Definition of DSS Terms

◊ Types of Disabilities ◊	◊  Educational Limitation ◊	◊  Student Educational Contract ◊
◊ New DSS Student ◊	◊ Returning DSS Student ◊	◊ Continuing DSS Student ◊

What are the Types of Disabilities That Qualify?

Students who may be eligible for programs or services from DSS have one or more of the disabilities listed below.  Click here to learn more.

• Mobility/Physical Disability
• Vision Disability
• Communication Disability
  
  • speech and language
  • Deaf/hard of hearing
• Acquired Brain Impairment
• Developmentally Delayed Learners
• Psychological Disabilities
• ADD/ADHD
• Other Disabilities

Students who have learning disabilities are served by the Educational Diagnostic Centerand should follow the application process described there.

What is an educational limitation?

An educational limitation

• is a disability-related functional limitation in the educational setting
• prevents a student from fully benefiting from classes, activities, or services offered to non-disabled students without specific, additional support services, instruction, or program adjustments

DSS or EDC accommodations and services must be directly related to a student's educational limitation(s).

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What is a Student Educational Contract (SEC)?

• is a plan to address the specific needs of a student with a disability
• specifies the accommodations, support services and classes that are identified and agreed upon by both the DSS counselor/EDC advisor and the student as necessary to meet specific educational needs
• must be completed before a student receives DSS or EDC services
• must be updated annually by the student and DSS counselor/EDC advisor to review services, determine the progress made toward the student's stated goals, and make any needed changes

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Who is considered a "New" DSS Student?

"New" DSS students are those who have NOT received DSS services at De Anza College in the past. They may be either

• A prospective De Anza student not enrolled in classes who seeks DSS assistance to
  
  • apply for the college,
  • enroll in classes,
  • receive support services and accommodations for classes

• A currently enrolled, continuing De Anza student who has not used DSS services in the past, but now seeks DSS services for
  
  • support services and accommodations
  • Priority Registration for enrolling in classes

  • ---

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Who is considered a "Returning" DSS Student?

"Returning" DSS students are those who have used De Anza College DSS services in the past, but have

• been away from De Anza for one year or more
  
  
  OR
  
  
• not used DSS services for one year or more

Before receiving services again, returning students must

• update their disability verification documentation
• meet with a DSS Counselor to establish a new Student Educational Contract.

Contact the DSS Secretary for instructions on re-registering for support with DSS.

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Who is a "continuing" DSS student?

A De Anza College student with a disability who

• has completed the DSS Disability Verification process and the Intake appointment
• is enrolled in De Anza classes as a continuing student,
• is currently using DSS services,
• has completed any necessary DSS paperwork,
• has an up to date Student Educational Contract.
  
  

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