Disabled Student Programs and Services at Citrus College (DSPS)

Disabled Student Programs and Services at Citrus College (DSPS)

DSPS offers counseling appointments in person, by phone, or web/video conferencing via Zoom. To enable Zoom conferencing for counseling appointments, please make sure you have access to your Citrus College email account.

"Parent/Guardian 101 Workshop"
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Hosted by DSPS, packed with information, tips and resources for transitioning students.

Please RSVP to Emmy Madrid, DSPS specialist, via email at emadrid@citruscollege.edu or by phone at (626) 852-6492.
Provide your name, parent/guardian or organization, phone number and email address.

Attention New Applicants

All interested individuals are encouraged to apply to DSPS - Getting Started.
Students must complete the DSPS application online and upload their disability documentation to the application.
Please call (626) 914-8675 or email dsps@citruscollege.edu to schedule an appointment with the DSPS specialist if you need assistance with the application.
It is also recommended for high school students and recent high school graduates to review the New Student Information to learn more about what to expect in college.
Student requests for a pregnancy accommodation should contact Brenda Fink, Title IX coordinator, at bfink@citruscollege.edu, (626) 914-8830. The Title IX office is in the human resources office, located in the first floor of the Administration Building.

Continuing Students

Ensure you have your 2025-26 DSPS Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP) to present to your instructors when requesting accommodations.
Appointments for advisement, discussion of accommodations, update file/priority registration, reduced course load for EOPS or Promise, or alternative media requests may be scheduled by calling the DSPS office at (626) 914-8675 or email dsps@citruscollege.edu. Be sure to include your full name, student ID number and Citrus College email.
For priority registration deadlines, please review the winter/spring priority registration page or the summer/fall priority registration page.

Accommodations+-

DSPS students requesting accommodations are responsible for providing their DSPS Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP) to their instructors via email. The AAP outlines each student's approved accommodations. This form is emailed to the student after they meet with a DSPS counselor to review accommodations.

Please note: The AAP is sent to students electronically. Keep your AAP in a safe place as you may need it to request accommodations for subsequent terms.

Update File/Priority Registration

For continuing DSPS students:
In this appointment, students obtain their AAP for the new school year, which covers summer term up through the end of spring semester. The AAP is an important form for students to show their instructor(s) when requesting accommodations. Additionally, eligibility for priority registration is determined in this same appointment. View the winter/spring priority registration dates or the summer/fall priority registration dates for deadlines. Please contact DSPS at (626) 914-8675 or email dsps@citruscollege.edu to schedule your "Update File/Priority Registration" appointment.

Further Support

Students may find more information about accommodations by visiting the Accommodations and Services page on this website.

DSPS Counselor Contact Information+-

Students are encouraged to make an appointment with a DSPS counselor if guidance regarding academic progress in current classes is needed. Students may also contact DSPS with questions regarding the provision of approved accommodations. The DSPS team is committed to working with our students to problem-solve through different accommodation situations.

DSPS Contact Information
dsps@citruscollege.edu
(626) 914-8675

If you prefer, feel free to contact your counselor directly with any questions. Counselors are available on the following days below. Please note, counselors respond to emails only during their scheduled work days.

Shellyn Aguirre, DSPS counselor/learning disabilities specialist
saguirre@citruscollege.edu
(available Monday through Friday)
Please allow up to 24 business hours for a response.
Rebecca Ferrelli, DSPS counselor
rferrelli@citruscollege.edu
(available Wednesday)
Michelle Hernandez, DSPS counselor/learning disabilities specialist
mhernandez@citruscollege.edu
(available Tuesday through Friday)
Please allow up to 24 business hours for a response.
Jesse Villarreal, DSPS counselor
jholmvillarreal@citruscollege.edu
(available Tuesday)
Flora Yee, DSPS counselor/learning disabilities specialist
fyee@citruscollege.edu
(available Monday through Thursday)
Please allow up to 24 business hours for a response.

Student Resources, On Campus and Web-Based+-

Programs and Services Assistance
- Library Resources Online Support
- Online Learning Resources: Students Success While Learning Remotely
  Created to assist students with learning how to best succeed with the changes in instructional delivery methods of remote education. A wide range of resources provide strategies for studying in the home environment with family and children and taking care of your health and wellness while living in a remote environment.
- Tutorial Services Online Support
- Writing Center Online Support
Technology on the Citrus College Campus
- Canvas Support for Students
- Student Email, How to Access (YouTube video)
- TeCS Help Desk
- Wingspan and Student Email Login
- For other login issues, call the TeCS Help Desk at (626) 857-4100.
Withdrawals
- Admissions and Records
- Financial Aid
Online Resources: Assistive Learning Technologies
- Ally Quick Start for Students and Alternative Formats
  Available to all students using Canvas, this program allows students to select a file in their course to be made in a different format, such as ePub, Audio, or BeeLine Reader.
- Freedom Scientific: JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion
  These programs assist blind and low vision individuals with access to reading information on the internet or any digital documents in Microsoft Word or PDFs.
- Kurzweil 3000
  Online software with text to speech reading capability and a variety of study tools to assist with writing and reading comprehension.
- Otter Voice Meeting Notes
  A free app that can help students with note taking by recording class lectures and presentations and converting that information into text.
Online Resources: Coping Strategies and Your Mental Health
- Resource Guide for Students (JED Foundation)
Online Resources: Learning Online/Remotely
- CCC California Virtual Campus Online Education Initiative
  The California Community Colleges have developed a series of videos that address the real challenges experienced by students while pursuing success in online classes. The website includes videos on online readiness, getting started with Canvas, and provides a list of low cost or free internet access.
- Canvas Tutorials on YouTube
  YouTube offers several videos with tutorials on how to use Canvas, including Canvas LMS: Student Orientation Tour and Submitting an Assignment Using Canvas.
- CollegeBuys
  Online store provides notable discounts on essential technology software and hardware resources for CCC students, faculty and staff. Products available through the store include discounted internet hotspots/service through California Connects, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Professional Plus, laptops – both new and refurbished, Apple products, etc.
- OEI Online Learner Readiness from California Virtual Campus
Online Resources: Los Angeles County and California State
- Department of Rehabilitation
  The DOR works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities.
  
  Work Together: Department services are designed to help you formulate and achieve your employment goal. Working together as a team, you and your counselor will develop a plan to determine the steps necessary for you to reach your goal.
  
  Eligibility: Individuals with a disability who require services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment, or to live more independently.
  
  The Department of Rehabilitation has many resources and may be able to assist you with tuition, books and supplies, clothing and uniforms for work, technology, counseling and guidance, and many other services at no cost to you (free).
  
  Contact Rocio Chavez at Department of Rehabilitation to see if you are eligible.
  Rocio.Chavez@dor.ca.gov
  (626) 856-8742
  
  State of California Department of Rehabilitation
  El Monte Branch Office
  9300 Flair Dr., Ste. 105
  El Monte, CA 91731
- Regional Center

At Citrus College, we are committed to providing students with disabilities an accessible educational environment that allows each student the opportunity to reach their academic goals and participate in a full range of campus programs and activities.

Once we receive verification of a student's disability, we provide support services to compensate for disability-related educational limitations. Such support services are essential components of the educational program as they help students with disabilities realize their educational potential in the mainstreamed academic programs.

Don't delay, book an appointment with a DSPS counselor. Please call our office at (626) 914-8675 to inquire about appointments for each semester.