Support Services

The support services provided by the OSD are listed and described below. Eligibility for a specific service is determined by a review of the documentation provided during a meeting with an OSD Disability Specialist. Service Guidelines have been included where available.

Notetaking

Provided for students with a wide variety of disabilities. There are three approaches to this service. The one selected for a particular student will be determined on verified need after a meeting with the appropriate OSD Disability Specialist and a discussion with the Auxiliary Services Coordinator.

Additional information:

• Guidelines for Notetaking Service

Proctoring

Provided for students with a variety of disabilities. Test-taking accommodations are determined based on verified need after a meeting the appropriate OSD Disability Specialist. Accommodations are tailored to the student's specific disability-based need. Professors are notified of the accommodation request through a letter from the OSD Disability Specialist, the student meeting with the professor/TA and an e-mail from the OSD Proctoring Service.

Additional information:

• Proctor/Test-Taking Guidelines

Transcription

Provided primarily for students with learning disabilities, visual impairments or disabilities impacting manual dexterity. This service involves the conversion of information from any format into any other format (tape to transcript, text to Braille, handwriting to typed, etc.)

Additional information:

• Guidelines for Transcription Assistance

Alternative Format

Provided mainly for students with visual or learning disabilities. Reading may be done live or onto a tape. Scanning involves using a computer to scan the material and convert it to a word processing program which can, in turn convert to Braille, large print or a speech synthesized reading program.

Additional information:

• Alternative Format Guidelines

Interpreting/Captioning

Provided almost exclusively for hearing impaired and deaf students but occasionally for other disabilities as well. Interpreting is done by a team of interpreters (2 per hour) who relieve each other at pre-determined intervals and help each other with sign vocabulary if one of them gets stuck. Their role is to translate or interpret what the teacher or classmates are saying into the sign language system preferred by the student receiving the service. Captioning provides a verbatim transcript of a lecture which can be reviewed by the student or converted into Braille, large print, or scanned for a speech synthesized reading program.

Additional information:

• Interpreting/Captioning Guidelines

Mobility Assistance

On Campus Van Service

Provided to students with a variety of disabilities, which impact the student's ability to traverse the campus. Van service is provided from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Limited service, for academic classes, is available on weekends and evenings.

Additional information:

• OSD Van Rider Policy
• Designated Van Pick-Up and Drop-Off Points
• Campus Transportation Options For Students with Disabilities

Disability Parking

Provided to students based on a documented functional disability. Students with a disability or medical condition must present professional verification to the OSD where our Mobility Assistance Coordinator, Ed McCloskey, will evaluate appropriate parking. Students with Department of Motor Vehicle Placards/Plates need to present the receipt of the state-issued placard/plate to the OSD. Students who do not have placards/plates may be eligible for up to one year of parking based on their documented need. Should their disability-based need continue beyond one year, students are required to obtain a DMV placard or plate. Please call the OSD at (310) 825-1501 to arrange for an appointment.

Campus Orientation

Students with visual impairments or learning disabilities may request a campus orientation and mobility session with the Mobility Assistance Coordinator. The student will learn to traverse the campus as they would during a regular day - going from the classroom to labs, lecture halls, or bus stops.

Priority Enrollment/Registration Assistance

Undergraduate students with disability-based needs that impact their ability to get from class to class quickly, students who need to arrange for service providers, students who must take a reduced load, students who cannot attend classes during certain parts of the day, etc. may be entitled to priority enrollment. Again, this service is based on disability need as described in the verification of disability. Students requiring registration assistance can call or come in to see Ed to make arrangements.

Adaptive Equipment

The office maintains many adaptive aids and equipment. These aids include wheelchairs, adaptive computer equipment/software, 4-track tape recorders and more. A student must have a documented need and training to use this equipment. Some of the equipment is available to be checked out by students.

Other Services

Other services offered by the OSD include Housing Appeals, Tutorial Referrals, Disability Management Counseling and Information and Referral among others. If you want or need information about support services, please contact the OSD.