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De Anza College's Disability Support Services is a part of the Special Education Division. It provides support services to students with disabilities in order to help them participate in college programs and activities.

The DSS assists student with physical or psychological differences. It works closely with the Educational Diagnostic Center, a program that provides assistance to those with learning disabilities.

Registration is required for students who are interested in the services provided. The office is located on the first floor of the Student and Community Services Building, opposite the hallway to the restrooms.

Verification Process and Counseling Students need to fill out a disability verification form and provide documentation from a treating professional who is qualified to diagnose the disability. Once the verification process is completed, students meet with a counselor to talk about their individual needs.

There are four counselors in the DSS: Deborah Stern, John Butcher, Kevin Glapion and Benita Rashall.

Difference assistance services are "individually determined based on students' disabilities and how that impacts them in the classroom," said Rashall, DSS executive head counselor.


Test Facilitation

Since many students with disabilities cannot take their exams and quizzes in the classrooms, DSS assists them with testing facilities.

"We try to use technology a lot. We are using more and more technology everyday," Rashall said.

Exams can be read to blind students, and additional time is given to students with slow processing skills or significant concentration problems. Students who have difficulties using the keyboard can answer verbally using a computer.

The DSS administers 700 to 800 tests every quarter. Some of them are under the individual's administration, some are helped by assistants who sit down and work with students.


Shuttle Service

DSS's shuttle service is known as "Big Red," with driver Henry Garcia. It transports students with mobility or vision impairment, although all students who have registered are welcome to use the service. Priority is given to students going from class to class.


Registration Assistance

The DSS's Registration and Accountability service helps students select courses that best match their current skill level and individual limitations. It also provides registration assistance.


Computer Access Lab

The Computer Access Lab is located in the back of AT203 for students who need to complete homework or coursework.

There are a number of different computer technologies in the Lab, such as the speech input system and the Kurzweil, which reads and highlights printed materials. The lab offers large print for reading materials and teaches the use of different specialized programs.

The DSS urges other departments to use specialized technologies.

"All the computers on campus should be accessible. It is not just the DSS's responsibility to make sure that students can do things throughout the whole campus," Rashall said.


Faculty Assistance

Students work with their instructors if they need help with adapting or problem handling. The DSS gives a presentation at new faculty orientations to ensure staff development and sensitivity.


Alternate Format Availability Debee Norling is in charge of alternate format availability.

She meets with students to find out the books and materials they need for the coming quarter, and then helps them obtain the items. She also makes sure that alternate formats, such as electronic textbooks, MP3s, large print and Braille, are available to students.


Contact

For additional information, call 408- 864-8753 or visit http://www.deanza. edu/specialed/dss/index.html. Students can also attend informational meetings held by the DSS once a month in the Educational Diagnostic Center. For more information, call 408- 864-8839.

The next meeting is on March 16 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.

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