Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services Statement of Commitment
The Disability Support Services (DSS) Office is committed to providing all students including our distance education students with equal access to quality education and providing reasonable accommodations to eligible students. In addition to serving as an advocate for students with disabilities, our office also works closely with faculty and staff in order to monitor students’ progress and encourage a positive educational experience.
Disability Support Services Overview
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Palo Alto College is committed to ensuring all programs, services, and facilities are accessible to and provide equal opportunities for education to all students. The Disability Support Services office coordinates accommodations for students with impairments that substantially limits one or more major life activities (walking, standing, seeing, speaking, hearing, etc.) as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Complete the Request for Disability Services for Class Accommodations form in order to submit the Adobe Sign form, you are required to attach the following:
- Documentation of disability (required for NEW requests, RETURNING requests can submit copy of class schedule)
- Copy of your photo ID (i.e. State ID, Driver’s License or School ID)
Here is a sample list of eligible documentation:
- High School Special Education Records (504, IEP, ARD)
- Medical Record with Disability Diagnosis
- Mental Health Diagnosis
- Any Military/Veteran Records Stating Disability
- Any Other Supporting Documentation
- Documents can be scanned by using your Smart Device and attached
Once we have received your completed form and documents, we will contact you to review next steps to secure an Intake Zoom/Phone Appointment at the phone number and/or email that is specified on your request form. Please be sure to check both.
For any questions, please call (210) 486-3020 or email pac-dsstest@alamo.edu.
Complete the Request for Disability Support Services for Registration/Enrollment Steps and any Other Accommodations Outside of a Class/Course. In order to submit the Adobe Sign form, you are required to attach the following:
- Documentation of disability
- Copy of your photo ID (i.e. State ID, Driver’s License or School ID)
Here is a sample list of eligible documentation:
- High School Special Education Records (504, IEP, ARD)
- Medical Record with Disability Diagnosis
- Mental Health Diagnosis
- Any Military/Veteran Records Stating Disability
- Any Other Supporting Documentation
- Documents can be scanned by using your Smart Device and attached
Once we have received your completed form and documents, we will contact you to review next steps to secure an Intake Zoom/Phone Appointment at the phone number and/or email that is specified on your request form. Please be sure to check both.
For any questions, please call (210) 486-3020 or email pac-dsstest@alamo.edu.
- Complete the Supplement Accommodations Request
- Provide supporting documentation regarding the change (i.e. class schedule or medical documentation) for which accommodations are being requested.
- Submit form and supporting documentation to pac-dsstest@alamo.edu.
Alamo Colleges Form for Interpreting Services
The Interpreting Services Manager coordinates interpreting services and on-boarding services to new students. In order to qualify for services, a student must provide documentation of verification of disability. An interview with the Interpreting Services Manager will begin the process. The link above will provide the form.
Dual Credit Students
For classes taken on high school campuses, accommodations will be made by the high school counselor.
For online, dual credit classes taught by Palo Alto College faculty, please follow the How to Request Disability Services for Class Accommodations for new and returning Students with Disabilities (on-campus and online).
Early College High School Students
For classes taken at Palo Alto College, please follow the How to Request Disability Services for Class Accommodations for Students with Disabilities (on-campus and online).
Colleges are not authorized to release information about students to anyone, including parents. The Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 prohibit such disclosure without written consent from the student. If student wants to give permission to parents/guardians, a completed FERPA Consent must be submitted.
Project Access is a unique program offered to individuals with documented intellectual disabilities. It is designed to support the student to access postsecondary education developing skills for gainful employment. Curriculum completion is dependent on the student’s ability to complete the courses in a semester.
This is a cohort-based program with a limited number of seats available per semester. There is a separate application process. For further questions, contact Cindy Morgan, Sr. Coordinator for Disability Support Services at 210-486-3020 or via email cgibbs3@alamo.edu.
Project Access Application Form (PDF)
Project Access Flyer (PDF)
View the DSS Resource Manual (PDF).
Additional online resources include:
Contact Information:
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Cindy Morgan Phone: Location: |
Hours: Tuesday—Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
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