachstudentwhodisclosesadisabilityanddeterminesappropriateaccommodations.TheresponsibilityofprovidingaccommodationsandcomplyingwiththeADArestswithallemployeesofModestoJuniorCollege.DisabilityServicesencouragesfacultymemberstohelpstudent’ssecureaccommodations.Considerationssuchasextendedtimefortesting,alternatetestsites,copiesoflecturenotes,andpermissiontotapelectures,canoftenbearrangedmostefficientlybythestudentincooperationwithDisabilityServicesandtheinstructor.DisabilityServicesisavailabletodiscusstheappropriatenessofaccommodationswithinstructorswhennecessary.

Formoreinformationaboutunderstandingandaccommodatingstudentswithdisabilities,pleasecontacttheMainOfficeofDisabilityServicesat(209)575-6225.

VERIFICATIONOFDISABILITY

AVerificationofDisabilityisrequired.TitleIIoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActprovidesforeligibilityofservicesthroughguidelines,whichmustbeadheredtobyDisabilityServices.Documentationincludesaphysician’sorotherlicensedprofessional’sdiagnosisandtreatment. Dependinguponthedisability,documentationmayalsoincludeacopyofservicesprovidedbythelocalSELPA,acurrentaudiogram,orotherdocumentationthatisrequestedtoallowforappropriateevaluationofstudentneedstobeaccommodated.Theextentofthedocumentationneededvaries,dependingonthetypeofdisability.

TheU.S.DepartmentofEducationOfficeofCivilRights,inthepamphlet"StudentswithDisabilitiesPreparingforPostsecondaryEducation:KnowYourRightsandResponsibilities"discussesdocumentationandhowpost-secondaryinstitutionshavedifferentrequirementsthantheK-12system.Itgoesontoexplainwhattodoifthedocumentationdoesnotmeettherequirementsofthepost-secondaryschool:

"Ifthedocumentationthatyouhavedoesnotmeetthepost-secondaryschool'srequirements,aschoolofficialmusttellyouinatimelymannerwhatadditionaldocumentationyouneedtoprovide.Youmayneedanewevaluationinordertoprovidetherequireddocumentation."

Thepamphletgoesontosay:

"Neitheryourhighschoolnoryourpost-secondaryschoolisrequiredtoconductorpayforanewevaluationtodocumentyourdisabilityandneedforanacademicadjustment.Thismaymeanyouwillhavetopayorfindfundingtopayanappropriateprofessional..."

ItisnotDisabilityService'sintentiontoputanundueburdenonyouforyourdocumentation;however,itisimperativethatweknowthe"current"stateofyourdisabilityandhowitaffectsthelifeactivitiesatthisstageofyourlife.

ADD

  • Diagnosisbyaphysician,clinicaloreducationalpsychologist,orlicensedclinician
  • Evaluationshouldbecurrentandmaycontainthefollowinginformation:

ClearstatementofDSMVdiagnosis

Dateofdiagnosis

Summaryofproceduresandinstrumentsused

Summaryofevaluationresults

Medicalhistoryrelatingtouseofmedications

Statementofimpactandlimitationsofacademicperformance

Recommendationsforacademicadjustmentstocompensateforthedisability

Name,title,andappropriatelicensureinformation.

ChronicIllness

  • Diagnosingphysician
  • Name
  • Licensure
  • Datesofdiagnosisandmostrecentcontact
  • Diagnosis
  • Prognosis
  • Functionalnatureofdebilitatingillness
  • Clinicalevidenceofdisability
  • Recommendedaccommodations

HearingImpairment

Diagnosisbyanaudiologistwithacurrentaudiogramincludeddescribingscopeofhearingloss:

  • Deaf
  • Hearinglossof70dBorgreaterinthebetterear
  • Hardofhearing
  • Hearinglossof35to69dBinthebetterear
  • Impactofhearinglossinacademicenvironment
  • RecentContactwithaqualifiedprofessional

LearningDisabilities

  • ProvisionofSELPAdocumentationthatidentifiescategoryofdisabilityandservicesprovided.
  • Copyofmostrecentpsycho-educationalreportprovidedbyK-12system,ifavailable.
  • Diagnosisbyalicensedschoolorprivatepsychologist
  • Name,title,andappropriatelicensure
  • Evaluationusuallywithinfiveyearsofthestudent'sapplicationforassistance
  • Specificidentifiedlearningdisability,includingthedegreeofseverity
    Batteryoftestsincludingaptitude,achievement,andinformationprocessingsuchas:
    -WAIS-R
    -Woodcock-Johnson
    -TASK
    -TOWL-2
    -StanfordBinet
    -KAIT
  • Referencetospecificacademicaccommodationsrequested

MobilityImpairment

  • Natureofdisability
  • Typeofmobility
    -Wheelchair
    -Walker
    -Cane
    -Braces
  • AcademicEnvironmentIssues:
    -Distances
  • Physician’sinformation
    -Name
    -Licensure
    -Dateofmostrecentcontact
    -Impactinacademicenvironment
    -Historyandimpactofmedicationsonlearning
    -Typeandseverityofimpairment

VisualImpairment

  • Diagnosisdescribingvisionloss
    -Blindness
    .Visualacuityinbotheyesoflessthan20/200
    .Visualfieldoflessthan20%despitebestcorrectionwithglasses
    -Lowvision
    .Visualacuitybetterthan20/200butworsethan20/70withcorrection
    .Documentationmustincludeadiagnosisbyamedicaldoctoror optometrist/ophthalmologist

Emotional/PsychologicalImpairments

  • Diagnosingphysician
  • Diagnosis
  • Prognosis
  • Functionalnatureofdebilitatingillness
  • Clinicalevidenceofdisability
  • Recommendedaccommodations

OtherImpairments

  • Diagnosingphysician(MD)
  • Diagnosis
  • Prognosis
  • Functionalnatureofdebilitatingillness
  • Clinicalevidenceofdisability
  • Recommendedaccommodations

CONFIDENTIALITY

TheprovisionofDisabilityServicesisunderfederalregulationsregardingtheconfidentialityofanyallstudentrecordspertainingtodocumentationofadisabilityandservicesrendered.Anyandalldocumentationprovidedtothisofficeistreatedasconfidentialmedicalrecordsandarenotreleasedtoanyoneoutsideoftheaccommodationprocesswithintheoffice,exceptunderthefollowingcircumstances:

  1. ThestudentgivesDisabilityServicesasignedrelease(FamilyEducationandRighttoPrivacyAct–BuckleyAmendment)tosharetheinformationtotheperson(s)specificallynamedontherelease
  2. DisabilityServicesisrequiredand/orpermittedbythelawsand/orcourtorder
  3. Thestudentisadirectthreattohim/herselforothers
  4. Thestudentmakesadisability-relatedgrievanceorappeal.

DisabilityServicesstaffwillnotreleaseordiscussastudent’sdisabilityorinformationgiventothisofficetoaparent,spouse,orotherpartynotspecifiedonaWaiverReleaseForm.DisabilityServiceswillnotdiscloseastudent'sspecificdisabilitywithfacultymembers,however,theimpactorbehavioralmanifestationadisabilityhasonaclassisnotconsidereddisclosureandcanbediscussed.

STUDENTPAPERWORKREQUIREMENT

  1. AstudentmustfirstsubmitacompletedDisabilityServicesapplication.
  1. Documentationofthedisability:TheVerificationofDisabilityformmustbecompletedbyaqualifiedphysician,psychologist,neurologist,orotherprofessional.Thisdocumentationmustinclude:thephysician’sorotherprofessional’ssummaryoftestsgiven,theinterpretationofthosetests,outlineofthehistoryofthedisability,andanyprescribedremedies,suchashearingdevicesormedications. Pleasebeawarethataccommodationservicescannotbeginuntilthedocumentationhasbeenacceptedandqualificationsdetermined. UponDisabilityServicesreceiptofcompletedapplication,anappointmentwillbescheduledwithaDisabilityServicescounselor.

Acceptableformsofdisabilityverificationmayalsoinclude:

  • Aphysicaldisabilityverifiedbyanappropriateprofessionaland/orphysician(example:medicaldoctor,psychologist,psychiatrist,chiropractor,etc.).Theverificationshouldidentifyanddescribethestudent’sdisabilityandtheeducationallimitations,whichinhibittheeducationalprocess.
  • VerificationfromanotherDSP&SprogramthatdetermineseligibilityforservicesperTitle5Guidelines.
  • CopiesofacompleteIEPifyoureceivedservicesinhighschool.TheIEPshouldcontainlearningdisabilityresultsand/orpsychologicalreports.
  • AstudentwithahearingimpairmentmusthaveanaudiogramindicatinghearinglossonfilewithDSP&Sorotherprofessionalcertificationofdegreeorlevelofhearingloss.
  • Astudentwithalearningdisabilitymustprovideacopyofthetestbattery/resultsthatqualifythestudentforLDsupportservices.IftheLDtestingis5yearsoldormore,youmayberequiredtoretest.
  1. Studentsmustpossesstheabilitytorespondappropriatelytoquestions,followingdirectionsanddemonstratethepotentialtobenefitfromspecialprogramsandservices.
  2. Studentsmustdemonstrateannualmeasurableacademicprogress.Failuretodosomayresultinterminationofservices.
  3. FirstCounselingAppointment:Inthefirstappointment,thestudentwilldiscusswiththecounselorhowhis/herdisabilityaffectsacademicandotherareas,supportsusedinthepast,andwhataccommodationsmightbeavailableattheuniversity. Thestudentlearnshowtoaccesstheservices(whichmaybedifferentfromhighschoolorformerschools)andtheresponsibilitiesthatareassociatedwithdisabilityaccommodations. Thestudentisencouragedtomeetwithcounseloraminimumofonceeachsemesterorwheneverthereisaneed.
  4. NotificationofAuthorizedServices(NAS):Afterastudenthasmetwiththecounselorandhasbeenqualifiedforservices,thestudentwillreceiveaNotificationofAuthorizedServices(NAS).TheNASinformstheinstructorthatthestudenthasadisabilityforwhichacademicadjustmentsarerequested. ThestudentisresponsibleforshowingtheNAStoeachinstructor. Itisrecommendedthatappointmentsduringinstructor’sofficehoursbemadeforthispurpose. Confidentialityiscontrolledinthisone-on-onemeeting,but,moreimportantly,boththestudentandtheinstructorhasanopportunitytodiscussaccommodationsandanyotherimpactthedisabilitymayhaveuponinstructionortheclassroomenvironment.

REQUESTINGACCOMMODATIONS

Youareencouragedtospeakdirectlywithfacultymembersregardinganyacademicadjustments/accommodationsyouneed. Approachingfacultymembersonyourownisanexcellentwaytoincreaseyourself-confidenceandabilitytodiscussyourneeds. Thisisgoodpreparationforlifebeyondcollege,wheretheremaynotbeasmanysupportservicesinplacetohelpyouarrangeaccommodations. Discussingyourneedswithfacultymembershelpsthembetterunderstandyoursituationandallowsthemtogettoknowyoupersonally. TheNASverifiesthatdocumentationofyourdisabilityisonfilewithourofficeandthatyouareeligibleforspecialconsiderations.

Pleasefollowthesestepstorequestacademicadjustmentsand/oraccommodations:

  1. MeetwithaDisabilityServicescounselorforacademicadvisingandtodevelopyourNotificationofAuthorizedServices(NAS).
  2. Torequestacademicadjustments/accommodationsyoumustshowyourNASfromtheDisabilityServicesofficetoyourprofessor(s)duringthefirstweekofthesemester. Itisbesttomakeanappointmentwithyourinstructorsfirstsothatyouwillhaveanopportunitytointroduceyourself,explainyourneeds,anddiscusstheseaccommodations. SimplyshowingtheNAStoaninstructorpriortothebeginningofclassorattheendofclassisnotappropriate,sincethereisagreaterchanceoftheNASinformationbecomingmisplacedorforgotten. Personalappointmentswillmakethebestimpressiononyourinstructorsandensureyourprivacy.
  3. Forextendedtimeand/orquietroomaccommodationsfortesting,beforeeachtest,remindyourinstructoroftheneedfortheaccommodation. IfyouaretotakethetestatDisabilityServices,thencontactDisabilityServicesaminimumoffour(4)dayspriortoaquiz/examtodiscussthearrangements. YoudonotneedtoinformDisabilityServicesifyouwillbetakingatestanywhereotherthanDisabilityServices. Ifareader/scribeisrequested,youmustcontactDSPSatleastfive(5)businessdaysinadvanceofthetestsoonecanbearrangedforyou.
  4. Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoarrangeclassroomaccommodationswithhis/herinstructor. Testsandexamsmustbetakenatthesametimeasscheduledfortheclassunlessotherwiseapprovedbytheinstructor. Requestsforextendedtimeand/orquietroommaybeaccommodatedinseveralways:
  5. Takethetestinthedepartmentconferenceroomorotherquietarea.
  6. Findanemptyroomnearthecourseclassroom.
  7. MakearrangementswithDisabilityServices. Ifthischoiceisacceptable,thestudentneedstofilloutaTestRequestCard. TestRequestCardsareavailableontheEastCampusintheJournalismBuilding,Room160andattheYosemiteHallRoom116onWestCampus. TotakeatestatDisabilityServices,youmustcallatleastfour(4)businessdayspriortothetestdatetoscheduletotakeanexam. ForFinalExamweek,schedulingatestatDisabilityServicemustbedoneatleast10businessdaysinadvance. TheinstructormustinformDisabilityServicesofanymaterialsallowedforthetest,otherwise,DisabilityServiceswillprohibitanythingbeingtakenintothetestingroom.Ifastudentinsiststhatcertainmaterialscanbeused,DisabilityServiceswillcomplyandnotifytheinstructoruponcompletionofthetest.

DISCUSSINGACCOMMODATIONSWITHINSTRUCTORS

Discussingthenatureofyourdisability(notthedisabilityitself)withyourinstructorsisimperativetohelpingthemunderstandyourneeds.Thiscanseemchallenging,especiallyforbeginningstudentswhohavenothadmuchexperiencediscussingtheimpactoftheirdisabilitiesoraccommodations.Theabilitytoclearlyrequestaccommodationsandexplainyourneedsisaskillthatwillhelpyouinallaspectsoflife.Thefollowingaresomesuggestionsthatcanmakeyourdiscussionswithfacultymembersmoresuccessful.

  1. PlanAhead-Thinkaboutwhatyouwillsaybeforeyoumeetwithaninstructor.Youmaywishtowriteoutascriptandpracticeaheadoftime.Someinstructorsmaynotbefamiliarwithyourspecificacademicadjustmentsoraccommodations,soyoushouldbepreparedtogivethemabriefexplanationofhowyourdisabilityaffectsyouacademically.
  2. Makeanappointment-Makinganappointmentwithyourinstructorwillensurethatheorshehassetasidetimetolistentoyouwithoutdistractions.Itisinappropriatetoapproachaninstructorjustpriortothestartorattheendofaclasssessiontoaskaboutanappointmentorshowhim/heryourNAS,asyouwillnothavetheinstructor'sundividedattention.Youwillalsonothavetheprivacyadiscussionofyourdisabilitydeserves.Duringtheappointment,clarifywiththeinstructorhowaccommodationswillbearranged.
  3. Befirmyetpleasant-Accommodationsareyourlegalright,yettheycanmeanextraworkfortheinstructor.Approachingthediscussioninacooperative,ratherthandemanding,mannerisusuallythemosteffectivewaytosecureyouraccommodations.Remember,becausethisdiscussionwillgobeyondaccommodations,youareactuallyestablishingarelationshipwithafacultymemberwithwhomyouwillbeworkingforanentiresemester.Youcankeepthemoodofthemeetingpositivebygoingintoitwithafriendlyattitude.Forexample,ifextendedtimeandaquietroomforexamsaretwoofyouraccommodations,askwheretheinstructorwouldlikeyoutotakeexam(theprofessor'soffice,anextraclassroom,atDisabilityServices,etc.).Itisyourresponsibility,nottheinstructor's,toreserveaseatatDisabilityServicesfortesting.
  4. Remindinstructorsaboutagreeduponaccommodations-Itishelpfultoremindinstructorsaboutexamaccommodationsafewdayspriortotheexamtoavoidanyproblemsonthedayofthetest.Determineinyourinitialmeetingwiththeinstructorhowbesttocontacthimorher.Forexample,wouldtheinstructorlikeareminderemailnotefromyou,aphonecall,oraverbalreminderattheclasssessionjustpriortothescheduledtest?Thisisespeciallyimportantfortheclassesthatonlymeetonedayperweek.

MEETINGWITHINSTRUCTORS:TOPICSTOCOVER

Outlinedbelowarethetopicscoveredinatypicalstudent/instructormeeting.

1.Introductions.Introduceyourselfandtelltheinstructorinwhichclassyouareenrolled.Thisisalsoagoodtimeforsmalltalkoracommentaboutclass.

2.ReasonforMeeting.Explainthatyouhaveadisabilityandthatyouneedcertainaccommodations.YoucanshowtheinstructoryourNASatthistime.Youmayneedtoprovidearationalefortheaccommodationsiftheinstructordoesnothavepreviousexperienceinthisarea.

3.ArrangeAccommodations.Describetheappropriateaccommodationsforyourdisability.Trytoarrangetheseaccommodationswithyourinstructorsduringthemeeting. Remember,itisyourresponsibilitytocontactDisabilityServicestoreserveaseatattheDisabilityServicestestingoffice.PleasebepreparedtofilloutaTestRequestCardtoreserveaseataminimumoffour(4)dayspriortoanexamorquiz.No“walk-ins”willbehonored.

4.Thankyourinstructorsfortheircooperation.Instructorsarerequiredbylawtoprovideyouwithaccommodations,butthankingthemisacourtesythatcanhelpyoubuildabetterrelationship.

PleaseNote:Youwillfindthatmostinstructorsarewillingtocooperatewithyourrequestsforaccommodations.Ifyouencounteranydifficultyinarrangingaccommodationswithinstructors,contactDisabilityServicesforassistance.

Student/FacultyLiaison

DisabilityServicesStaffmay,onoccasion,actasastudent/facultyliaison. Itisrecommendedthatstudentspersonallytrytoresolveissueswithaninstructorfirst. DisabilityServicesCenterStaffwillprovideguidanceastohowtoapproachanissuewithaninstructor. IfastudentisnotsatisfiedwiththeresultsandwouldliketheProgramSpecialisttoactasliaison,anappointmentshouldbemadetodiscussthematter.

TEXTBOOKS AND COURSE MATERIALSINALTERNATIVEFORMATS

IfyourNotification of Authorized Services recommendsthatyoureceivetextbooksinan alternativeformat,Alternate Media Production can check with the publishers for an electronic version of your textbooks. If not available, Alternate Media will scan the physical book you own. Alternate Media will also scan paper-based course materials and materials needed for testing accommodations.

NOTE: Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytosubmitAlternateMediarequestsinatimelymanner. It may take up to twoweeksfortextbook requeststobeprocessed.

The Accommodated Testing Center requires advanced notice of at least 4 working days in order to obtain materials from instructors and convert them to etext.

AlternateMediaProductionisequippedtoproduceelectronictextforstudentswithprint-relateddisabilities. Electronictextisthemosteffective,aswellasthequickestwaytoaccessyourtextbooksandcoursematerials. Weencourageallstudentsrequiringalternativeformatstoutilizeourscanningservicesforpaper-basedclassmaterials.

PleasecontactAlternateMediaProductiontoseeifyourtextbookisavailable. In order to ensure that the books you need are available at the beginning of the semester, submit your alternate media request as soon as possible after registering for the course. The electronic books will be released to you after youprovideAlternateMediawithproofthatyouhavepurchasedthebook. Pleasepurchaseyourtextbooksasearlyaspossibleaswehavemanyrequestsatthebeginningofasemester.

Tohaveabookscanned,labeleachoneofthebooksyouneedscannedwithyournameandcontactinformation. Wewanttobesuretoreturnbookstotheproperowners. Duplicating Services will remove the binding of the book, however all books will be rebound with coil binding and returned to you. Oncethebooksarescanned,AlternateMediawillcontactyouforpick-up. Pleasenotethatalthoughbookswillbereturnedwithin2workingdays,thescannedimagesofthebookmaytakelongertoconvertintoelectronictext. Course materials typically have a turnaround time of 2 working days.

To be in compliance withcopyrightlaws,AlternateMediaProductionmusthaveproofthatyouhavepurchasedyourtextbooks, and you must keep the books for the entire duration of the class. WhileAlternateMediamayalreadyhaveabookyourequire,youarestillexpectedtopurchasethebooktobeincompliancewithcopyrightlaws.

LearningAlly

LearningAllyisanonprofitorganizationdesignedtoprovideaudiobookstoindividualswhoareunabletouseprintedmaterials. Thisserviceisavailabletostudentswithvisualimpairments,certainlearningdisabilities,andspecificmobilityimpairments. Theaudiobooksmayhavebeenrecordedwitheitherahumanvoiceorcomputerspeechoutput. Someaudiobookscomewiththetextversionofthebookandallaudiobooksrequiretheuseofacomputerorspecializedmediaplayerdevices. Eligible studentscanrequestaLearningAllyaccountinDisabilityServices(DSPS). Alternate Media Productionis availabletohelpstudentsaccesstheiraudiobooks. Itisaviolationofcopyrightlawtoshareyour Learning Ally usernameandpassword.

Bookshare

Bookshareisanothersourceavailableforobtainingelectronicbooks at no cost. Theircollectionincludesnovels,classicliterature,andsometextbooks. Thisserviceisavailabletostudentswithvisualimpairments,certainlearningdisabilities,andspecificmobilityimpairments. These electronic books use computer speech output and come with the text version of the book. StudentscanrequestaBookshareaccountinDisabilityServices(DSPS). AlternateMediaProductionisavailabletohelpstudentsaccesstheirbooks.Itisaviolationofcopyrightlawtoshareyour Bookshare usernameandpassword.

PRIORITYREGISTRATION

Priorityregistrationisintendedtoprovidestudentswithdisabilitiestheopportunitytoregisterinsuchamanner,andtime,thataccommodationsandschedulingcanbedesignedtofittheiruniqueneeds. Thefollowingproceduresareintendedtoclarifysituationsunderwhichastudentwillreceivepriorityregistration.

Toreceivepriorityregistrationastudentmust:

  1. RequestiteachsemesterduringadvisingappointmentwithaDSPScounselor.
  2. BeeligiblefordisabilityservicesatModestoJuniorCollegeandhaveaverifieddisability.
  3. BemakingmeasurableacademicprogresstowardthegoalsestablishedintheNotificationofAuthorizedServices(NAS)or,whenthestudentisenrolledinaregularcollegecourse,meettheacademicstandardsestablishedbythecollege.

Studentsneedtomaintainthefollowing:

  1. Atleasta2.0CumulativeGradePointAverage(GPA),
  2. Nothaveearnedmorethan100units
  1. StudentsthatmayhaveextenuatingcircumstancescanmeetwiththeDSPScounselorand/ortheDeantohavetheirfilereviewedandbeconsideredforfuturepriorityregistration.
  2. HaveandfollowaNASdevelopedinconjunctionwiththedisabilityservicescounselor.FailuretofollowtheNASmayresultinthelossofpriorityregistrationanddiscontinuanceofservicesthroughtheDisabilityServicesCenter.
  3. RegisterbyInternet(PiratesNet). Studentswhosedisabilitymakesitdifficultforthemtoregisterforthemselves(forexample:deafandhardofhearing,cognitivedifficulties,physicallimitations)mayrequestregistrationtobedonebycontactingaProgramTechnicianinoneoftheTestingCenterslocatedoneachcampus.
  4. PriorityRegistrationwillfollowbasicguidelinesestablishedbytheAdmissionsRecordsOffice(e.g.deadlines,applicationguidelines,useoftelephoneregistration,tuitionandfeepayments,BoardofGovernor'sGrant(BOGG),and/orauthorizationsfromtheDepartmentofRehabilitation).

EQUIPMENT

ComputerResourceLab

TheResourceLabislocatedintheDisabilityServicesCenterontheEastCampusintheJournalismBuilding,Room155. Itisdesignedforstudentswhocanbenefitfromthelatestinadaptedcomputertechnology. Studentswhocanbenefitfromthistechnologycanusetheequipmentlocatedthroughoutthecampus,aswellas,intheEastCampusResourceLab. This enablesstudentstodocourseworkforotherclassesthattheyaretakingatthecollege.TheResourcelabhasreadingmachines,computerswithselectedsoftwareandprintenlargementssystemsareavailableforstudentuse.

EquipmentLoanProgram

DisabilityServiceshasavarietyofequipmentthatmaybeavailableforshort-termloan. IMPORTANT:ThestudentisliableforthecostofrepairingorreplacinganyitemloanedthroughtheDisabilityServicesCenter,ifitislost,stolenordamaged. Thefollowingequipmentisavailableforshort-termemergencyuse:FMListeningDevice(DeafandHardofHearing),SmartPenandvoicerecorders. Pleaseseeyourcounselorregardingavailableequipment. Inadditiontoequipmentforshort-termloan,theDisabilityServicesCentercanalsoarrangeforequipmenttobeplacedinclassroomand/orlaboratoryareas. Thisincludesspecialfurniture,ifneeded.

INTERPRETINGSERVICESFORDEAFANDHARDOFHEARINGSTUDENTS

Uponcompletionofregistration,theDeafandHardofHearingSpecialistwillschedulethestudentwithaninterpreterorcaptionist,whicheverisappropriate. Ifthestudenthasconcernsafterthefirsttwoweeksofschool,he/sheshouldcontacttheDisabilityServicesOffice.

Ifthestudentneedsaninterpreterforschoolactivity-relatedfunctions,arequestshouldbemadeatleasttwoweeksinadvancethroughtheOfficeofStudentDevelopmentandCampusLife/ASMJClocatedintheEastCampusStudentCenter. TheDeafandHardofHearingSpecialistshouldalsobenotified.

Regularclassroominterpretersarescheduledtoworkonlyduringthetimeclassesareinsession. Ifthestudent’sinterpreterhastimeandthestudenthasanimmediateneedtomeetwithaninstructorfornomorethan30minutes,thestudentandtheinterpreterdonotneedtonotifytheSpecialistuntilafterthemeeting. Ifthemeetingwillbelongerthan30minutes,theSpecialistshouldbecontactedtoarrangeforaninterpreteratanagreedtime.

Labsaredesignedforthestudentstoworkindividually. Aninterpreterwillbeassignedforthefirsthourofeachlabsessiontofacilitateanyinstructions,discussionsordemonstrations. Ifaninterpreterwillbeneededformorethanonehour,thestudentshouldcontacttheSpecialistandrequestanexceptiontothisarrangement.

Ifastudentwillmissclass,he/sheneedstocalltheSpecialistassoonaspossibleat575-6629(Voice/TTY). A24-hournoticeisrequired-unlessitisanemergency.

Theinterpreterwillwaitforastudentintheclassroomfor10minutes.IfastudentdoesnotcometoclasstheinterpreterwillusethenearestcampusphonetonotifytheSpecialistofthe“noshow”. IfastudentmissesaclasswithoutcontactingtheSpecialist,itisassumedthatthestudentwillalsomissallotherclassesforthatday. Inthiscaseallofthestudent’sinterpretingserviceswillbecanceledforthatdayunlessthestudentcontactstheSpecialist! Anoticewillbesenttothestudentindicatingtheclassthathe/shedidnotattend. Ifthestudentmissesmorethantwoclasseswithoutgivingnotice,interpretingservicesforthesemestermaybelimited. Ifaninterpreterdoesnotshowafterthestudenthaswaitedtenminutes,theSpecialistshouldbecontacted.

IMPORTANT: Thefollowingrulesspecifyhowinterpretersshouldprovidesignlanguageservicesforstudents.

  1. Theinterpreteristheretoservetheclass,thatis,theteacher,assignedstudent,andallotherstudentsintheclass.
  2. Interpretercannotparticipateinclass.
  3. Interpreterswillinterpreteverythingpossible
  4. Ifthestudenthasaquestion,he/sheshouldraisetheirhand. Interpreterswillvoiceforthestudentifrequestedtodoso.
  5. Interpreterscannotanswerstudent’squestions.
  6. Socializingwiththeinterpretersshouldbedonebeforeorafterclass,notwhiles/heisonthejob.
  7. AllinterpretingdoneoutofclassmustberequestedbycontactingtheDeafandHardofHearingSpecialist.
  8. Interpreterskeepallinformationconfidential.
  9. Ifthestudenttalkswithotherstudentsduringtheclass,theinterpreterwillvoiceforthestudent.

SERVICEPROVISIONREQUIREMENTS:

StudentswillbeaskedtosigntheAccountabilityContract(attachedwithintheDisabilityServicesStudentApplication)tobeplacedinstudent’sfile. Basically,studentsareaskedtoagreethattheywillberesponsibleintheuseoftheDisabilityServicesCenterservicesasexplainedinthishandbook. Failuretoberesponsibleonthree(3)ormoreoccasionsmaycauseaservicetobesuspendedbytheDSPSstaff. NOTE: Asmentionedearlierinthishandbook,servicesmayalsobesuspendedifastudentfailstomakemeasurableacademicprogresstowardthegoalsestablishedintheirNotificationofAuthorizedServices(NAS),AcademicAccommodationsPlan(AAP)andEducationalPlan. Measurableprogressisbasedonsuccessfulcompletionofclassesrequiredbytheeducationalcontract. Inaddition,allModestoJuniorCollegestudentsmustcomplywiththestudentcodeofconductasstatedinthecollegecatalogandallotherapplicableregulationsrelatedtostudentconduct.

  1. StudentsadmittedtothecollegewhowishtoreceiveservicesfromtheDisabilityServicesCentermustbeabletocomprehendquestions,followdirectionsanddemonstratethepotentialtobenefitfromenrollmentatModestoJuniorCollege.
  1. Studentsmustdemonstrateappropriateadaptiveand/orself-helpbehavior.DSP&Sstaffcannotprovidepersonalattendantcareoradministermedication.Studentsareresponsibleformonitoringtheirownprogress.
  1. AllstudentsarerequiredtofollowallStudentConductStandardssetforthinthecurrentcollegecatalog(BoardPolicyNo.5500,EducationCode66300).
  1. TheDisabilityServicesCenterwillnotstoreastudent’spersonalequipmentoncampus.
  1. Servicesmaybedeniedifitisdeterminedthatastudentdoesnotmeetoneormoreoftheeligibilitycriteria.
  1. StudentswishingtousetheservicesandprogramsofferedthroughtheDisability ServicesCenterarerequiredtomeetwithaDisabilityServicesCounseloratleastonceasemestertoestablishaNotificationofAuthorizedServices(NAS),establishanEdPlanandreviewacademicprogress. AnAcademicAccommodationsPlan(AAP)willalsobeestablishedintheinitialcounselingappointment.
  1. StudentsmustmeetwithDisabilityServicesProgramTechniciantoarrangeforaccommodationsspecifiedontheNotificationofAuthorizedServices(NAS).

GRIEVANCE/APPEALPROCEDURE

Intheeventofdiscontinuedservices,thestudentwillbenotifiedinwriting,viatheCollege’sElectronic-Mail(Email)system.Ifthestudentbelievesthereasonfordiscontinuingserviceisnotjustifiedorthestudentisnotsatisfiedwiththedisability-relatedacademicadjustmentprovidedinaspecificcourseorhaveproblemswithaspecificinstructor,thefollowingstepsshouldbetaken:

  1. ContacttheDisabilityServicesoffice. DisabilityServicesisavailabletodiscussyourcomplaintandintervenewhenappropriate
  2. IftheinstructororDisabilityServicescouldnotresolveyourcomplaint,youmaymakeanappointmentwithDeanofSpecialProgramsindicatingthereasonfortheappointmentortoappealaterminationofservice. Duringtheappointment,bepreparedtolistvalidreasonsforfailuretomeetstudentresponsibilitiesortheneedforfurtheraccommodations. Ifpossible,bringevidenceordocumentationtosubstantiatethereason(s).
  3. If,afterconsultingwiththeDeanofSpecialPrograms,thestudentisstillnotsatisfied,h/shemayappealviatheStudentGrievanceProcess.(seecurrentcollegecatalog,GrievancePolicyforStudents.

NON-DISCRIMINATIONSTATEMENT

ItisthepolicyoftheYosemiteCommunityCollegeDistricttoprovideanenvironmentfreeofunlawfuldiscrimination. Discriminationonthebasisofethnicgroupidentification,religion,age,sex,sexualorientation,colororphysicalormentaldisabilityintheDistrict’sprograms,activitiesandworkenvironmentisunlawfulandwillnotbetoleratedbytheDistrict.

DECLARACIONDEAUSENCIADEDISCRIMINACION

EslapolfticadelDistricoColegialComunitariodeYosemite(YCCD)deproveerunmedioambientelibredetodaclasedediscriminacion. Nosetolera,yesillegal,ladiscriminationenbaseaungroupoethnic,edad,sexo,orientationsexual,colorodesabilidadfsicaomentalenlosdiferentesprogramasdeldistrito:enactividadescolegiales:yalavez,enarealaborales.

ADA/SECTION504COORDINATOR

LonitaCordova,DirectorofDisabilityServices(StudentServicesBuilding,Room112,voice:(209)575-6865,TTY:(209)575-6863,,hasbeendesignatedtocoordinateandcarryoutModestoJuniorCollege’scompliancewiththenondiscriminationrequirementsofTitleIIoftheAmericanwithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)andsection504oftheRehabilitationActof1973. InformationconcerningtheprovisionsoftheADA,Section504andtherightsprovided,areavailablefromtheADA/504Coordinator.

InquiriesregardingFederallawsandregulationsconcerningnon-discriminationineducationorthedistrict’scompliancewiththoseprovisionsmayalsobedirectedto:

OfficeofCivilRights,SanFranciscoOffice

U.S.DepartmentofEducation

50BealeStreet,Ste7200

SanFrancisco,CA 94105

Telephone:415/486-5555

Fax:415/486-5570

TDD:877/521-2172

email:

DEFINITIONS

AcademicStandard-Theusualindicatorsofacademicability,suchasgradepointaverage,highschoolrank,andstandardizedtestscores.

AccessibleClassroomsandCollegeFunctions-Theabilitytoattendclassroomorcollegefunctionswithregardtoseating,restrooms,stairs,lighting,walkways,etc.

AccommodationsRequest-Anactualdescriptionofthechange(s)neededinordertofunctionintheacademicsetting.

AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)-ADA(Pub.L.No.101-336)isalawthatprotectspersonswithdisabilities.

AssistiveListeningDevice-Atechnicaltooltoassistsstudentswhoarehardofhearingwithorwithoutahearingaid.ALD'sbringthespeaker'svoicedirectlytotheearandhelpsovercometheproblemsofdistancefromthespeakerandsurroundingbackgroundnoise.

AlternateFormat-Changingtheprintmaterialintoadifferentstyle,whichallowsthestudentaccesstothatinformation.Example:textbooktoBrailleorenlargedprint.

AlternateTestFormat-Changingthepresentationofatesttoallowthedisabledstudenttoconveyhisorherknowledge.Example:printedtoBrailleororaltests.

BooksonTape-Audioversionsoftextbooksandotherprintedmaterialforthevisuallyimpaired.Mostbooks-on-tapeareobtainedthroughtheReadingsfortheBlindandDyslexic.

ClosedCaptioning-Word-for-wordtextofamovieorvideodialoguethatrequiresadecoderinorderforthetexttobeviewedonascreen.

DegreeofHearingLoss-Theextentthathearingisimpairedtocategorizefrommildtoprofound.

Distraction-reducedEnvironment–Atestingenvironmentinwhichdistractionsareminimized.

Documentation/Verification-Informationobtainedfromaqualifiedprofessional,whichmustcontainspecificinformationconcerningthediagnosisofthedisability.

ParkingPermit-Accessibleparkingformobilityimpairedstudents.Thisincludesanydisability,eitherchronicortemporary,whichimpedestheabilitytowalk.

Reader-Someonewhoreadstestsorotherwritteninformationtoadisabledstudent.

ReasonableAccommodation-Arequestforassistanceintheacademicenvironmentwithinanappropriatetimeframe.

Scribe-Apersonwhowritesresponsestotestitemsforadisabledstudent.

TTY–Atelecommunicationsdevice(specificallytelephoneandcomputer)forthedeaf.

DISABILITYSERVICESCENTERSTAFF

FranciscoBanuelos

Dean,EnrollmentServices,SpecialPrograms

575-6045

Dr.LonitaCordova

Director,SpecialPrograms/ADACoordinator

575-6865

OraliaParkerClaudiaPuebla

AdministrativeSpecialistCounselor

575-6237575-6223

MonicaWalleElizabethHondoy

ProgramAssistantCounselor/DeafandHardofHearingSpecialist

575-6692575-6692

MyraO’ConnorMaishaHaywood-Smith

AdministrativeAssistant/ContractWorkerAdjunctCounselor

575-6225575-6225

LeticiaCastilloMichaelJackson

ProgramSpecialist(EastCampus)Veteran’sCounselor/Coord/DSPSCounselor

575-6226575-6207

MariaNevarezClaudiaMery

ProgramAssistant(EastCampus)AlternateMediaSpecialist

575-6645575-6862

KimJordan

ProgramTechnician(WestCampus)

575-7733

AuroraSanchez

ProgramTechnician(WestCampus)

575-7734

Updated 6/17