Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS)
DSPS Fall 2016 Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am to 2:00pm
Office Locations
DSPS Main Office: Cravens Student Services Center, Room 101
High Tech Center (HTC): Cravens Student Services Center, Room 118
Proctoring Office: Cravens Student Services Center, Room 109
DSPS Classroom, Cravens Student Services Center, Room 118A
Contact Information
Phone (760) 773-2534
Email: dspsinfo@collegeofthedesert.edu
TDD: (760) 773-2598
Fax: (760) 862-1329
High Tech Center (HTC) Hours
Monday-Wednesday: 8:00am to 4:00pm (closed for lunch from 1:00-1:30)
Thursday: 8:00am to 3:30pm (closed for lunch from 1:00-1:30)
Friday: Closed
About Us
Disabled Students Programs and Services at College of the Desert is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to a community college education. Through the utilization of specialized instructional programs and disability related services, DSPS encourages and fosters independence and assists students in attaining their educational and vocational goals.
DSPS currently serves over 800 students each year with disabilities at College of the Desert, assisting them to achieve their educational goals by providing the services and programs needed to participate in the college classroom.
Disabilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Acquired Brain Injury
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum
- Blind and Low Vision
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities
- Mental Health Disabilities
- Physical Disabilities
- Other Health Conditions and Disabilities which limit the student’s ability to access the educational process
All communication with the DSPS office is confidential.
General Guidelines for Requesting DSPS Services
(in accordance with Title 5 of the California Educational Code)
New Students to College of the Desert:
- Complete the New Student Application to College of the Desert
- Provide Documentation of Disability to the DSPS office -- for example, the most recent testing/psychological/triennial report, IEP, audiological report and/or doctor’s verification (Disability Verification Form can be picked up in DSPS office or click the link below)
- Meet with the DSPS Counselor to determine appropriate accommodations
Continuing Students:
- Provide Documentation of Disability to the DSPS Office -- for example, the most recent testing/psychological/triennial report, IEP, audiological report and/or doctor’s verification. (Disability Verification Form can be picked up in DSPS office or click the link below)
- Meet with the DSPS Counselor to determine appropriate accommodations
Disability Verification Form, if applicable, is completed by a licensed practitioner and returned to the DSPS office.
Academic accommodations and support services may include, but are not limited to:
- Adaptive Equipment Loan
- Adapted Physical Activity Classes
- Adaptive Technology
- Assistive Technology Lab
- Communication Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Disability-related Counseling
- Disability-related Supplemental Tutoring
- E-Text/Alternative Media
- Note Taking Services
- Priority Registration
- Reader Services
- Test Taking Accommodations
Accommodations are determined based on the educational limitations of the documented disability.
Please see our Services page for more detailed information.
Student Concerns/Complaints
We will make every effort in our interactions with faculty and staff at College of the Desert to ensure that you receive the very best support in your educational experience. However, as a student with a disability, if you have cause to believe that you have been denied access to appropriate academic accommodations, you should contact the ADA/504 Coordinator who can be reached in the Office of Human Resources at College of the Desert, or by phone at (760) 773-2529.