Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of disability ?

Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, a person with a disability is an individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. Major life activities include caring for oneself, walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, learning, and working. Individuals are considered to be persons with a disability if they:

• Have a verifiable disability.
• Have a history of a disability.
• Are perceived by others as having a disability.

Disabilities can be :

• Visible disabilities -- These include physical and sensory disabilities such as visual, hearing, or mobility impairments.
  
  
• Hidden disabilities -- Non-visible disabilities cover chronic health impairments, such as asthma, AIDS, heart disease, and seizure disorders. They also include disabilities affecting cognition such as learning disabilities, acquired brain injuries, psychological disabilities, and attention deficit disorder.

How do I know if I am eligible for services ?

To be eligible for disability-related special services or accommodations in post-secondary education, a student must have a verified disability that limits a major life activity and hinders the ability to participate in instruction or programs. Students are required to provide documentation verifying their disability with DSS or the EDC program for learning disability evaluation information.

How do I get started ?

For general information on services, programs and eligibility, attend an Information Meetings held monthly.

How do I apply for services ?

To apply for services; students with physical and/or psychological disabilities:

Contact Disability Support Services at (408) 864-8753 or (408) 864-8748 ((TTY))
Submit Disability Verification Form
Meet with Disability Support Services Counselor
See Disability Support Services for more information

To apply for services; students with learning disabilities:

Contact Educational Diagnostic Center at (408) 864-8839
See Educational Diagnostic Center for more information

How do I find out if I have a learning disability ?

Attend one of the Information Meetings about programs and services for students with disabilities at De Anza . If, after attending the meeting, you would like to enroll in the learning disability assessment class, you will be contacted as soon as an appointment is available. If you would like to have a private assessment, we can refer you to other outside resources.

Must I be a student at De Anza to get a learning disability assessment at the college ?

Yes, an assessment is only available to registered De Anza students.

I am graduating from high school. How can I continue to get services at De Anza College?

Attend one of the special Information Meetings planned for high school transition students and their families. DSS and EDC have special tips and strategies to help you prepare for your first quarter at De Anza College.

I had resource services at my high school, and I am currently a student at De Anza. How can I get services ?

Bring a copy of your most recent IEP, 504 plan and/or most recent assessment reports and we will schedule an appointment for you to meet with an EDC Advisor. Also plan to attend one of the scheduled Information Meetings for an overview of the programs and services available to you.

What if I encounter an architectural barrier on campus ?

Advise the Disability Support Services and file a Barrier Report Form with them.

How are accommodations decided ?

You and your DSS counselor or EDC advisor will discuss your disability-related educational limitations and decide what accommodations are most appropriate. Course requirements and assignments in different classes may require different accommodations.

What is the best way to discuss classroom accommodations with my instructor ?

Approach your instructor privately during the office hour or at an agreed upon time. Let your instructor know that you have a disability which requires accommodation. You do not need to share with them the diagnosis. However, you do need to indicate that you have verified your disability with Special Education, and that the accommodations determined by you and DSS or EDC are appropriate. If you are unsure of how to adjust for a particular course requirement, you may share this with the instructor and offer suggestions that may have worked in the past for similar situations. Work with the instructor to find an alternative. If you need assistance with this, see your DSS counselor or EDC advisor.

What if the instructor seems unwilling or unsure of the appropriate accommodations ?

Bring this to the attention of your DSS counselor or EDC advisor. They may assist you in how to present the situation, may help you develop alternatives, or may advocate for you, if appropriate.

Is there a student club ?

The Disabled Students Unlimited (DSU) promotes awareness of the diversity of faculty and staff who have a limitation. They also help fund special activities for its members, such as camping trips, kayaking events, and trips to scenic locations in California. A holiday party is co-sponsored with the Adapted Physical Education Program each year, as is a Spring barbeque, Summer ice cream social, and the end of the year student celebration. All De Anza community members can join the DSU at http://deanza-dsu.org

What extracurricular activities are students with disabilities involved in ?

Students with disabilities at De Anza are involved in a broad range of campus life activities, including the newspaper, literary magazine, clubs, and student government. Students with disabilities have served as student trustees on the District's Board of Trustees.

In spring quarter, Special Education sponsors two transition events -- a yearly field trip hosted by the Disability Resource Center at San Jose State University, and a Student Celebration reception honoring students who are finishing degrees or certificate programs or who are transferring to a four-year university.

Does De Anza have a program for students with developmental disabilities ?

Yes, the HOPE-De Anza program serves students with developmental disabilities.
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