Rights & Responsibilities

Participation in the Disability Support Program and Services (DSP) is voluntary. To receive academic accommodations and services, students share responsibility in ensuring equal access and maintaining effective use of services.

• Self-Identification and registration with the DSP:
  Students with disabilities are responsible for self-identifying and applying for DSP services. This includes providing any relevant disability verification documentation and completing the DSP intake Process to develop an Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP).
• Follow College Student Code of Conduct:
  Students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct established by the college.
• Follow DSP Policies and Procedures to Timely Request and Responsibly Use DSP Services and Equipment:
  • Students are expected to be responsible in their use of DSP services and equipment and adhere to written policies and procedures adopted by DSP
  • Students enrolled in educational assistance classes should make measurable progress toward the goals developed for the course as established in the student's Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP)
  • Students enrolled in general college classes, are to meet academic standards established by the college, as applied to all students

Important Note: To maintain active status with DSP for priority registration, students registered with DSP should have at least one follow-up appointment/ meaningful contact requesting and utilizing services through the DSP program every academic year.

Voluntary Registration with DSP: Participation in Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) shall be entirely voluntary.

Equal Access: Receiving support services or instruction authorized through DSP shall not preclude participation in any other course, program, or activity offered by the college.

Confidentiality: All personal and disability-related information provided to the Disability Support Program (DSP) is kept strictly confidential in compliance with Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Information may be shared only with authorized college personnel who have a legitimate educational need to know or, when required, with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office or other state or federal agencies. Any such disclosure is made solely in accordance with confidentiality statutes and regulations.

No information will be released to other parties without the student’s informed written consent, except as required by law.

Right to File a Grievance: Students have the right to file a complaint or appeal if they believe their rights or disability accommodations have been denied; Receive help from DSP staff in understanding and following the college grievance procedures; Be protected from retaliation for exercising their rights.
 

If a student participating in the Disabilities Support Program (DSP) believes an accommodation has been inappropriately denied, adjusted, or not implemented or if they have encountered discrimination based on their disability status, they have the right to seek resolution through the following grievance process.

Informal Complaint Resolution Process

1. Students are encouraged to first discuss the concern with the concerned DSP Counselor, Specialist, or staff to seek an informal resolution if they feel comfortable doing so
2. If the issue cannot be resolved at that level, the student should contact the DSP Coordinator or Director for review.
3. Every effort will be made to resolve the issue promptly and equitably within ten (10) working days of the initial report.

Formal Complaint Resolution Process
If the concern remains unresolved through the informal resolution process, or if the student so chooses they may file a formal written complaint. Please visit EVC Student Complaint Procedures webpage to follow the process of filing a formal complaint by submitting the student complaint form. 

Office of Civil Rights (OCR) Complaint
Students also have the right to file a grievance with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) if no mutual satisfactory agreement can be agreed upon.