STUDENT HANDBOOK
WELCOME!
On behalf of the Disabled Student Programs and Services
(DSPS) faculty and staff, we would like to welcome you to Santa Monica
College. We are here to help you succeed in your academic career. College
is a time to broaden your horizons, learn about yourself and the world,
explore your options, and develop the ability to make sound decisions.
This process will give you the tools to create a bright and productive
future.
We hope that you will take advantage of the comprehensive
support services that we offer in the Disabled Student Program. We are
looking forward to meeting you and wish you the best of luck. Enjoy
your stay at Santa Monica College!
Mission Statement
The Disabled Student Program’s objective
is to integrate students into all college programs and activities so
that students can function independently.
What is Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSP&S)?
Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSP&S)
at Santa Monica College began in 1975. We are here to ensure that all
college programs on our campus are accessible to students with disabilities.
Academic adjustments, educational instruction, and an array of support
services are provided to ensure accessibility. We strive to provide
the highest quality programs to encourage and promote independence in
students so that they may achieve their full potential. Your first step
in receiving the academic adjustments you need is to make an appointment
to see a DSP&S counselor.
Who is eligible to receive services in the Disabled
Student Program?
Any SMC student who has documentation
provided by a licensed professional verifying their disability is eligible for services. For example, if
you have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, you must provide documentation from a medical doctor.
According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1991,
a person with a disability is described as:
 Having
a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one
or more major life activities
Having
a record of such impairment, or
Being
regarded as having such an impairment.
Types of disabilities that may be covered by
the ADA include, but are not limited to the following :
Physical,
sight, speech or hearing impairments
Acquired
brain injury
Epilepsy
Muscular
dystrophy
Multiple
sclerosis
Cancer
Heart diseases
Diabetes
Chronic
illnesses
HIV
or AIDS,
Psychiatric
disabilities
Specific
learning disabilities
ADHD/ADD
Developmental
disabilities, and
Recovered
drug or alcohol addiction
|
| Source: University of Kansas Center for Research
on Learning Division of Adult Studies, N. Kurth, G. Berry &
Daryl Mellard. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office
of Special Education Programs |
What is verification?
Verification means that you have written proof
that you currently have a disability. It is your responsibility to provide
verification of your disability with current functional limitations
to receive academic adjustments. Services and academic adjustments are
offered after the formal verification of a current disability.
What services are provided for students with
disabilities?
Academic
counseling
Academic
adjustments for functional limitations of your disability
Priority registration
in Fall and Spring semesters
Learning Disabilities Program
High
Tech Training Center/Assistive Technology
Acquired
Brain Injury Program
Hard-of-Hearing
and Deaf Services
Personal counseling
Interact with
all faculty and classified personnel as appropriate on your
behalf
Liaison with
off-campus agencies
On and off
campus referrals
Differences Between Services
Provided by K-12 Education and College
New Students
- First Steps
Continuing
Students
- Helpful Hints
Signing up for Classes
- Instructions
THIS HANDBOOK
IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
Stay tuned for more!
