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Disability Support Services

Note to students: The content on this page applies to students at both the Pleasant Hill and San Ramon campuses.

Graduating high school seniors class of 2021 click here

At Diablo Valley College, we provide all students an equal opportunity for success. Disability Support Services (DSS) ensures that students with disabilities have access to all that DVC has to offer. The DSS program offers appropriate support services, curriculum, instruction, and adaptive technology. We look forward to working with you as you embark on your college adventure.

If you have any questions please contact Rachel DeChristofaro RDeChristofaro@dvc.edu for further assistance.

How to apply for DSS services if you are already a DVC student.

Pleasant Hill Campus Accessible Map - pdf

Covid-19 Emergency Grant

Are you facing unexpected expenses as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to remote classes and services? If so, you may be eligible for the COVID-19 Emergency Grant! Students enrolled for spring 2021 can apply for a one-time $500 grant to help with books, supplies, housing, food, transportation, technology needs, health care, child care and other costs. Don’t let a financial emergency keep you from completing your educational goals at DVC! Funds are limited! Apply now!

General

DVC will be holding the vast majority of its classes online until further notice. During this time, Disability Support Services is committed to doing all it can to assist you in succeeding. The DSS office will remain accessible remotely and continue to provide all current services. Please email Rachel RDeChristofaro@dvc.edu if you have general questions.

DSS respects the confidentiality of student information. For that reason, DSS will not share accommodations with faculty or other DVC staff unless a student specifically requests it. DSS students must request their accommodations each semester. See below for details and links for specific services.

Testing Accommodations

DSS students can continue to receive time accommodations for online exams. DSS will contact instructors to adjust the software time setting for any student who has signed and submitted a DSS Testing Accommodations Request form (see link below). Please note that DVC instructors require a minimum of two business days notice to adjust the software.

For extended (extra) testing time (for use by students already approved by DSS)

Testing Accommodations Request form

Please email Ron Tenty at rtenty@dvc.edu if you have any testing questions or do not see your time modified. Also contact Ron if you are taking a hybrid course with in person exams and wish to take them in the DSS office. Only in person exams will be accommodated..

Note taking services

Note Taking Services  offers shared notes and tools to develop students' ability to take notes independently. Note taking will remain available for online classes. Please contact Jonathan Cattarin at jcattarin@dvc.edu with questions. For services, please complete a Notetaker request form. For more information see  Notetaking services web page

Equipment and software check out

DSS loans equipment to students approved for accommodations.  If you need equipment for notetaking, such as digital recorders and smart pens, or software for reading your text books, such as Kurzweil, contact Rose Desmond rdesmond@dvc.edu.  For more information on the smart pen, watch this Smart pen tutorial.

Alternate media services

Alternate Media Services will continue to convert textbook and classroom materials into alternate formats. Turnaround of classroom material may be delayed by the high demand. Students who are blind or with low vision will get top priority. This includes testing materials.  Please contact Rose Desmond at RDesmond@dvc.edu if you have questions or content that you need converted. Alternate Media Services Contract

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DVC offers help in many different formats. Please visit our "Got questions" webpage to learn more.

Counseling

All DSS students may schedule one (1) counseling appointment per semester of one (1) hour. At that time, they may discuss any questions or needs, including education planning, class selection, accommodations, etc.

Need to make a DSS counseling appointment complete the Counseling Appointment Request form

DSS is also answering brief counseling questions through drop in appointments, which allow 15 minutes per student. To request the zoom link for drop in counseling, please email Rachel RDeChristofaro@dvc.edu.

When they sign in for drop in, students will be placed in a waiting room. Wait times may be significant during the first weeks of the semester. Please be patient and a counselor will reply as soon as possible.

Please note that for a probation, dismissal, or maximum time frame appeal, a 1-hour appointment is necessary. Dismissal appointments are scheduled by Carissa at the dismissal workshop. Probation students may meet with a counselor or watch a video on the probation webpage.

To request a counseling appointment or learn about drop in times, please email Rachel DeChristofaro RDeChristofaro@dvc.edu.

For general counseling information, visit DVC Counseling services.

Organization, Prioritization, and Time Management

DSS offers training to students with organization, prioritization, and time management of their coursework. This training in executive functioning is available to students one on one as needed up to once per week. However, students must be referred to the service by a DSS counselor. Please email Rachel RDeChristofaro@dvc.edu for a counseling appointment.

Tutoring

DSS tutors are available to answer questions Monday through Thursday January 25th to May 17th  9 am - 3 pm
To receive services, students will need to request access to Zoom.
Please email one of our tutors at their DVC email addresses to request access:

High tech center and computer questions

Students with questions about Assistive technology (i.e. Kurzweil, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, etc.) and/or computer use (i.e. email, Canvas, Insite, word processing, PowerPoint, etc.), can contact dsshightechcenter@dvc.edu, or call 925-322-1176 to schedule an appointment.  Please refer to the list of available services offered by the High Tech Center for more information.

Priority registration

Priority registration for Fall 2021 classes will be held on April 26 and 27. New DSS students must submit documentation of their disability and meet with a counselor by Thursday, April 22 to qualify for priority registration in fall. Those completing an application after that date will be eligible for priority registration in Spring 2022.

Incoming freshmen

Note for INCOMING freshmen –Class of 2021: DSS will accept applications and disability documentation (such as IEPs and 504 plans) for new students starting in Fall 2021.

Note: DSS office hours are remote only 

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday                  
Normal office  hours  Jan 4 - May 21 2021 8am -  5pm 8am -  5pm 8am -  5pm 8am -  5pm 8am -  3pm

Contact Disability Support Services

DSS Office Telephone 925-969-2182

Manager: David Hagerty  
Telephone: 925-969-2176 
Email: DHagerty@dvc.edu 
Office location: SSC-248 campus map