Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS)

DSPS Mission

Our mission is to provide access and support to students with disabilities. We function as a resource to Cerro Coso Community College faculty in offering students equity and excellence in education, maximizing each student's educational potential while helping them develop and maintain independence. Our philosophy encourages self-awareness, self-determination, self-advocacy, and independence in a comprehensively accessible environment.

DSPS Qualifications

DSPS serves students with a verifiable disability that results in an educational limitation and who would otherwise be qualified to meet the requirements of a college education. Accommodations and Alternative Media are provided for qualifying students to assist in providing accessible class materials and an equitable opportunity to complete the college course successfully. Students must request these services.

Students needing services should meet with a DSPS counselor each semester to arrange accommodations for their classes and review their progress.

How Do I Apply?

In addition to providing verification of the disability(ies), three (3) forms make up the application packet: DSPS Application, Consent for Release of Information, and NVRA Voter Preference Form. All three forms need a real, handwritten, or wet, signature on them. Your signature acts as proof that you are the one filling out the application.

To apply, complete the following:

1. DSPS Application Form: This form asks for general information about the student and the disability(ies) that they have.
2. Consent for Release of Information Form: This form gives the Access Programs Department your permission to handle confidential information regarding your disability(ies), such as diagnostic information from your provider. It also asks for the information of your provider, such as the name and contact information of a primary care physician, school, or other entity that can provide verification of your disability(ies)
   Note: if you have multiple providers, you will need to fill out multiple Consent forms. Each individual provider needs its own Consent form.
3. NVRA Voter Preference Form: According to the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA), all “California Community Colleges (CCC) Offices for Students with Disabilities” must provide this form for students to fill out. The way you answer will not affect the outcome of your application; it just needs to be completed and signed. Learn more about the NVRA.
4. Verification: It is the student's responsibility to provide verification of the disability(ies). The Access Programs Department has its own verification forms that your provider can fill out to satisfy this requirement.
   
   Some providers have strict policies against completing outside paperwork. We do accept other forms of verification that the provider can offer. Common examples of verification include notes or medical documentation, IEPs, academic accommodation plans, and/or anything else that relates to the disability(ies) listed on the Consent Form. The Access Programs Department will review your verification and reach out if more information is needed.
   
   At the student’s request, the Access Programs Department may reach out to the provider as a courtesy to try to obtain verification. They will make up to 3 attempts to reach the provider and notify the student if they do not hear back.

Submit Your Application

Send the signed forms and verification to the Access Programs Department using one of the methods below:

• Email Access Programs: accessprograms@cerrocoso.edu
• Call Access Programs: (760) 384-6250
• Fax Access Programs: (760) 384-6320
• Mail forms to:
  Access Programs
  Cerro Coso Community College
  3000 College Heights Blvd
  Ridgecrest, CA 93555
• Drop off forms in person at one of our campuses:

DSPS Documents & Resources

• Step 1 – DSPS Application
• Step 2 – DSPS Consent for Release of Information
• Step 3 – Voter Preference Form
• Additional DSPS Web Resources

It is highly recommended that students served by DSPS complete the DSPS orientation, either in person or online. If you are not located near any of the Cerro Coso campuses, or if you prefer, the online student DSPS orientation is available.

Launch DSPS Orientation

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Contact

Access Programs Department
3000 College Heights Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555

accessprograms@cerrocoso.edu
(760) 384-6250