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DSPS

Department of Supportive Programs and Services

DSPS is the student disability services program at Woodland Community College.

This program requires an application to participate and receive benefits.

How to Apply

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DSPS

Who do we help?

•
Students with verified disabilities that impact their access to educational participation.
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Students with permanent or temporary disabilities.
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Examples include: mental health disabilities, learning disabilities, physical/mobility disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, sensory disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and other health-related disabilities.

View full eligibility info

Benefits

DSPS provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities

DSPS offers a range of services to assist students with disabilities in achieving their academic goals, including personalized accommodations, assistive technology, academic advising, general support with college processes, learning disability assessments, specialized tutoring, and advocacy.

Accommodations

Through an individualized, interactive process with each DSPS student, an accommodations specialist will formulate a plan to promote accessibility in areas of academic need. Examples of accommodations include: extended test time, note-taking assistance, alternate media formats, mobility assistance, accessibility tools, priority registration, specialized tutoring, and ASL interpreting, and other reasonable disability-related accommodations.

Assistive Technology

When needed, students may receive access to specialized equipment and software to aid learning and address accessibility challenges that result from the student’s disability. Examples of disability-related assistive technology include: sound amplification devices, ergonomic classroom furniture, large monitors, adaptive equipment, and other accessibility tools, devices, software, and programs.

Academic Advising and Counseling

DSPS offers academic advising and disability-related counseling to support success toward each student’s academic goals.

Specialized Tutoring

WCC DSPS has specialized tutors and a designated disability resource center, The Hub (room 814), where DSPS students can schedule appointments, or drop-in for general tutoring and one-on-one academic support. Tutors also provide Alt Media training, Canvas support, and assistance with general technology or accessibility training and needs.

Learning Disability Assessment

If a student suspects that they may have an undiagnosed learning disability, a certified Learning Disabilities (LD) Specialist can meet with the student to determine if learning disability assessment is appropriate for the student. If so, an LD Specialist from DSPS can administer assessments to determine if the student may have a learning disability.

General Support

DSPS staff can also assist students with general college processes and provide guidance to students in accessing college resources and other supportive programs offered by the college.

How to Apply

Apply to DSPS

1.
Register for classes
Only enrolled WCC students can apply to WCC DSPS.
2.
Complete the DSPS Application for services
Log in to the WCC Student Portal (MyApps), click the AIM app, and apply to DSPS. Students must apply and upload disability verification in AIM, the accommodations management database and program used by WCC DSPS.

Common documents that can be used for disability verification include: an IEP or 504 copy, a document from a student’s medical or psychiatric record, an official diagnosis letter from a doctor or licensed medical or psychiatric professional, or by completing the DSPS Disability Verification form, dated and signed by a licensed medical or psychiatric professional.

Complete Application
WCC DSPS Disability Verification Form

Eligibility Details

DSPS serves students with a wide range of disabilities including, but not limited to:

Mental Health and Cognitive Conditions

Various mental health disorders, such as: anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and others.
Acquired or traumatic brain injuries (ABI/TBI) that impact memory, cognition, or executive function
Intellectual disabilities and developmental delays

Neurodivergent and Learning Differences

Learning disabilities diagnosed through psycho-educational assessment
Autism spectrum disorder that impacts social or academic functioning
ADD/ADHD that impacts focus, concentration, or attention

Sensory Disabilities

Blindness or low vision
Deafness or hearing loss

Chronic and Other Health Conditions

Ongoing medical conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, cancer, HIV/AIDS, long COVID
Other chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease, COPD, or multiple chemical sensitivity
In treatment or recovery for substance addiction

Physical and Mobility-Related Disabilities

Physical disabilities affecting movement, strength, or coordination
Temporary conditions like recovery from surgery or injury
Health conditions that impact breathing, circulation, physical stamina, or endurance (e.g., heart or lung conditions, chronic fatigue)

Not sure if you qualify?

We encourage you to contact us. Our team is here to listen, offer guidance, and help determine what support may be available based on your individual needs.

Services

What do you need help with?

Course Support

Once a student has applied to DSPS and provided verification of disability, the student will be scheduled to meet with a certified accommodations specialist to discuss educational limitations, create an appropriate accommodation plan, and receive general support and guidance with other college programs and resources that may be available to the student.

Current DSPS students can schedule additional appointments to review accommodations, take tests with accommodations in an alternative setting, and request assistance with issues relating to academic progress, accessing resources, addressing obstacles, or for general advisement.

WCC DSPS also has a disability resource and cultural center, “The DSPS Hub”, in room 814. The Hub is a terrific resource for students, offering a place to study, receive specialized tutoring support and Alt Media training, and participate in various workshops and disability culture events sponsored by DSPS.

Request an accommodation

Once a student is registered with DSPS and an accommodation plan is in place, it is the student’s responsibility to request their accommodations each semester. To do so, log in to your AIM account in Self-Service at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you know you will need accommodations for your classes.

Click the large plus sign to add an accommodation request, then follow the prompts to select the course(s) and accommodation(s) you want. DSPS will review and process the request, which will generate an email notification to the professor.

Alternative Media formats requests (such as Kurzweil audiobooks), note-taking app requests, and accommodated exam appointments are also scheduled through AIM. If a student needs assistance with an accommodation request, they can also call, email, or drop-in to the DSPS office to request help.

How to Request Accommodations

Testing Accommodations and Proctoring

Testing accommodations are specified within a student’s Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP). Approval for testing accommodations must be made with a DSPS Accommodations Specialist, typically during the student’s intake/accommodations appointment. Once approved, students must schedule any exams to be proctored by DSPS at least three business days before the exam. DSPS-proctored exams are scheduled from within AIM, by clicking the “Alternative Testing” link on the left column.