Rights and Responsibilities for DSPS Students

In This Section

FOR STUDENTS

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

Appropriate confidentiality of information pertaining to disability issues. Students are not required to disclose the nature of their disability to their instructors. Citrus College uses the information requested on DSPS forms for the purpose of determining a student's eligibility to receive authorized accommodations. Personal information recorded on these forms will be kept confidential in order to protect against unauthorized disclosure. Portions of this information may be shared with the Chancellor's Office of the California Community Colleges or other state or federal agencies; however, disclosure to these parties is made in strict accordance with applicable statutes regarding confidentiality, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. 1232(g)).
Equal access to programs, activities, services and courses available at Citrus College
Information that is reasonably available in accessible formats
Non-discrimination
Reasonable accommodations and services
Utilize appeal procedures for matters related to the determination or provision of accommodations, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

Identify him/herself to the DSPS department within a reasonable time frame when academic adjustments, accommodations or auxiliary aids or services are needed
Follow the specific procedures for requesting and utilizing academic adjustments, necessary accommodations and/or auxiliary aids
Meet with a DSPS counselor as soon as possible, preferably prior to the first week of the semester or term to review requested accommodations. Students may request accommodations at any time during the semester; however, it is recommended that accommodations be set before the first day of the semester or term, particularly for accommodations requiring substantial coordination, such as interpreting services, real time captioning, alternative media, adaptive furniture or scribe services. Failure to provide reasonable notice may jeopardize receiving auxiliary aids or services by the first day of classes.
Meet with instructors ideally at the beginning of the semester to show your DSPS Academic Accommodations Plan (AAP), discuss accommodations and develop a working relationship that will facilitate learning
Submit disability documentation in a timely manner
Uphold and follow the college's code of student conduct. Violations of such rules are disciplinary actions which are to be administered by appropriate authorities. Citrus College has established due process. For more information, visit the Citrus College Student Conduct and Discipline website.

FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

FACULTY AND STAFF HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

Consult with DSPS to clarify student requests for accommodations, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids and services
Consult with DSPS when faculty or staff have questions or concerns about the way in which the accommodation is to be provided
Uphold all expectations for classroom behavior and academic performance equally for all students

FACULTY AND STAFF HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

Announce in class and on the syllabus that accommodations for disability-related needs are available on request.
Instructors may use the following statement on their course syllabi:

"Citrus College is committed to equal opportunities in education for all students. This includes students with documented disabilities. To qualify for support services, including reasonable accommodations, a student must self-identify and present disability verification from an appropriate, qualified professional to the office of disabled student programs and services (DSPS). Review the DSPS website, call DSPS at (626) 914-8675 or visit the DSPS office in SS 133 for more information.

"If you are registered with DSPS and would like to utilize your accommodations in this course, please email me your Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP). You may also present a copy to me after class or during office hours. Students are encouraged to provide the AAP to the instructor as early as possible to ensure accommodations will be facilitated in a timely manner. Feel free to contact me if you would like to schedule a meeting to further discuss your educational needs and accommodations. Lastly, if you have any accessibility issues with course materials, please contact me or DSPS."
Cooperate with procedures established by DSPS or Testing Center, such as reviewing, signing and returning forms for test accommodations, facilitating the use of notes assistance or reserving adapted furniture for qualified students in the classroom, etc.
Determine the curricula of their courses and ensure that the proposed accommodations do not alter essential academic requirements
Distinguish between content and activities that are essential to a course/program from those that are not essential and thus may be accommodated
Ensure all instructional materials are in an accessible format
Maintain confidentiality when working with students with disabilities
Promote equal educational opportunity to all students without regard to race, religion, gender, ability or age
Provide accommodations in a fair and timely manner when the student has shown the instructor their official DSPS AAP
Use only nondiscriminatory procedures to teach and evaluate the essential requirements of a course

FOR STUDENTS AND PERSONAL SERVICE ATTENDANTS

STUDENTS AND PERSONAL SERVICE ATTENDANTS HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

The personal service attendant (PSA) is an individual trained to address the personal care needs of an individual with a disability, thus allowing access to participate in college classes, programs and services.*

A PSA is not considered a direct accommodation provided by DSPS but may be an essential support for some students to carry out daily living activities while on campus. The college does not coordinate or fund PSA services.

A sample of duties are as follows:

administering medication
addressing toilet, feeding or dressing needs
assistance with filling out online forms, per dictated information by the student
mobility navigation (e.g., transportation to or from the classroom or to or from different departments on campus)
moving or adjusting limbs, if needed
taking documents or personal belongings in and out of personal purse, wallet, bag or backpack
transfer from a car/van to a wheelchair

Be advised that Citrus College employees do not perform the above tasks, including:

accessing information on a student's personal email or personal phone
filling out forms on a student's behalf, such as the financial aid FAFSA application
wheeling a student in a wheelchair to different locations on campus

DSPS STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

When registering with DSPS, students should inform their counselor during the intake appointment — ideally before the start of the term — if a PSA will be accompanying them in class. The counselor will then notify the appropriate instructors of the PSA's presence.

Each term, students must request a PSA appointment as soon as they register for classes to ensure timely instructor notification. Students are also expected to self-advocate by communicating directly with their instructors regarding any academic needs, concerns or issues related to attendance.

PERSONAL SERVICE ATTENDANT RESPONSIBILITIES

PSAs 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.

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 or PSA fails to meet one or more of the stated requirements, they will be required to meet with the DSPS director to address compliance concerns. Additionally, the PSA's employer will be notified. Continued violations may result in a meeting with the dean of students to discuss the possible termination of that PSA's service on campus, in accordance with Administrative Procedure 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).

FOR THE COLLEGE

THE COLLEGE HAS THE RIGHT TO:

Citrus College is not required by law to provide aides, services or devices for personal use of study, nor is it required to design special academic programs for students with disabilities.
Neither the Americans with Disabilities Act, nor Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, requires the college to alter admissions or graduation requirements. Accommodations are determined individually based on the educational limitations provided in the disability verification documentation.
Uphold the Student Code of Conduct for ALL students

THE COLLEGE HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

Not discriminate against an individual solely on the basis of disability
Provide a student who has a verified disability, reasonable accommodations and/or auxiliary aids to afford the student equal opportunity and access to participate in the college's programs, activities and services. Disabled student programs and services (DSPS) is the vehicle by which the institution provides accommodations to students although official participation is voluntary.