The personal service attendant (PSA) is an individual trained to address the personal needs of a current Citrus College student thus allowing access to participate in college classes*.
The PSA is not considered a direct accommodation from DSPS but is regarded as a necessary support for the student to perform activities of daily living while on campus.
A sample of duties are as follows:
- Transfer from a car/van to a wheelchair
- Transportation to or from the classroom
- Administering medication
- Moving or adjusting limbs, if needed
- Addressing toilet, feeding or dressing needs
DSPS Student Responsibilities
Upon registering with DSPS, the student should inform the counselor at their intake appointment if they will have a personal service attendant (PSA) attend class with them, preferably prior to the start of the term. The college does not assume coordination or financial responsibilities for personal attendant services. The counselor will then notify the instructors that a PSA may be present. Students must subsequently request a PSA appointment each term as soon as they have registered for classes to allow for notification to instructor(s). Students are to self-advocate by communicating any needs, problems or concerns about academic performance or attendance directly with their instructor(s).
PSA Responsibilities
Personal service attendants (PSA) are providers who attend class with the student and are responsible for personal care duties such as turning pages, retrieving books, taking off coats, feeding/bathroom assistance, etc. In some cases, the PSA serves to prompt or redirect the student's behavior. The PSA is not responsible for the student's academic progress in the classroom and should not be completing course work on behalf of the student.
PSAs must follow the current campus COVID-19 protocol, subject to change. Currently, the PSA is required to complete the daily pre-screening survey before coming to campus when the PSA accompanies the student to class.
Please note: the "Safe Return" on the Citrus Mobile app will not work if the PSA is not a registered student. At the bottom of the "Safe Return" on the Citrus Mobile app website is a link to a web version of the latest daily pre-screening survey, there is a landing page that has a QR code on it. Users can scan this code to launch the survey on their phone. The PSA can enter his/her personal e-mail address to complete the survey. It is also strongly recommended for all PSAs to wear a face mask inside the classroom and in all buildings. These same rules apply if the student has more than one person serving as a PSA.
The PSA should not speak on behalf of the student to either instructional faculty or campus staff. The PSA can support the student by preparing them for conversations with instructors or staff ahead of time but should not be speaking for the student during these exchanges. An exception is only made if the student's conservator serves as the PSA. The PSA should refrain from discussing any confidential information about the student with faculty, staff and/or other students as well as avoid non-related classroom conversations with the student during class.
Computers available on campus are for the direct use of students enrolled at Citrus College. PSAs should follow all school rules, such as refraining from eating/drinking/smoking in prohibited areas, such as the DSPS High Tech Lab at Citrus College or other non-designated areas. Remember that computer stations are reserved for DSPS students.
The PSA are required to abide by the college's standards of conduct (BP 5500) per administrative procedure AP 5520, Section G.
If a student/PSA fail to meet one or more of the above requirements, the student/PSA will meet with the DSPS director regarding compliance with set responsibilities and the PSA's employer will be notified. Should violations of the above responsibilities continue, the student and PSA will meet with the dean of students to discuss termination of that PSA serving on campus, per AP 5520.
*The PSA definition excludes individuals/community-based organizations who provide support outside of the classroom. All visitors are still required to follow the college's standards of conduct (BP 5500).