Disabilities Support Program (DSP)

Disabilities Support Program (DSP) services are available to Evergreen Valley College (EVC) students whose disabilities cause educational limitations and impact educational access and performance.

To be eligible to register with DSP, a student must:

1. Have applied and be admitted at Evergreen Valley College (EVC)
2. Be a student with a qualifying disability / condition that limits one or more major life activities and imposes an educational limitation, and
3. The disability is verifiable through disability documentation or through observation by qualified DSP staff if the disability is observable.

Students with temporary disabilities that affect academic access, or performance may also be eligible for temporary DSP support services and are encouraged to apply.

Some examples of disabilities that may qualify students for DSP services include, but are not limited to:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Learning Disabilities
• Blind and Low Vision
• Acquired Brain Injury
• Mental Health Disabilities
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Physical Disabilities
• Any other disability that limits one or more major life activities and results in an educational limitation

(Title 5 Regulations, Sections 56002, 56032–56044)

To determine eligibility, DSP requires verification of a disability. Verification may occur through:

• Disability verification documentation, or
• Observation by certified DSP staff, when appropriate

Details and examples of acceptable disability verification documentation are provided in the DSP Application section below.

We welcome you to the Disabilities Support Program at Evergreen Valley College. Please complete the steps below to register for DSP services.  

1. Apply to Evergreen Valley College    
   Before applying for Disabilities Support Program (DSP) services, make sure you are first admitted to EVC as a student. If you have not applied to EVC yet, please Apply to EVC first.

2. Complete and submit the DSP Application and Disability Verification

   1. Complete the DSP Application. Ensure all fields are filled and signed before submitting to DSP. Contact DSP staff for assistance or to request a paper copy or an alternate format of the application if needed.
   2. Provide Disability Verification to DSP
      Please submit disability documentation that verifies your disability /diagnosis. Examples of documentation that can be submitted as disability verification include, but are not limited to:
      • Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan that lists your disability
      • Learning Disability (LD) assessment or other psychological testing reports
      • Audiology reports
      • Medical documentation from a hospital or licensed medical professional
      • Documentation from a Veteran’s Administration or Social Security Administration that states your disability
      • Medical diagnosis forms or reports

   OR

   Students may have their doctors or certified professionals complete the EVC Disability Verification Form and submit the completed and signed disability verification form to DSP.

   Disability verification documentation may not be required if your disability can be verified through observation by certified DSP staff.

   c. Submit your completed DSP application and disability verification documentation by email to: evc.dsp@evc.edu

3. Schedule and attend a DSP Intake Appointment to participate in an interactive meeting to develop your individualized Academic Accommodation Plan
   Once your application and documentation are received, DSP staff will review your materials.
   • A DSP staff member will contact you within 1–2 business days to schedule an intake appointment with a DSP counselor or coordinator.
   • If you do not hear from our office, please call (408) 270-6447 to check on the status of your application and request an appointment.

Need Assistance? 
If you have questions about eligibility, documentation, or the application process, please contact DSP during business hours:

📞 (408) 270-6447

📧  evc.dsp@evc.edu

Note: Active Status with DSP-Once registered with the DSP program, to maintain continued active status with the DSP and eligibility for priority registration through the DSP program, registered students are required to have at least one follow-up appointment with the program each academic year.

Upcoming Events: 

• DSP Student Orientation: DSP Welcomes all students interested in learning about DSP supports and services to attend.

  Date: January 29,2025: 11.30 am to 1.00 pm at Gullo II 

Important Dates/ Deadlines:

• English Finals at DSP Testing Center Sign-Up Deadline: Friday May 1, 2026 (Sign-Up Link)
• English Finals: Friday May 15, 2026

Testing Accommodations for Online Exams  

If you have an online class, email your Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP) to your instructor and request them to add your approved accommodations (extra time) on Canvas. Follow up to confirm this is set up for all upcoming tests.

Testing Accommodations for In Person Exams to schedule testing at the DSP Testing Center

To schedule to take your tests at the DSP follow the steps below (*See exceptions for Nursing students and English Finals below)

1. Request the DSP office for your green testing sheet in person or via email

2. Give the testing sheet to your instructor to complete their portion of the exam details.

3. Return/bring the completed testing sheet to the DSP office at least 7 business days before your exam date to schedule your test/exam at the DSP Testing Center. You may request DSP for a copy for your own records.

4. DSP will then schedule and confirm your exam.

Important Scheduling Deadlines

• Spring and Fall semesters: DSP requires at least 7 business days’ notice to schedule and confirm exams.

• Intersession courses: DSP requires at least 3 business days’ notice.

DSP Testing Hours for Fall and Spring Semesters

• Monday: 9 am - 2 pm
• Tuesday: 2 pm -5 pm
• Wednesday: 2 pm - 5 pm*
• Thursday and Friday:  9 am - 2 pm
  • Please note on Friday's exams may end at 2 pm, but the front desk and other office appointments are closed after 1 pm.

Important Reminders:

• *Testing outside of the block testing hours due to hardship may be arranged with 7 days prior notice (Ex. Wednesday 2 pm - 7 pm). Prior notice is required to allow DSP staff to review the request, plan, and make necessary arrangements prior to approval.
• Fridays: Students testing until 2 pm must report for testing prior to DSP front desk closure at 1 pm.
• Testing Center is reserved exclusively for English Finals on the day of English Finals.
• No testing on holidays and during planned office closures.

DSP Testing Hours for Intercession

• Monday through Thursdays: 9 am - 3 pm
• Fridays: 9.00 am- 2.00 pm

Exceptional Circumstances: Testing outside of the scheduled testing hours may be arranged with prior notice to accommodate exceptional circumstances. Discuss your needs with DSP in advance, and as soon as you know, to allow DSP to consider and approve your request and have the time to make necessary arrangements.

*Exceptions to the DSP Testing Scheduling Process

1. English Department Finals at the DSP Office

Advance Sign-Up Required for EVC DSP students enrolled in English 1000C, English 1B, English 1001C, ESL 380, or ESL 390 who plan to take their English Department final exam with testing accommodations at the DSP office.

• Sign-up by the posted deadline is required to test at the DSP office.

• If you do not plan to test with DSP, no sign-up is required.

Sign-Up Link

• Spring 2026 English Finals DSP Sign-Up Form

Deadline

• Friday, May 1, 2026 by 5 pm
  Late sign-ups will not be accepted.

What Happens Next

1. After the deadline, DSP will share the list of students registered to test at DSP with the English instructors.

2. Registered students will receive an email with details and guidance on the scheduled test. Follow up with DSP if you signed up but have not received an email confirmation and guidance at least a week before the scheduled final.

3. On the exam day, students must report as instructed by the DSP office at their assigned testing time to complete the English Department final. 

2. Nursing Student DSP Testing Scheduling Process

As a nursing student in NURS 010, 011A, 011B, 012, 013, 014A, or 014B, your DSP testing process will look different than your other classes.

 Send your instructor a copy of your AAP via email and let them know you would like to use your DSP testing accommodations for your nursing exams and test at the DSP. Doing so over an email ensures your instructor and DSP can refer back to it if needed. Your instructor will then notify DSP with the exam dates/times and will provide your exam to DSP.

DSP will schedule your nursing exam(s) dates/times and will advise you and your instructor via email.  If you have not heard from DSP to confirm your testing appointment(s) with scheduled dates/times) in DSP, at least 2 weeks prior to your exam, follow up with your instructor and DSP to obtain confirmation that you are all set.

Questions?

• Phone: 408-270-6447

• Email: evc.dsp@evc.edu

If you have been approved for Notetaking Express, Audio Recorders, or a Smart Pen on your AAP, you can request your technology using this request form.

If you have been approved for E-text or other alternative formats such as enlarged text or braille, you can make your request using this request form. Note: You will need to use your EVC Student email to complete this request.

Please see the DSP if you need any support completing the above forms.

If you have any questions regarding your alternative media request, you can email our Assistive Technology Specialist - David Micetich (david.micetich@evc.edu). 

If you have been approved for adaptive furniture, please email your name, student ID #, class schedule and type of adaptive furniture needed (i.e. lift table, ergonomic chair, separate desk/chair, bean bag, etc.) to Debbie Collins at debra.collins@evc.edu as soon as you register for your class. 

ASL Interpreting and Captioning services are approved by EVC DSP as part of a student's Academic Plan created during the intake process. Scheduling ASL interpreters or captioners requires advance notice. Students are highly encouraged to plan and request interpreting services as early as possible by utilizing priority registration and scheduling an appointment to see an academic counselor to plan and register for classes. 

ASL Interpreters and Captioners are assigned based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to staffing availability, skills, knowledge, and ability level as well as the individual communication needs of each student. The DSP will make every effort to honor student preferences for a particular ASL interpreter or Captioner; however, EVC DSP does not guarantee that a specific ASL interpreter or Captioner will be assigned or available.  

How To Arrange Interpreting Services 

Schedule an appointment with the DSP counselor or the DSP Coordinator.  Your DSP counselor or coordinator will approve ASL interpreting or captioning services based on appropriate disability verification. EVC DSP utilizes ASL interpreters and captioners from our college district pool as well as remote ASL interpreters/captioners from SignGlasses. Contact is Debbie Collins (debra.collins@evc.edu) or DSP Coordinator to schedule a SignGlasses on boarding session.  

SignGlasses:

EVC DSP uses SignGlassses to more efficiently schedule online or in person interpreters for students. SignGlasses is a platform that allows students to request interpreting services for remote ASL Interpreting and captioning or in person EVC ASL Interpreting and captioning. Note: In person interpreters and captioning is based on availability and scheduling.  SignGlasses also offers a different option for ASL interpreting which includes special glasses worn by the student where ASL interpretation is received and viewed via the glasses. Check out the video below for more information.  

Requesting Interpreters or Captioners for Classes:

Email request to Debbie Collins at debra.collins@evc.edu as soon as you register each semester/session with the following information:

• Class Schedule
• Name and Student ID
• Semester (Fall, Spring, Summer, or Winter)
• Indicate whether you need ASL interpreting or captioning

Note: For asynchronous classes (no scheduled meetings) with recorded materials, it is the responsibility of instructors to provide captioned materials.

Important Reminder:

Register early during priority registration and submit requests ASAP to ensure timely availability of interpreters and avoid delays.

Notify Debbie Collins (debra.collins@evc.edu) immediately of any schedule changes (Add/Drop).

Follow requested deadline dates below for your requests:

• For Intersession/Spring (January Start): By December 1st
• For Summer (June Start): By May 1
• For Fall (August Start): By July 1

Note: 

1. Adding classes late, i.e. after semester start or later may delay services or impact DSP's ability to offer in-person interpreters.
2. DSP provides in-person interpreters when feasible but may offer remote/Zoom interpreting/captioning if necessary. In-person or remote services are offered based on interpreter/captioner availability.

Requesting interpreters for all other approved campus services and/or events: 

If approved for interpreting or captioning on your AAP, email requests to Debbie Collins (debra.collins@evc.edu) at least 1 week in advance with the following: Preference for ASL interpreting or captioning, event name, location, date(s), and start/end times.

Note: Interpreting/captioning for campus events is typically provided remotely via Zoom due to limited in-person availability. You will use your laptop or phone with a Zoom link to access live interpreting or real-time captioning.

Absences, Cancellations or Lateness:

Notify Debbie Collins (debra.collins@evc.edu) immediately if you know you will be absent or late.

• Planned absences require 72 hours of notice to avoid a no-show.
• Emergencies are excused. However, 3 consecutive no-shows without notice may result in your interpreter/captioner being reassigned and/or a meeting with the DSP Coordinator to resume services.
• The first week of each class session, interpreters will wait 30 minutes to allow for students to arrive who may be running late due to unforeseen circumstances. On the second week and thereafter, if the student has not arrived after 20 minutes, the interpreter may be reassigned to another class. If an interpreter is absent for their assignment, the DSP will notify the student of arrangements.  

Concerns:  

If a student has a concern about an interpreter, the student is encouraged to meet with the assigned interpreter to resolve the issue. Requests for interpreter changes must go through Debbie Collins (debra.collins@evc.edu). Student may also request assistance from the DSP Coordinator if they have any concerns.

DSP tutoring is not being offered at this time. If DSP tutoring is offered again in the future, eligible students will be informed via email and given the opportunity to access the service.

 If you need tutoring, please reach out to the EVC Tutoring Center directly. The Tutoring center offers both in-person and online tutoring. If you need guidance and support in accessing these services through the tutoring center, the DSP program is happy to help by facilitating a referral or assisting you with advocating for yourself and accessing these services. 

If you have further questions, please contact DSP at evc.dsp@evc.edu or call (408) 270-6447.

DSP offers 2 adapted PE classes. 

• PED 22A – Adapted Cross Training
  This course is designed to provide an individualized program for overall fitness for the student with a documented disability. The goal is to provide the student with the means to improve the health related components of fitness through a variety of fitness activities.
• PED 56A – Adapted Strength Training
  This course is designed to provide an individualized muscle strength and conditioning program for the student with a documented disability. The student will learn proper skills and techniques and how to adapt fitness equipment to enhance muscle strength and endurance.

If you have any questions, please contact the Adapted PE instructor Ramin Naderi at ramin.naderi@evc.edu or EVC DSP at (408) 270-6447.

** Services offered through the Disabilities Support Program comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; Section 504 and 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title V of the California Code of Regulations. **

Accommodations, parent/guardian involvement, and student responsibilities change between high school and college.

Please check out the following handouts for additional information:

• Difference Between K-12 Education and College
• La Diferencia entre la educación K-12 y Colegio

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex — including pregnancy, parenting and all related conditions — in education and in programs and activities that receive federal funding. If you are a pregnant or parenting student, you have the right to stay in school so you can meet your education and career goals. Below are some frequently asked questions from students in postsecondary schools regarding their Title IX rights & how DSP can accommodate your need. More information from EVC's Title IX office.

Does the College need to provide me with special academic services or accommodations?
Title IX requires the college provide pregnant students with any special services we provide to students with any other type of temporary disability. Please contact the DSP located in the Student Services building for more information.

Do I have to register with DSP in order to get an accommodation?
DSP may provide academic accommodations for students with temporary or unexpected conditions that limit their ability to fully participate in academic programming without having accommodations. Some examples of temporary conditions that may require accommodations include:

• Pregnant students experiencing pregnancy-related functional limitations (pregnant students not experiencing pregnancy-related functional limitations can seek pregnancy accommodations through the campus Title IX Office SC-205.

Does a student need to register with DSP in order to bring a Service Animal to campus?
No.  While it is recommended that students meet with DSP to receive information about the use of a Service dog on campus, this is not required under the current laws.

Are service dogs allowed on campus and in classrooms?
Yes. Service dogs are allowed on campus and in classrooms.

When it is not obvious what service the dog provides, what may we ask of the person?

College personnel may ask only two questions:

Is the service dog required because of a disability?

What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

College personnel cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

May an individual be asked about the nature of their disability?
No. It is illegal to ask a person to disclose what their disability is or the reason they have a service dog.

What is considered work or tasks that the dog performs?
The work or tasks performed by a service dog must be active, not passive, and directly related to the disability.  A few examples of such work include:

• Guiding people who are blind
• Alerting people who are deaf to the presence of people or sounds
• Reminding a person to take prescribed medication
• Alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure
• Pulling a wheelchair
• Alerting a person when blood glucose levels are low
• Retrieving items such as medicine, keys or a phone.
• Providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities.
• Helping individuals with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors.

What if the “work or task” described is passive?
Passive activities such as the crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence, the provision of emotional support, well‐being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks. Such animals may be deemed ‘Therapy Dogs’ or “Emotional Support Animals” and would require an Academic Accommodation authorized by DSP. Please refer the student to DSP for further guidance.

Are animals other than dogs recognized as service animals?
No. Under the law only dogs (or in some instances, miniature horses) are recognized as service animals.

What if another student or instructor is allergic or afraid of dogs?
Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. It may be possible to accommodate by requesting that the fearful or allergic students use different locations within the classroom or take a different section of the course.

Can the service dog be removed from the classroom or campus?
A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless:

• It is not controlled;
• It is not housebroken; and/or
• It is a threat to the health and safety of others
• If any of the above three concerns exist, the service dog (not the student) may be removed from the classroom or campus location. The student should be referred to DSP for further guidance. Faculty may contact DSP directly if support is needed.

THE STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Keeping the dog clean and pest free; in a harness or on a leash unless either the student is unable because of a disability to use a harness or leash, or the use of a harness or leash would interfere with the service animal’s performance of work or tasks; and any harm or injury caused by the animal to other students, staff, visitors, and/or property.

Here is a quick easy guide on Service Dogs 101 from Birmingham-Southern College's Sociology of Therapy and Service Dogs class

See SJECCD Board Policies for more information. 

Participation in the Disability Support Program and Services (DSP) is voluntary. To receive academic accommodations and services, students share responsibility in ensuring equal access and maintaining effective use of services.

• Self-Identification and registration with the DSP:
  Students with disabilities are responsible for self-identifying and applying for DSP services. This includes providing any relevant disability verification documentation and completing the DSP intake Process to develop an Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP).
• Follow College Student Code of Conduct:
  Students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct established by the college.
• Follow DSP Policies and Procedures to Timely Request and Responsibly Use DSP Services and Equipment:
  • Students are expected to be responsible in their use of DSP services and equipment and adhere to written policies and procedures adopted by DSP
  • Students enrolled in educational assistance classes should make measurable progress toward the goals developed for the course as established in the student's Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP)
  • Students enrolled in general college classes, are to meet academic standards established by the college, as applied to all students

Important Note: To maintain active status with DSP for priority registration, students registered with DSP should have at least one follow-up appointment/ meaningful contact requesting and utilizing services through the DSP program every academic year.

Voluntary Registration with DSP: Participation in Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) shall be entirely voluntary.

Equal Access: Receiving support services or instruction authorized through DSP shall not preclude participation in any other course, program, or activity offered by the college.

Confidentiality: All personal and disability-related information provided to the Disability Support Program (DSP) is kept strictly confidential in compliance with Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Information may be shared only with authorized college personnel who have a legitimate educational need to know or, when required, with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office or other state or federal agencies. Any such disclosure is made solely in accordance with confidentiality statutes and regulations.

No information will be released to other parties without the student’s informed written consent, except as required by law.

Right to File a Grievance: Students have the right to file a complaint or appeal if they believe their rights or disability accommodations have been denied; Receive help from DSP staff in understanding and following the college grievance procedures; Be protected from retaliation for exercising their rights.
 

If a student participating in the Disabilities Support Program (DSP) believes an accommodation has been inappropriately denied, adjusted, or not implemented or if they have encountered discrimination based on their disability status, they have the right to seek resolution through the following grievance process.

Informal Complaint Resolution Process

1. Students are encouraged to first discuss the concern with the concerned DSP Counselor, Specialist, or staff to seek an informal resolution if they feel comfortable doing so
2. If the issue cannot be resolved at that level, the student should contact the DSP Coordinator or Director for review.
3. Every effort will be made to resolve the issue promptly and equitably within ten (10) working days of the initial report.

Formal Complaint Resolution Process
If the concern remains unresolved through the informal resolution process, or if the student so chooses they may file a formal written complaint. Please visit EVC Student Complaint Procedures webpage to follow the process of filing a formal complaint by submitting the student complaint form. 

Office of Civil Rights (OCR) Complaint
Students also have the right to file a grievance with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) if no mutual satisfactory agreement can be agreed upon.
 

Faculty are required by law to provide approved reasonable accommodation per the student's individualized Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP). EVC's certificated staff identify appropriate academic accommodations and/or auxiliary aids through an interactive process to develop the Academic Accommodation Plan to address the student's disability related barriers and allow equal access. Compliance does not require lowering or substantially modifying academic or program standards, or fundamentally altering the integrity of a program or course curriculum.  

Please consult with the Disabilities Support Program (DSP) Coordinator if you have questions or concerns about any approved accommodations per a student's academic accommodation plan.

You can visit the U.S. Department of Education to read about protecting students with disabilities as mandated by Section 504 and the American's with Disabilities Act.
 

Your documents and presentations need to meet current accessibility standards.  Online lectures and videos must be captioned. The EVC Faculty & Staff page is a great resource page, and you can also check out the IOTL Canvas Course for faculty which includes accessibility workshop videos and training.  

Other Online Accessibility Training Resources:  

• EVC Training:  
  Setting up DSP Assessment Accommodations in Canvas
• California Community Colleges Accessibility Center:
  Self-Paced Accessibility Courses

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• FERPA, Right to Privacy Act