All students who receive services from our office have met specific criteria which includes documentation verifying that they have a disability or qualifying condition.
Having a disability or condition alone does not qualify a student for our services. It must also be determined that this condition or disability substantially interferes with the student’s educational activities. Students meet with specialized counselors to identify these limitations and to receive referrals for assistance.
In addition, the counselors coach the students on how to set up their schedule, complete educational plans, offer career guidance, and consult with students over specific disability-related issues.
A formal Learning Disability assessment can be completed by our LD Specialist. Many students who performed poorly in previous educational settings have an undiagnosed Learning Disability. The multi-session testing process allows us to identify the specific learning disability and provide appropriate accommodations that frequently lead to substantially improved academic confidence and achievement.
Almost all students who are authorized to receive accommodations due to a disability use some form of learning service. Services include
Note-providers – students in the same classes who provide additional copies of class notes. Faculty will be asked to inform LSO staff if notes are already posted online. Faculty are also invited to offer an incentive such as extra credit for students willing to serve as note-providers.
Testing Center – the students who require alternative testing formats such as extended time, distraction-free environment, audio-taped tests, can receive these services in a testing center which is proctored by Instructional Paraprofessional staff.
Sign Language Interpreters / real-time captioning – for students with hearing impairments.
The assistive technology lab in room 2004 is staffed from 8-5 with paraprofessionals who can train students on the use of various forms of assistive technology. The staff also provide the audio or Braille format for texts required for some students.
Many students require a basic level of education in subjects such as computer skills, math, reading, and college success. These classes are listed in the catalog under ADAP heading.
– the staff of DSPS are available to assist all employees of Shasta College. There are several specific roles we fulfill on campus.
Consultation – Faculty frequently call to discuss ways to support the learning needs of students with disabilities. Instructors also refer students to DSPS for assessment and enrollment in the program.
Testing Center – this is actually more of a service to faculty than to students. Faculty are required to meet the authorized accommodations for tests as authorized by the DSPS staff. However, most departments do not have the time and resources available to meet this need, and rely upon the testing center instead.
Closed-Captioning – All video material that is shown in any class is required to be captioned. In the past, the Learning Center has arranged for captioning of video-based material. At this point, the DSPS office is providing this service. Several weeks advance notice is required, along with copyright permission.
Director Sandra Hamilton Slane 242-7799
LD Specialist Kendall Crenshaw 242-7798
Counselor Diana Hamar 242-7796
Learning Services Staff Ken Cooper 242-7793
Andrea Magee 242-7794
Alt Technology Lab Ron VanOrden 242-7833
Pat Calbreath 242-7833
Office Staff Sara Holmes 242-7791
Kimberly Bottum 242-7790