Disabled Student Programs + Services Overview
Disabled Student Programs + Services (DSPS)
Contact Us
Disabled Student Programs + Services (DSPS)
Student Services Center
SSC Room 109
DSPSOffice@contracosta.edu
510.215.3969
Hours:
M T W Th: 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
F: 9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
Creating equity in education through accessibility.
Every student deserves the tools and environment to succeed. If you’re a student with a disability, Disabled Students’ Programs + Services connects you with accommodations, resources, and real support – so you can reach your goals with confidence.
Whether you’re just starting out or well into your journey, we’ll meet you where you are and help you build a plan that works.
Disability Services Overview
Services and accommodations must be requested and approved by a DSPS Counselor every semester at Contra Costa College.
Disability Services provides support to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to college programs and services.
Services include adaptive technology and equipment, mobility assistance, interpreting, note-taking, alternate format textbooks, testing accommodations, educational counseling and planning, and priority registration.
Provides accessible course materials for students with approved DSPS accommodations.
Can Include:
- Digital text, audio, large print, braille, and tactile graphics
- Textbooks, handouts, exams, and library materials
- Reading software and assistive technology (text-to-speech, screen readers, magnification tools)
Notes:
- Some formats (braille/tactile) may take additional processing time
- Must be registered with DSPS and have alternate media approved as an accommodation
- Submit required forms and proof of textbook purchase to request materials
- Materials are for personal use only and cannot be shared
DSPS counselors support students with disabilities with accommodations, academic planning, and college decisions.
Counseling Appointments
- 30 minute appointment per term
- Best for education plans, appeals, or reinstatement cases
- Limited availability during summer
How to Request an Appointment
- Contact DSPS office to schedule an appointment, in person , phone or email
- Cancel as early as possible if you cannot attend
Drop-In Counseling
- Available weekly on Tuesdays
- For quick questions or urgent issues
- In person or on Zoom, first come, first served
Services Include
- Academic advising and education planning
- Accommodation coordination and support
DSPS Provides ASL interpreters and live captioning for students with approved DSPS accommodations during required course activities.
Services Include
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
- Live / realtime captioning
- Support for students with documented hearing or speech impairments
- Interpreters and captioners assigned by DSPS
How to Request Services
- Schedule a DSPS counseling appointment for authorization
- Have your class schedule ready
- Submit requests before the first day of class
- Allow at least 48 hours for changes or new requests (online services may be used if in-person is unavailable)
Important Policies
- Captioning may be provided if interpreters are unavailable
- Report absences at least 24 hours in advance
- Three unexcused absences may suspend services for that class
- Interpreters/captioners wait up to 15 minutes
- Special event requests (meetings, field trips, etc.) require one week’s notice
DSPS provides short-term loans of approved equipment to support classroom access for students with documented accommodations.
Examples Include
- Audio recorders
- Listening devices / FM systems
- Smartpens and similar assistive technology
How to Borrow
- Meet with a DSPS counselor for authorization
- Visit the DSPS office to check out equipment
- Sign the equipment loan agreement
Loan Policies
- Students are responsible for replacement costs if equipment is not returned
- Equipment is for school-related use only
- Late, damaged, or missing equipment may result in loss of loan privileges and a student account hold
DSPS provides accessible shuttle service for students with temporary or permanent mobility-related disabilities.
Service Includes
On-campus transportation to and from classes
How to Request
- Meet with a DSPS counselor for authorization
- Submit a class schedule and sign the mobility assistance agreement
Important Policies
- Available only to students with verified mobility limitations
- Service is for class travel and approved academic activities only
- Students must be ready at the scheduled pickup location and time
- Missed pickups must be reported as soon as possible (multiple no-shows may end service)
- Notify DSPS if your needs or schedule change
Accessible Parking
- Parking in restricted areas is not allowed
- DSPS does not issue parking placards
- Valid DMV placards or plates may park in marked accessible spaces or any regular space if full
DSPS provides tools and support to help students access lecture content and build independent note-taking skills. Available for in-person and online classes.
Eligibility
Must have a verified disability and DSPS approval from a counselor or learning specialist
Services + Tools
- Jamworks note-taking software
- Smartpens and notebooks
- Audio recording devices
- Note-taking strategy training
- Volunteer student notetakers (matching may take time)
How to Request
- Meet with a DSPS counselor for approval
- Requests are valid for one semester only and must be resubmitted each term
Equipment Loans
Note-taking hardware and software may be loaned for the semester
DSPS provides approved testing accommodations for in-person and online exams.
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled with DSPS and approved for testing accommodations
In-Person Exams
- Submit a request through DSPS office 2 school days before each exam
- Final exam requests must be submitted one week before
- Testing takes place at the campus in dsps office or dsps designated space
Online Exams
- Instructors to adjust extended-time settings online
- Some online exams may also require an in-person testing request
Important Notes
- Requests are required for every exam
- Deadlines exclude weekends and holidays
Some students with disabilities need specific class sections or extra time to arrange accommodations. DSPS offers priority registration to eligible students who have completed the DSPS application process.
Student Resources
At Contra Costa College, we provide essential resources to support your academic journey. Our Academic Counseling, Basic Needs Center, Career Services, and Transfer Services are designed to help you succeed in your studies, manage personal challenges, prepare for your career, and smoothly transition to four-year institutions.