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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.

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 Yeni Galvez Hernandez at ygalvez@dvc.edu for further assistance.

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 summer 2020 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 all 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 during this time and continue to provide all current services. Please email Yeni Galvez Hernandez at ygalvez@dvc.edu if you have general questions.

Incoming freshmen

Note for INCOMING freshmen –Class of 2020: DSS Counseling for the summer is limited to students taking summer classes.

DSS will resume accepting applications and disability documentation (such as IEPs and 504 plans) for new students once fall classes begin. Please do not send documentation to the DSS office prior to the start of fall semester.

For help with class selection, please register for a COUNS 095 class for fall. You can find additional information: Graduating High School Senior

Testing accommodation

All exams will be given online. 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.
Please email Ron Tenty at rtenty@dvc.edu if you have any testing questions or do not see your time modified.
For use only by students who are approved by DSS for extended testing time Testing Accommodations Request form

Note taking services

Note Taking Services is a DSS accommodation which offers our students tools to develop their ability to take notes in class. Note taking will remain unaffected by online classes. All note taking solutions are still applicable. Please contact Jonathan Cattarin at jcattarin@dvc.edu with questions. 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. We cannot promise rapid turnaround of classroom material given the likely 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 contract

Counseling

This summer DSS counseling appointments will be limited to the following:

• Students enrolled in summer classes in need of accommodations 
• Students enrolled in summer classes and in need of an education plan
• Students transferring to DVC from another college and in need of accommodations 
• Students returning to DVC after an absence of one year or more

If you belong to one of the above groups, please email Rachel DeChristofaro  to schedule an appointment. Individual counseling appointments are not available to incoming freshman until the Fall 2020 semester. Our DSS counselors are Nicole Despins, Kellie Conde and at SRC Carolyn Warren.

For general counseling information, visit DVC Counseling services.

Tutoring

DSS tutors are available to answer questions Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday June 9 - July 23  11 am - 3 pm
To receive services, you will need to request access to Zoom.
Please email one of our tutors at their DVC email addresses to request access:

• Luis: lescobedosierra758@insite.4cd.edu(Math, including Statistics and Pre-Calculus)
• Tracy: tdurden066@email.4cd.edu (English and general essay writing in all subjects)

High tech center and computer questions

You may email Carrie Million at cmillion@dvc.edu with questions or to request an appointment.

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Note: Priority registration

Priority registration for Spring 2021 classes will be held in fall of 2020. New DSS students must submit documentation of their disability and meet with a counselor at least one week in advance of the first day of priority registration. 

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Contact Disability Support Services

DSS Office Telephone:	925-969-2182
Deaf/Hard of hearing only Sorenson V.R.S	925-270-1660

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