What is the best way to initially contact DSP&S?
After you have enrolled at NVC, arrange to take the English and Math placement test in the Testing and Tutoring Center. Through this process you will learn if you qualify for services through DSP&S.
To obtain more information about our program contact Barbara Benson in Learning Services at (707) 256-7442. You can also stop by the Learning Services office located on the NVC main campus, Building 1700, Room 1766.
Who is Eligible for Services?
Students with acquired brain injuries, chronic health conditions may qualify for services, developmentally delayed learning, hearing impairments, learning disabilities, mobility disabilities, psychological disabilities, speech impairments, visual impairments.
Students receiving services through DSPS must be enrolled at NVC and must have a chronic disabling condition that has been verified by an appropriate professional. The students disabling condition must limit one or more major life activities, and that imposes an "educational limitation." An educational limitation is a disability related functional limitation in the educational setting that occurs when the limitation prevents a student from fully benefiting from classes, activities, or services offered by the college without specific, additional support services or instruction. Examples are physical, communication, acquired brain injury, psychological, and developmentally delayed learning and learning disability.
Students must possess the ability to respond appropriately to questions, follow directions, and demonstrate the potential to benefit from special programs and services.
Students must demonstrate appropriate adaptive and/or self-help behavior. This includes providing their own personal attendant care. DSPS staff will not provide this service.
Students must demonstrate annual measurable academic progress. Failure to do so may result in termination of services.
Students requesting services and/or academic accommodations offered at NVC are recommended to arrange an appointment with a DSPS counselor or learning disabilities advisor and complete an application for services. DSPS will then establish a Student Educational Contract (SEC) and verify the disability by using one of the following means: 1) review of documentation provided by appropriate agencies or certified or licensed professionals outside of DSPS; 2) assessment by appropriate/DSPS professional staff; or 3) observation by DSPS professional staff with review by DSPS Program Manager. Once a student’s disability has been certified, the DSPS professional will identify the educational limitations, document them in the Student Educational Contract and review and update it annually.
Services may be denied if it is determined that a student does not meet one or more of the above eligibility criteria.
Students seeking to appeal the denial of services should seek remedy through the DSPS Program Manager. If, after consulting with the manager, students are still not satisfied, they may appeal to the Vice President of Student Services.
How can I find out if I have a Learning Disability?
Students who suspect they have a learning disability should make an appointment at the Learning Services Department by visiting Room 1766 in Building 1700 (the McCarthy Library) or by calling 707-256-7442.
How do I sign up with DSP&S?
If you are new to NVC and/or Special Services, you must begin scheduling an appointment with a counselor in the Counseling Center. If you have a Learning Disability, you can schedule your appointment with a Learning Disabilities Specialist.
If you would like answers to your questions prior to making an appointment, you can call the DSPS main office at (707) 253-3080 or 3082.
What types of services are offered with DSP&S?
Depending on the student's disability, services include specialized instruction, adaptive equipment, mobility assistance, American Sign Language interpreters, note taking, textbooks on tape, testing accommodations, educational counseling and planning, priority registration, and specialized tutoring.