To contact the DSPS Office, please call (760) 773-2534.
Email at DSPS Info.
TDD: (760) 773-2598
DSPS is located on the first floor of the Craven's Student Services Center, Room 101, off the atrium entrance.
Our hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday and 8 am to 2 pm on Friday.
DSPS serves about 600 students with disabilities each semester at COD, assisting them to achieve their educational goals by providing the services and programs needed to participate in the regular college classroom. Services include all of the following:
Counseling Personal, academic, vocational and disability counseling are available with a DSPS Counselor on an appointment basis to achieve the following:
· Disability verification
· Accommodations determination
· Faculty notification
· Personal support and skills development
· Referrals for internal and external services (sign language interpreting, closed captioning, mobility aid, note-taker, etc.)
Academic Support (funded by DSPS) through the Mind Shack (which is a unit of the Academic Skills Center) provides tutoring services for DSPS student. Some students will be qualified to receive one-on-one tutoring.
High Tech Center (HTC) The HTC is a state of the art computer lab where students with verified disabilities can learn to access adaptive hardware and software technologies. These technologies allow students to increase productivity, work independently, and foster academic success in their regular college curriculum. Services include:
· Open Lab
· Access to assistive technologies
· Mentoring and support
DSPS Courses Courses that provide classroom and computer laboratory support are taught in two main courses that focus 1) on learning the basics of access to a wide variety of software, hardware and assistive technologies to assist in the learning process; and 2) on development of alternative strategies of learning that are based on the student’s individual learning challenges.
Adapted Physical Education Courses
The courses that have been adapted for students with disabilities includes:
· Badminton
· Physical activity – weight training
· Golf
Workability III (WA III) WA III offers a variety of services for students through a contract with the CA Department of Rehabilitation. Services include:
- Funding of some educational expenses
· Course work to support career exploration and the development of job search skills and job retention
· Individual counseling and career guidance
· If you are WIII Student please be sure to make an appointment with Mr. Don O’Loghlin
Learning Disability Assessment Students may be referred to the specialist who conducts extensive testing over a couple of days to determine if the student has a specific learning disability. Those who are assessed to have a learning disability are provided with supportive services and accommodations to the classroom setting.
Proctored Examination Services A center is made available for students who qualify for extended time on examinations and/or the need to take examinations in a distraction reduced environment.
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, Dr. Nathan Church, who can be reached at 760/776-7385 (760/773-2534 main line), in the DSPS Offices, or by email at: DSPS Info.
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