Student Resource Guide - Accommodations
What are reasonable accommodations?
Reasonable accommodations provide equal access to students with disabilities while maintaining academic integrity. These accommodations may include:
- priority registration for students registered with DSP&S;
- special parking permits for students with physical disabilities;
- a reader or note taker to a student who is blind;
- taping a class lecture;
Read about taping a lecture. - note taking assistance for a student who has difficulty writing or taking notes;
Read more about note taking assistance. - an interpreter to a student who is deaf;alternative testing formats for a student with a learning disability;
Read more about interpreting/captioning services. - instructional materials in alternate formats (Braille, e-text, audio books, large print);
Read more about alternate media. - extended time on tests; or
- use of a computer with assistive technology to complete tests or assignments.
Read more about assistive technology.
Accommodations are provided on an individual basis to students. In order to promote retention and success for students, the DRC encourages dialogue between the student and faculty early each semester so that accommodations are in place.
Legal Rights of Students with Disabilities under Federal Law: A Guide for College and University Students
Read the San Mateo County Community College's Accommodations Policy
How do I set up my accommodations?
A Student Education Contract (SEC) is a plan to address specific needs of the student. An SEC must be established upon initiation of DSP&S services and shall be reviewed and updated each semester for every student with a disability participating in the DSP&S Program. The SEC specifies those classes, accommodations and support services identified and agreed upon by both the student and DSP&S staff as necessary to meet the student’s specific educational needs.
It is recommended that students make an appointment to meet with each instructor during office hours the first or second week of classes. Many part-time instructors may not have office hours. In this case, you should ask the instructor when might be the best time to talk with them. You might be interested in reading the following document: What to say to your instructor about your accommodations.
What are my responsibilities?
It is each student’s responsibility to:
- Request reasonable accommodations. Accommodations are discussed based upon your individual educational needs.
- Provide documentation of disability.
- Meet with staff in advance of each new semester to arrange for accommodations in a timely manner.
- Comply with the Student Code of Conduct adopted by the college. (See College Catalog and Schedule of Classes)
- Make measurable progress toward the goals established in the Student Educational Contract and meet academic standards established by the college.
- Be responsible in his/her use of DSP&S services.
All members of the CSM community share the responsibility for preserving the freedom to learn. The college's policies and procedures are designed to safeguard this freedom.
Please refer to CSM’s College Catalog for further information on College Policies and Student Responsibilities.
Students with disabilities are responsible for contacting the Disability Resource Center if reasonable accommodations are not implemented in an effective or timely manner. The Disability Resource Center will work with the student and other campus personnel in resolving any problems regarding accommodations.
How soon should I arrange for academic accommodations?
Students with disabilities who require accommodations should contact the DRC at least 3-4 weeks prior to the start of classes or as soon as possible thereafter. If accommodations are not requested in a timely manner, services may be delayed or unavailable.
Please note: Accommodations must be arranged each semester. Meet with the counselor in the Disability Resource Center at the beginning of each semester.
How do I schedule test accommodations?
Test taking assistance is available in the DRC in conjunction with your instructor(s). All exams must be scheduled at least five days in advance of the exam or as soon as announced by the instructor.
Meet with your instructor to discuss your disability and need for test accommodations. Find out what type of exams you will have (multiple choice, essay, short answer). If your instructors can provide you with the proper accommodations for your exams, you can take the exams in their office or in the classroom under their supervision. If they can't, then you may take the exams in the DRC with your instructor’s cooperation.
Each student is responsible for understanding and complying with the test accommodation procedures. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the procedures, please contact the DRC before scheduling your exams. The Academic Accommodations form MUST be completed in full before any services can be provided.
Does the college provide personal attendant care?
Personal attendant care (including mobility assistance to and from classes) is NOT provided by the College or DSP&S according to Section 504, AB 803 and Title V Regulations. In addition, the Adapted P.E. program does not provide assistance with dressing or undressing for classes. An otherwise qualified student who requires attendant care services must make arrangements to provide his/her own attendant care service. The Disability Resource Center will provide students with assistance in posting notices for attendants with the Student Employment Office. Students are also encouraged to work with their Rehabilitation Counselor to secure attendant care . The student and attendant will sign a Personal Care Attendant Agreement Form, available on the DSPS website, which must be submitted to the Disability Resource Center by the first day of instruction.
How do I get a special parking permit?
- Complete your registration and pay your fees including the parking fee.
- Come to the Disability Resource Center (DRC), Building 16 Room 150.
- Complete Disabled Students Packet including the Special Parking Permit Request.
- The DRC will give you a Temporary Permit.
- You can pick up the Special Parking Permit within three (3) days.
If you have a California State Placard:
- Complete your registration and pay your fees including the parking fee.
- Come to the Disability Resource Center (DRC), Building 16 Room 150.
- Complete Disabled Students Packet including the Special Parking Permit Request.
- DRC will prepare the Special Parking.
- You can pick up your Special Parking Permit at the Disability Resource Center within three (3) days of your application.
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Drive Carefully!
- Park only in student lots unless you have a special permit. Staff lots are posted.
- Observe speed limits!
- Watch curb color!
- Don’t park at red, white or yellow curbs.
- You must have a State Placard to park in the blue, disabled parking spaces.
