STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Student Handbook
Student Services and Administration Building
29 Emmons Park Drive
Taft CA 93268
(661) 763-7799
www.taftcollege.edu
*Alternate Formats Available
Table of Contents:
Welcome …………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Program Learning Outcome ……………………………………………………………….. 4
The Law …………………………………………………………………………………….......... 4
Student Rights ………………………………………………………………………………..... 6
Student Responsibilities …………………………………………………………………….. 7
Taft College Responsibilities ………………………………………………………………. 8
Accommodations ………………………………………………………………………………. 9
Student Checklist …………………………………………………………………………….. 13
Student Support Services Team …………………………………………….………….. 13
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Welcome to Taft College Student Services Program
Here at Taft College the state community college chancellor’s office categorical program
Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) is commonly called Student Support
Services (SSS).
The SSS program provides support services and educational accommodations to
students with disabilities so that they can participate fully and benefit equitably from
the college experience as their non-disabled peers.
A Student Educational Contract (SEC), which links students' goals, curriculum program,
and academic accommodations, is developed for each student. Students are also
required to have four contacts with SSS staff per academic year and to obtain a new
accommodations card each semester.
A specific disability must be verified, and there must be an educational limitation that
precludes the student from fully participating in general education for accommodations.
Specific services and accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis by a
Learning Specialist, who assesses the student's educational limitations based on a
written verification of disability or through assessments provided by SSS.
Examples of services available through the SSS department include assessment for
learning disabilities, specialized counseling, interpreter services for hearing-impaired or
deaf students, note taker services, reader services, alternate media, specialized tutoring,
access to adaptive equipment, Summer Bridge, priority registration and registration
assistance, special parking, and specialized instruction.
Accommodations and services are intended, as much as possible, to mitigate the effects
of the student's disability on his or her educational experience at Taft College.
Accommodations are not intended to make the class requirements less difficult …only
an equal opportunity to succeed.
Taft College's Student Support Services (SSS) focuses on serving students with
disabilities through assistance in acquiring academic knowledge at all levels, promoting
a life-long desire for learning, developing and increasing the understanding and
appreciation of diversity, and aiding in preparing students for personal, academic, and
vocational success. Through a collaborative process with Taft College instructors, staff,
and with local, state and federal agencies, we endeavor to align students with
appropriate services as they transition from high school, to college, and beyond.
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Program Learning Outcome
Through participation in the Student Support Services program, students are expected
to learn the following:
1. Consistently demonstrate the use of their academic accommodations, including the
use of assistive technology (as appropriate).
2. Demonstrate the ability to consistently implement a new strategy or skill that
mitigates their academic functional limitations.
3. Independently and successfully negotiate their academic accommodations with their
instructors.
The Law
Congress passed Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in 1973. It is a civil rights statute
designed to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It provides that:
"No otherwise qualified individual with disabilities in the United States shall solely, by
reason of his/her disability, be excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of, or
be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial
assistance."
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was modeled after Section 504, was
signed into law in July 1990, but most provisions did not take effect until January 26,
1992. The ADA is a federal anti-discrimination statute and civil rights guarantee for
persons with disabilities. It is designed to remove barriers which prevent qualified
individuals with disabilities from enjoying the same employment opportunities,
transportation, public accommodations, services provided by state and local
government, and telecommunication relay services available to persons without
disabilities.
Taft College is a public institution of higher education that receives federal assistance.
Thus, the faculty, staff, and administration of Taft College are legally bound to prohibit
discrimination in the recruitment process, the admissions process, and the educational
process of students with disabilities. Students with documented disabilities are entitled
to receive approved modifications, accommodations, or auxiliary aids which will enable
them to participate in, and benefit from all educational programs and activities on the
Taft College campus.
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Academic adjustments may include adaptations in the way specific courses are
conducted, the use of auxiliary equipment and support staff, and modifications in
academic requirements. The College has the flexibility to select the specific aids and
services it provides as long as they are appropriate. Such aids and services are
determined by the Student Support Services office on a case-by-case basis in
consultation with the student who will use them.
Thus, under the provisions of Section 504, one or more of the following services may be
required to accommodate the educational needs of students with disabilities:
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Support services such as interpreters, note takers, readers (Taft College is not
responsible for aids, devices or services of a personal nature, such as personal
assistants), or tutoring;
Alternate testing accommodations; i.e. extended time, reader/scribe, use of
assistive technology;
Assistive technology and/or adaptive equipment (i.e. screen readers, brailed
materials);
Modifications or substitutions of courses, major fields of study, or degree
requirements on a case-by-case basis (unless demonstrated that modifications
would substantially alter essential elements of the course or program); and,
Other accommodations as appropriate.
The purpose of the above accommodations is to provide educational equity, not
advantage. Faculty members are not responsible for modifying their grading procedures
or course standards for students with disabilities.
Under the provisions of Section 504, Taft College may not:
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Use a pre-admission test reflecting on the applicant's disability rather than
aptitude or achievement level, or other factor, the test purports to measure;
Inquire about any disability before admitting a student, unless it is trying to
overcome the effects of prior limitations on enrollment of students with
disabilities, and the student is willing to volunteer the information;
Limit the number of students with disabilities admitted;
Exclude a qualified student with a disability from any course of study;
Limit eligibility for financial assistance or otherwise discriminate in
administering scholarships, fellowships, internships, or assistantships on the
basis of a disability;
Counsel a student with a disability toward a more restrictive career;
Measure student achievement using modes that adversely discriminate against a
student with a disability; or,
Establish rules and policies that may adversely affect students with disabilities.
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Student Rights
According to the California Code of Regulations (Title V), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(Section 504), and The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), you have certain
rights. As a qualified student with a verified disability, you have the right to receive
reasonable academic accommodations based on your educational limitations in order to
have access to activities, programs, and services.
Student participation in SSS shall be entirely voluntary. Receiving SSS support
services/accommodations shall not preclude you from participating in any other course,
program or activity offered by the college. All records maintained by SSS personnel
pertaining to disabilities shall be protected from disclosure and shall be subject to the
Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act requirements for handling of student
records. Portions of the information you present to SSS 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 statues regarding confidentiality, including the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act. According to Section 7 of the Federal Privacy Act, providing your social
security number is voluntary. A student shall not be excluded from the participation in,
be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or
activity in a public entity. In essence, you shall not be discriminated against in any way
on the basis of disability.
A complaint or grievance regarding discrimination on the basis of disability may be filed
with the Student Support Services staff by calling 661-763-7799 and/or the ADA/504
Coordinator at Taft College by calling 661-763-7809. The US Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights may also be contacted by calling 1-800-872-5327.
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Student Responsibilities
Disabled Students Programs and Services (SSS) receives special funding to provide
services to students with disabilities and is required to meet state and federal
regulations. To help us comply with these regulations, you, as a student receiving SSS
services, have the following responsibilities:
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Request Services by completing a request for services form.
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Provide SSS with the necessary documentation of a disability.
Professionally verified by a certified licensed physician, psychologist,
audiologist, speech pathologist, registered nurse, social worker,
rehabilitation counselor, physical therapist, corrective therapist, learning
disability specialist, or other appropriate professional. An IEP from high
school is helpful but alone is not sufficient documentation.
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Qualify for services with prior documentation and/or LD Assessment
provided by Taft College free to enrolled students.
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Meet with a SSS Counselor and Learning Specialist to complete
a Student Educational Contract and continue to meet once a
year to update the Student Educational Contract (SEC).
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Present a list of approved accommodations, as specified on the
Accommodations Card each semester, to the faculty member(s) in whose
class(es) support services will be provided.
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Notify Student Support Services office of interpreter needs prior to the
start of each semester.
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Demonstrate measurable progress toward the goals in your Student
Educational Contract.
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Notify SSS in advance of any absences from class or appointments if you
are using readers, interpreters, tutors, and/or other assistants. Failure
to notify SSS may result in the loss of services.
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Return any equipment on loan from SSS at the end of each semester. If
the equipment is not returned, you will be held responsible for
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replacement costs and a hold will be placed on your academic
record.
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Maintain behavior appropriate in an educational setting as determined by
the Taft College code of conduct.
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Abide by the college policies and academic regulations including
Standards of Student Conduct and the Academic Honesty policy. Refer to
the Taft College Catalog and Student Handbook for detailed information.
Taft College’s Responsibilities
Taft College faculty work with Student Support Services in providing authorized
accommodations and support for the students in a fair and timely manner. The faculty
will consult with a representative of Student Support Services if there are any questions
regarding the implementation of authorized accommodations for a student with a
disability. Faculty members encourage students to self-identify by creating an
educational environment that is inclusive of students with disabilities and will make
referrals to SSS when appropriate.
Academic administrators make copies of the Taft College policy regarding academic
accommodations for students with disabilities available to each division faculty
member.
Academic administrators make available to each division faculty member copies of the
Taft College Policy regarding academic accommodations for students with disabilities.
Faculty members are provided with the necessary support when making
accommodations. When an authorized accommodation is challenged, the responsible
administrator will ensure that the accommodation is provided until the matter has been
formally reviewed and resolved.
Student Support Services faculty and staff are committed to supporting the education
endeavors of students with disabilities. They are provided with education, training, and
tools to assist students in navigating the college system and requesting appropriate
accommodations.
Administrators, faculty and staff develop, maintain and share an awareness of the
variety of disabilities through continued education. Taft College is committed to the
implementation of the law and policy assuring nondiscrimination on the basis of
disability.
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Accommodations
ADAPTIVE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY/HIGH TECH CENTER ACCESS
The High Tech Center is open during normal department hours. Students have access to
high-tech equipment, computers, scanners, and printer.
Examples include:
Kurzweil reader
Dragon Naturally Speaking
For training and/or general questions and answers schedule an appointment with the
High-Tech Specialist.
TESTING ASSESSMENT AND PLACEMENT CENTER (TAP)
The TAP Center provides a central place for all testing needs on campus. In order to
request the use of testing accommodations a student meets with the instructor at least
three days before an exam, preferably during office hours, and provides the instructor
with his/her accommodations card indicating testing accommodations. Obtain the dates
of exams from the instructor or on the syllabus. Contact the TAP Center to schedule the
exam time(s) and to verify the parameters. Provide the TAP Center with a minimal one
week advance notice for testing accommodations.
Examples include:
Word process for tests responses
Extended test time
Orally given test instructions and responses: dictation and scribe
Reduced distractions during exams
Spelling and grammar check for tests responses
Designated reader
ALTERNATE FORMAT
Alternate format materials for all college publications may be available upon request.
Requests for academic material should be made at the beginning of each semester or as
soon as the student is aware of the need. Requests for alternate format may be requested
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from the Student Support Services department by contacting the High-Tech Lab
Assistant.
Examples include:
Books on “Tape” – computer disk or mp3 format
Enlarged print
NOTE TAKING ASSISTANCE
Note taking (NCR) paper is available in the Student Support Services department just
outside the High-Tech Center. The NCR paper should be provided to the note taker
unless other arraignments are made such as a copy of typed notes. It is NOT the
student’s responsibility to locate a note taker but if the student is comfortable with a
person in class and/or have a friend in class the student may choose to ask them for
assistance. Otherwise to request a note taker it must be discussed with the instructor
when shown the accommodations card, preferably during office hours. The instructor
will address the class and ask for a volunteer. At no time should it be disclosed who is
the student requesting a note taker unless permission was given. If a note taker is not
found within the next class meeting please contact Student Support Services as soon as
possible.
Examples include:
NCR notes: paper
In-class note-taker
Campus services: supplemental instructional assistance (SI)
EQUIPMENT USAGE AND LOANS
Equipment may be checked out from Student Support Services. The student is
responsible for the return of equipment. Failure to return any loaned equipment at the
end of the semester will result in a hold on your academic record. Some equipment is
the responsibility of the student and will not be available for loan; however, the usage of
such equipment will be allowed if the accommodations were approved by the Learning
Specialist and marked on the accommodations card.
Examples include:
Tape Recorder
Calculator
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Spell and/or grammar check
Laptop
Smart Pen
PRIORITY REGISTRATION AND ASSISTANCE
Priority registration is an accommodation that all students who meet the requirements
for services receive. Students who have completed an intake appointment with the
Learning Specialist and have provided documentation of a disability will receive priority
registration. A letter will be mailed to continuing students reminding students of the
priority registration date. A DSPS Counselor is available to assist students with
education planning and registration. An appointment can be scheduled by contacting
the Counseling Center or the Student Support Services office.
INTERPRETER SERVICES
An accommodation of an American Sign Language interpreter is the first priority when
serving a student with a hearing impairment. If an ASL interpreter cannot be found
other reasonable accommodations such as live captioning will be considered. To ensure
services in a timely manner it is the student’s responsibility to request the interpreter
and provided a copy of the upcoming schedule immediately after registration.
Role of an interpreter is professional in nature. The interpreter is expected to know and
follow the Code of Ethics as outlined by the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf.
Questions from students should always be directed to the faculty member/staff and
conversely, questions from faculty/staff should always be directed to the student. The
interpreter is to transmit the questions and not answer the questions. The interpreter is
not to advise the student on academic situations, only to facilitate communication.
Interpreters will refer the student to the Student Support Services office for assistance if
problems arise. Also, should the interpreter be unable to facilitate communication due
to lack of experience, skill level, or being uncomfortable, it should be reported to
Student Support Services as soon as possible.
Miss-use of interpreting services and frequent absences from class may result in the loss
of this accommodation. Please refer to your signed agreement for the use of interpreter
services.
IN-CLASS ASSISTANCE
When requesting usage of in-class accommodations please contact the instructor prior
to the first day of class. Both the Learning Specialist and the DSPS Counselor can be of
assistance in setting up and being present during a meeting time.
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Examples include:
Preferred seating
Special lighting or acoustics
Space with minimal distractions
Frequent breaks
TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE
Taft College offers free and unlimited tutoring on campus in the Learning Resource
Center (the library) and through distance learning via telephone appointments and
Skype. Student Support Services does not duplicate services already existent through the
campus. However, the SSS office recommends tutoring and can provide students with
information regarding tutoring. There are also support classes, Learning Skills (LRSK),
to assist with developing math concepts, basic skills reading and writing, word
processing, and college life. More information can be provided by contacting the DSPS
Counselor.
Examples include:
Learning skills courses
Summer Bridge
Campus services: Learning Resource Center, Supplemental instructional aides, math
lab, writing center, tutoring
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Student Checklist
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Indentify your need by completing a Request for Services form
Complete an intake packet
Attend an intake appointment with the Learning Specialist
Provide documentation of a disability and/or request a LD assessment
Obtain an accommodations card (each semester)
Schedule a counseling appointment for education planning and registration assistance
Schedule an appointment with the High-Tech specialist for usage of adaptive technology
Request accommodations such as books on “tape,” ASL interpreter, extended test time, etc.
Complete both sections of the Student Education Contract (SEC) (to be completed each
semester)
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Follow-up and let us know how you are doing!
Student Support Services Team
Jeff Ross
Coordinator
jross@taftcollege.edu
661.763.7776
Joell Chaidez
Assessment Specialist
Vicky Waugh
Candace Duron
Counselor
cduron@taftcollege.edu
661.763.7934
SSS Coordinator Assistant
vwaugh@taftcollege.edu
661.763.7799
Susan Vaughan
Learning Specialist
svaughan@taftcollege.edu
661.763.7927
jchaidez@taftcollege.edu
661.763.7962
Jack Gallon
High Tech Specialist
jgallon@taftcollge.edu
661.763.7849
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Olga Silva
Student Instructional Aid
osilva@taftcollege.edu
661.763.7923
LaNell Howell
Testing Technician
lhowell@taftcollge.edu
661.763.7923