Disabled Student Programs and Services

The High Tech Center was established to facilitate computer access for students with disabilities at Citrus College, with the goal of empowering students to achieve academic success and to prepare themselves for educational and employment opportunities in the future. A wide range of adaptive hardware and software is available to assist enrolled DSPS students with varied learning styles. Training is also available. For more information regarding the High Tech Center lab, contact Laks Floriano, alternative media specialist, at lfloriano@citruscollege.edu.

Types of Available Adaptive Technology

• Alternative Keyboards
  large format, ergonomic, large print and Braille labeled keyboards
  
  
• Alternate Pointing Devices
  alternatives to the standard computer mouse like trackballs, touchpads and other devices
  
  
• Embosser, Raised Line Copier
  produces raised line tactile copies of graphs, maps, line drawings and similar material
  
  
• Screen Magnifiers
  Programs like Zoomtext or CCTV magnifies the computer screen image making it easier to view
  
  
• Screen Readers
  software like JAWS reads the contents of the computer screen to the user in a synthesized voice, while other programs like Kurzweil 3000/1000 can read text aloud and also be used to change screen contrast and foreground/background colors
  
  
• Speech Recognition Systems
  Dragon Naturally Speaking allows the input of text and commands to the computer by voice
  
  
• Text Readers
  scans and converts printed text (books, magazines and other printed material) to speech that can be listened or recorded

Additionally, students who take courses online should be aware that distance education is compliant with web accessible standards and can be read with screen readers. If Citrus College web pages are not accessible with adaptive software, the office of technology and computer services (TeC Services) should be informed TeCSDepartment@citruscollege.edu. It is also recommended for the student to also register with DSPS so accommodations for alternate formats can be explored.

For online courses: In the event instructors need to deliver exams online, students are responsible to contact the instructor via email to request extended time, along with presenting their AAP. Reasonable notice must be given to the instructor when making such request. Instructors have been provided information with how to adjust the timer on Canvas.

For on campus courses: Adapted testing will be available in the Learning Center (located in ED 113), Monday through Thursday, for students taking courses on campus. Students are responsible to contact the instructor to request extended time, along with presenting their AAP. Reasonable notice must be given to the instructor when making such request. Accommodations are authorized based on each student's disability related functional limitation. Accommodations may include extended time, large print, distraction-reduced exam space, reader, scribe and adapted computer equipment.

Electronic Text (E-text)
Pursuant to the provisions of California Assembly Bill 422 eligible students may obtain electronic text (e-text) versions of essential textbooks, at no additional cost. Students must meet with a DSPS counselor to determine eligibility for the e-text accommodation. If approved, the student must purchase the textbook and make an e-text request with the alternative media specialist. If a student adds or drops a class, it is his/her responsibility to notify the alternative media specialist to revise the e-text request.

E-text is electronic text that can be used with computer software to read the text aloud. Software is also available to increase the size of the e-text, along with changing screen contrast and foreground/background colors. Screen reading software, like Kurzweil 3000/1000, is available in the DSPS High Tech Center.

Braille
DSPS is able to convert class materials, like syllabi and handouts, to Braille. Faculty, staff or qualified students should inquire by scheduling an appointment with the alternative media specialist. Please allow ample time for the conversion of text to Braille.

Large Print
DSPS is able to convert class materials - like syllabi, handouts, or exams - to large print. Faculty, staff or qualified students should inquire by scheduling an appointment with the alternative media specialist. Please allow ample time for the conversion of large print.

For questions or more information about alternative media services, please contact Laks Floriano, alternative media specialist, at lfloriano@citruscollege.edu

​​​While the student may see a counselor in the Counseling and Advisement Center for student education plans (SEP), the DSPS counselor may assist students with other issues related to the student's disability. DSPS students must meet with a DSPS counselor at least once per academic year for review of their progress, accommodations and academic goals.

The following is a typical list of reasons a student would see a counselor in DSPS:

• Determination of eligibility for DSPS services
• Priority registration
• Disability related issues
• Learning disability assessment
• Review of requested accommodations
• Referral to outside agencies
• Faculty/student liaison
• Access to services and accommodations
• Annual update file appointment

The best way to gain full attention to specific problems or concerns is through an appointment with a counselor. Please email dsps@citruscollege.edu or call (626) 914-8675 to request an appointment.

Interpreters
Interpreters provide an indispensable service for students who are deaf. They allow the individual who is deaf to have equal access to information in the classroom and participate in classroom activities. Interpreters are communication experts who have special training which allows them to do two way interpreting, between hearing/speaking individuals and deaf or hard of hearing individuals.

Phonic Ear
The phonic ear is a personal high-fidelity amplifying system that enables a hard of hearing student to more accurately hear the instructor. Eligible students may borrow the device for a semester or term. An orientation to explain the function and proper use of this device will be provided by the interpreter specialist.

Video Captioning
Videos on campus will be already be closed captioned for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. If a video is not captioned, the student should contact the DSPS interpreter specialist. Captioned instructional videos are available in the Citrus College Library.

The ASL interpreter specialist will be in contact with students who have these accommodations and their instructors to coordinate service delivery.

For questions or more information about services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, please contact Brandy Davis, DSPS interpreter specialist, at bdavis@citruscollege.edu

​​​DSPS students may be authorized to use some form of assistive technology equipment in the classroom. Any equipment loaned to the student is the student's responsibility. Students are responsible to return the equipment by the end of a semester or term. Failure to return the equipment in the same condition, in which it was checked out, will result in a hold on registration until the equipment is returned, paid for or replaced.

Audio Recorders or Smart Pens
Audio recorders or smart pens are available for check out from DSPS may be kept for the duration of the semester or term. Students who wish to check out an audio recorder or smart pen must be authorized to receive that accommodation and sign a contract to borrow the equipment. DSPS students must also sign a "Audio Recorded Lecture Policy Agreement" available in DSPS which outlines the policies for using the equipment in the classroom. Students new to using a smart pen must also complete a smart pen orientation to learn how to properly use the device.

Other Adaptive Equipment/Software
In certain circumstances, other types of adaptive furniture (tables, chairs) or other assistive technology may be checked-out for the students' use in the classroom.

Students authorized for notetaking assistance will be advised by a DSPS counselor on possible options to access class notes. The mode to access notes varies and depends on the severity of the student's disability related functional limitations. Further details are shared with the student when they meet with a counselor to develop their academic accommodation plan.

Eligible DSPS students are given the first choice in registering for classes, referred to as "priority registration." Priority registration is not automatic. Students are responsible for knowing the time frame when to meet with a DSPS counselor to request priority registration. It is also the students' responsibility to be informed of the date and time of priority registration. Review specific deadline dates on the "Summer/Fall Priority Registration" or "Winter/Spring Priority Registration" buttons on the DSPS website.

DSPS offers educational assistance courses (EAC) targeted to teach students with disabilities compensatory strategies for college success. These classes are graded as pass/no pass and are not degree applicable.

EAC 085: E-Text Basics (1 unit)
Designed for students who struggle with reading comprehension and fluency. Strongly recommended for DSPS students who have e-text as an approved accommodation. Basic computer skills are required to be successful in this course.

EAC 088: Stress and Anxiety Management (1 unit)
Designed to teach healthy coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety

EAC 090: Empowerment for Students with Disabilities (2 units)
Designed for recent high school graduates with a history of receiving special education who are new to postsecondary education

EAC 092: Study Skills for Students with Disabilities (2 units)
Designed to teach notetaking and test-taking strategies

A videophone for students who are deaf or hard of hearing is available in the campus library, as well as one in the DSPS office. An UbiDuo (real-time communication device) is available in the campus safety office during regular business hours.

Tutoring is provided to all Citrus College students through the Learning Center. DSP​S does not provide additional tutoring services.