Disability Resources

Although the Center for Students with Disabilities is closed for in person contact until further notice, our office is continuing to provide services to our students.

Here is how you can reach us:

1. Call 310-434-4265
2. Email dsps@smc.edu
3. If you know your counselor or LD/ABI/HTTC Specialists, please directly contact them via email (Last_first name@smc.edu) or by phone. You can find contact information at the SMC Disability Faculty Staff Directory
4. If you have questions regarding Deaf/Hard of Hearing services or need to request an interpreter or captioner, contact Henninger_Denise@smc.edu or by text at 818-570-3813

Effective Spring'22, the following in person services are available on a limited basis.  For availability and to schedule an appointment, please contact:

• Counseling:  call 310-434-4265 or email at dsps@smc.edu                                                                         
• Learning Disability: call 310-434-4684 or email at ld@smc.edu
• High Tech Training: Call 310-434-4267 or email at httc@smc.edu

In person test proctoring will continue to be available to accommodate the on ground classes, as needed.  See below "Testing Accommodations" for more information.

Please note, anyone who requests in person services will be required to adhere to the SMC COVID-19 protocols and will be screened at the kiosk located in front of the Student Services Center.  A daily symptoms checklist, social distancing, and mask coverings are required for in person services.  We recommend that you arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment and be sure to bring a picture ID with you.   For more information please read Dr. Kathryn Jeffery's letter, SMC Board Rescinds Mandatory COVID-19 Vax Program.

1. Make an appointment with a counselor by emailing at dsps@smc.edu or by calling 310-434-4265
2. Complete and return the Center for Students with Disabilities application form
3. Read, sign, date, and return the Students Rights & Responsibilities Form
4. Voter Preference Form for student review or signature Voter Preference Form  (optional) 
5. Submit your verification of disability document at dsps@smc.edu or directly to the counselor with whom you will have an appointment. 

*Please do not fax any documents. Our fax is currently not operational.

You will be able to schedule a counseling appointment and "meet" with your counselor except it will be done remotely either by phone or video online.  You may schedule an appointment either by:

1. Call 310-434-4265 (for new & continuing students)
2. Email dsps@smc.edu (for new & continuing students)
3. Online via Corsair Connect – (for continuing students only): 
   • Corsair Connect – "SMC Quick Links" (left side) – Book a Counseling Appointment –
   • Pick your drop-down options (Program/Area , Counselor, Day of Week, Start Time, End Time) – Submit
   • Be sure to update your personal information such as the best phone number to reach you and make sure you set up an SMC email account if you have not already done so.  You may update your information at smc.edu/stayconnected
4. Your counseling session takes place either by phone or video online via Zoom.  At the time of your scheduled appointment, your counselor will call you and if Zoom is your preferred mode of communication, a Zoom invite will be sent to you via your SMC email by the counselor. see below instructions.
   • Please be sure to check your SMC email because your counselor will email a link inviting you to join the scheduled meeting that will look like this: "Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: ( your counselor's link here)"
   • Click on the link in the email.  The session will automatically open. It may ask to use the App or Internet – choose open with App

Visit Testing Accommodations for Students.

Note-taking services must be requested every term for every class in a timely manner with your counselor or LD/ABI Specialist.  If approved, you will receive this service if your classes have a lecture via Zoom or audio pre-recorded lecture.  The note-taker will directly email you the notes and provide a copy to Carla Alvarado, DSPS Specialist. If you have any questions concerning your approved notes,  contact Carla at Alvarado_carla@smc.edu or at dsps@smc.edu or call her at 310-434-4265.

For assistive technology accommodations, contact:

• Elena Throckmorton: 310-434-8706, throckmorton_elena@smc.edu 
• Corinne Haynes: 310-434-4424, haynes_corinne@smc.edu
• Lisa Courto: 310-434-4267, courto_lisa@smc.edu

If you have been receiving Alternate Media, contact Aaron French: 310-434 -8934, french_aaron@smc.edu.

Interpreting or captioning services must be requested every term for each class with your counselor.   If you have questions, please contact Denise Henninger:  Henninger_Denise@smc.edu or text  her at 818-570-3813.

If you have any questions related to the Learning Disability Program, please call 310-434-4684 or email LD@smc.edu and a staff will respond to you in a timely manner.

If you have any questions related to the Acquired Brain Injury Program, please contact Stephanie Lewis at 310-434-4442 or email Lewis_stephanie@smc.eduor call the main office at 310-434-4265 or email dsps@smc.edu

Center for Students with Disabilities application form