Hartnell College DSPS – Department of Supportive Programs and Services

The Department of Supportive Programs and Services (DSPS) provides confidential services to students with disabilities who are participating in Hartnell College’s programs and activities, across all campuses and educational centers.  DSPS offers specialized counseling, eligibility for disability accommodations and services, learning disability assessment, as well as Learning Skills classes and Adapted Physical Education classes.

Hartnell College offers supportive services and instruction for students with disabilities through DSPS.  To facilitate student success in academics and personal development, DSPS provides services, instruction, and accommodations, such as:

• Extended time on exams and quizzes
• Reduced (quiet) testing environment
• Priority registration
• Reduced course load (taking fewer than 12 units)
• Note-takers (and a variety of assistive technologies)
• American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting
• Real-time captioning
• Digital recorders
• Alternative media (e-books, Braille, large print)
• Adapted classroom furniture
• CCTV (and a variety of screen magnification technologies)
• Screen reading and voice recognition software
• Use of the High Tech Lab in DSPS
• Educational planning (preliminary and full education plans)
• Learning Skills classes
• Adapted Physical Education classes
• Learning disability assessment

Students are encouraged to plan ahead for registering with DSPS, as well as putting eligible accommodations and services in place each semester.

Learning Skills Classes (LSK)

Learning Skills (LSK) classes provide students with the opportunity to enroll in classes that are beneficial to academic skill building, self-understanding, and overall development.  DSPS is pleased to offer a variety of LSK classes to meet the needs of students with disabilities.  The following classes are currently approved by the College, and listed in the College Catalog:

Introduction to College Accommodations, course number LSK 1, is a 1-unit class, is designed to prepare students in the transition from high school to college, with a focus on students requiring special classroom accommodations related to disabilities.  Throughout the course, students will develop knowledge of the academic policies, resources, and campus programs available to students.  Students will learn about the California system of higher education and develop an educational and program plan.

Memory Skills, course number LSK 90, is a 1-unit class, and is designed to help students with the basic principles of memory improvement, with an emphasis on brain functions in relation to memory and applied methods.  Designed for students with identified memory and concentration deficits, learning disabilities, and other learning challenges.  Applications to college coursework, study skills, test taking as well as personal and social situations.

Emotional Management Skills, course number LSK 105 is a 1.5-unit class, is an introduction to specific behavioral approaches to identify and manage negative feelings.  Positive peer support and self-talk skills designed to manage life disrupting problems, emotions, and events.  Designed for students with ongoing and identified behavioral and emotional challenges.

Learning Strategies, course number LSK 126, is a 1.5-unit class, assists students with disabilities to succeed in college through a better understanding of their own individual learning styles, aptitudes, and behaviors.  Students gain exposure to a variety of ‘best practice’ study skills to succeed in college.  The class includes the identification and analysis of individual learning barriers, such as learning disabilities, emotional management, or physical challenges.

Services are available to any qualified student with a learning disability, according to Title V regulations that govern the California Community Colleges.

Students seeking information about learning disability services should schedule an appointment with a Learning Disability Specialist through the DSPS office. Students may refer themselves, or they may be referred by an instructor or counselor.

All California Community College students must meet the same learning disability eligibility requirements.

The steps/requirements for assessment:

Schedule an appointment by calling 831-755-6760,  or by coming in to our office in Building B, Room 107.
Meet with an LD Specialist for an Intake interview (1 hour)
Must be a current student at Hartnell College
Assessment of academic achievement (2 hours)
Assessment of cognitive ability (2 hours)
After the assessment is completed, the student meets with the Learning Disability Specialist to review the results of the assessment (1 hour). During this meeting, courses and other recommended services will be discussed.
This process can take 3 to 4 weeks to complete.

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