Student CART/Realtime Captioning FAQs

Student CART/Realtime Captioning On-Campus Learning FAQs

How do I request Services through AIM?

Each semester you must submit your requests in the DSP portal (AIM). It is best to request services as soon as you are registered so there is no delay in services.

Note: These instructions are also available in DOCX and PDF...

How do I access accommodation information in AIM?

Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

1. Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-in page (link is external)and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page

2....

How do I access Accommodation Information in AIM?

Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

1. Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-in page (link is external)and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page

2....

What is AIM?

AIM the Accessible Information management System, a web-based database system that provides a means for DSP to communicate and interact with faculty, staff, and disabled students from one robust platform. It’s also fully integrated with Berkeley Student Information System (SIS/Cal Central) making coordination of services for students easier.

For further information, please visit DSP's Accessible Information Management Sytem (AIM) page.

What is AIM?

AIM the Accessible Information management System, a web-based database system that provides a means for DSP to communicate and interact with faculty, staff, and disabled students from one robust platform. It’s also fully integrated with Berkeley Student Information System (SIS/Cal Central) making coordination of services for students easier.

For further information, please visit DSP's Accessible Information Management Sytem (AIM) page.

What is AIM?

AIM the Accessible Information management System, a web-based database system that provides a means for DSP to communicate and interact with faculty, staff, and disabled students from one robust platform. It’s also fully integrated with Berkeley Student Information System (SIS/Cal Central) making coordination of services for students easier.

For further information, please visit DSP's Accessible Information Management Sytem (AIM) page.

Submit YouTube Links Via bCourses

Submit YouTube links via bCourses

This solution is useful if you are using several different Youtube links.

In bCourses, go to Media Gallery

Screenshot of Aim's My Media Gallery page with and arrow pointing at the My Media Gallry menu

In Media Gallery, click on Add Media...

Share Captioned Media with Students Through bCourses

You can choose to share your captioned media with all of your students by placing it in your Media Gallery, or you may keep it private in your My Media folder on bCourses. Here's how to share a video from your My Media folder on bCourses with your students: Berkeley Service Now How to Share My Media(link is external)

For further information on how to...

My Media and Media Gallery Explanation

My Media is the place on bCourses where all of your recordings and Zoom lectures are uploaded and housed. All of this content is unique and viewable only to you.

Media Gallery is for videos that are viewable by those with access to the bCourses site.

Screenshot of My Media and Media Gallery tabs

We will fulfill all of your captioning...

Accessing Student Accommodation Information in AIM-Heather

Accessing Student Accommodation Information in AIM Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-n page (link is external)and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page...

Instructions for Submitting Media for Captioning in AIM

1. Log into AIM(link is external)

2. Click the “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” tab on the left side.

The Views and Tools Tab opens to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Tab

...

Supervisor - Testing Accommodations (4560U), Disabled Students

Departmental Overview

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) is recognized for its commitment to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities at UC Berkeley and helps students to achieve academic success through its programs. DSP provides a wide array of legally mandated services to students with disabilities and consists of approximately 50 FTE, serves over 5500 students, and hires over 400 service providers and student volunteers to provide educational support to this growing population. The unit has an annual operating...

Captioned Media Information for Instructors

Overview

To facilitate accommodations for learners requiring Captioned Media, instructors are advised to assess all media intended for integration into their course curriculum or sharing on their course website for the duration of the semester. Any media lacking precise captions or transcriptions will undergo professional captioning services provided by the Disabled Students' Program (DSP). This page will offer guidance on obtaining captioning for video media and/or transcription for audio content.

Please take note:...

American Sign Language (ASL) information for Instructors

Overview

At UC Berkeley, we prioritize inclusive communication practices to ensure that all students, regardless of their hearing abilities, have equal access to education. When interacting with individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing and utilizing an interpreter, it's essential to follow certain guidelines to facilitate effective communication.

Clear Communication When a student uses an interpreter, remember to speak directly to the student who is D/deaf or hard of hearing, not to the interpreter. The interpreter facilitates communication but is not part of the...

Realtime Captioning Information for Instructors

Overview

Welcome to the Disabled Students' Program's Realtime Captioning Guidelines page. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students, including those with disabilities. To ensure effective communication and equal access to educational content, we have established the following guidelines for the use of realtime captioning in your classes:

Effective Speaking Techniques Speak clearly, at a moderate pace, and in a normal tone. Do not rush through lectures. Avoid simultaneous speaking when multiple speakers are present, as...

Communication Services Instructor Information

Captioned Media Information for Students

Overview

The Captioned Media accommodation applies to any media that is presented, posted, and/or required to be viewed in a course. Students with a Captioned Media Accommodation must have equal access to all media-related material in a course.

Requesting Captioned Media for Enrolled Courses Each semester, you must submit your Captioned Media requests in the DSP Portal (AIM). It is advised to request services as soon as you are registered so that you don’t...

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) Information for Students

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

In addition to Assistive Listening Devices that may be checked out to students individually, some classrooms and auditoriums at UC Berkeley have Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) that are permanently installed. The classrooms, lecture halls, and other facilities that have permanently installed ALS are posted on the Research, Teaching, and Learning (RTL) website in their General Classroom Database.

American Sign Language (ASL) Information for Students

Requesting ASL Interpreting Services for Enrolled Courses (Each Semester)

Each semester you must submit your ASL Interpreting requests in the DSP Portal (AIM). It is advised to request services as soon as you are registered so that you don’t experience a delay in receiving services. Please note that it may take up to two weeks to receive ASL Interpreting services once your request is submitted.

Instructions for requesting ASL...

Realtime Captioning Information for Students

Requesting Realtime Captioning Services for Enrolled Courses (Each Semester)

Each semester you must submit your Realtime Captioning requests in the DSP Portal (AIM). It is advised that you request services as soon as you are registered so that you don’t experience a delay in receiving services. Please note that it may take up to two weeks to receive Realtime Captioning services once your request is submitted.

Instructions for requesting Realtime Captioning services...

Communication Services Student Information

Clifton Damiens

Business Operations Manager

Clifton Damiens graduated from UC Berkeley in 2014 with a BA in American History. He has worked on campus as an Academic Achievement Counselor for the Re-entry Student Program and has taught several one-unit sections of EDUC 198 -- Adult Learners in Higher Education.

Athena AI

Athena screenshot of software What is Athena AI? Athena is a note-taking software that utilizes AI to take notes for you.

Record your lecture, and Athena will write comprehensive notes that include:
Automatically generated flashcards. To-do lists to keep track of assignments. Integrated lecture slides throughout your notes. Athena is made by DSP students, and is free for all UC Berkeley DSP students. Here is...

Otter.Ai

What does Otter.ai do?

With Otter you can record and transcribe in real-time across multiple devices.

Highlight transcript as you record (or after), and export highlighted sections Can upload audio from another source and have it transcribed Can upload images or take pictures while recording Can search transcription Automatically transcribe zoom meetings in real time.

If you are interested in using Otter, please reach out to your assigned Disability Specialist.

Glean Audio notetaking

Glean banner Screenshot of Glean software What is Glean?

Glean is the personal study tool that helps you navigate classroom information and take notes effectively.

...

Carmen Varela

Executive Director

Glean

What is Glean?

Glean is the personal study tool that helps you navigate classroom information and take notes effectively.

With Glean, you record your classes, attaching labels and text notes to important moments as you listen. After class, import lecture slides, convert audio to text, find quick definitions and more.

Soon, you have a full set of multimedia notes all in one workspace; highly organized, easily searchable, and with everything you need to learn effectively from your lectures....

When will my exam request be approved?

Your exam request will be approved five (5) business days before the exam date.

Meet our Featured Donors & Alumni

Fred Herzer

Looking Back without Sight – a UC Berkeley DCC Success Story

UC Berkeley’s Disabled Students Program has a formidable task – to create a safe and social space for Cal’s disabled community. This is not simple as approximately 11% of the university’s community reports having a disability, and these disabilities are as diverse as our campus. The result is a platform that advocates, educates and collaborates and allows our members to advance and empower both themselves and the campus as a whole. While we don’t...

Clifton Damiens

Supervisor - Testing Accommodations

Clifton Damiens graduated from UC Berkeley in 2014 with a BA in American History. He has worked on campus as an Academic Achievement Counselor for the Re-entry Student Program and has taught several one-unit sections of EDUC 198 -- Adult Learners in Higher Education. He currently works as the Supervisor of Test Taking Services and is the interim Associate Director for DSP.

Rebecca Whitney

Disability Specialist - Graduate Students

I’ve spent my career in education, first as a high school English teacher, then as a Learning Specialist for high school and middle school students. I loved the experience of working with individual students: fostering their metacognition, coaching them in self-advocacy, and helping them navigate the challenges of their classrooms and learning environments.

When I began working as a Disability Specialist in higher education in 2016, however, I discovered that this area allowed me to use my expertise towards social justice goals of educational equity and access. I...

Brian Scholte

Disability Specialist

Brian is a first-generation American and United States Air Force Veteran whose academic and vocational passions center around the intersection of education, disability access, and mental health. Upon separating from the Air Force, he earned a Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University.

Brian is passionate about applying science and education for social good. As a Peer Disability Advocate for the American Association for People with Disabilities, he...

Jessica Mangaccat

Assistant Disability Specialist

Jessica Mangaccat started as a disability specialist with DSP in 2023. Jessica is a first generation college student and a daughter of immigrants. She has an undergraduate degree in Legal Studies and previously worked in the legal field for 10 years as a paralegal before switching careers and getting her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Jessica was inspired to work with people with disabilities after her father developed a spinal cord injury. Jessica has experience working with people with disabilities across the lifespan, from children with physical, neurological,...

Jason Keough

Disability Specialist

Hello!

I’m Jason. I’m originally from Pacifica (yes, the place with Taco Bell on the beach), and I have been working in education since high school. I started by tutoring peers in academic and social skills. When I graduated, I went to San Francisco State University and received my B.A. in Creative Writing. Once out of undergrad, I started working as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher for Special Education classes in the high school setting in the Bay Area. I received my Master’s in Special Education and Teaching Credential from Notre...

Alternative Media Production Assistant (4723C) #41969

The Disabled Students' Program promotes an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We equip disabled students with appropriate accommodations and services to achieve their individual academic goals. We are dedicated to supporting disabled students and collaborating with the campus community to remove barriers to educational access and embrace the University’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe that an accessible environment universally benefits everyone.

Disability Specialist 3, Disabled Students Program (4556U), #43955

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

Housing Disability Specialist, (4557U) #64460

The Disabled Students' Program promotes an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We equip disabled students with appropriate accommodations and services to achieve their individual academic goals. We are dedicated to supporting disabled students and collaborating with the campus community to remove barriers to educational access and embrace the University’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe that an accessible environment universally benefits everyone.

Assistant Disability Specialist (4555U) #44574

The Assistant Disability Specialist works under the supervision of the Lead Disability Specialist Supervisor and is responsible for working as part of a team responsible for providing mandated accommodations and services to students with disabilities. This position works closely with the Administration Team and the DSP Specialist Team to help coordinate intakes, process documentation, provide receptionist coverage, conducts student drop-ins, and assist with intakes. The position also involves planning, developing, and implementing programs, processes, and activities for students with disabilities in accordance with federal and state law to ensure their access to the academic and campus environment.

Are there any resources available if I want to teach parts of my course online?

Yes, Research Teaching and Learning (RTL) provides a thorough set of resources that allows you to bring more of your teaching online. Please visit: https://rtl.berkeley.edu/get-started

Disability Beyond Compliance Student Liaison

POSITION/TITLE: Disability Beyond Compliance Student Liasion

TERM:Late August 2022 through May 2023

FELLOWSHIP AWARD:$8800 per academic year.

TIME COMMITMENT: 10 hours per week

POSITIONS: 1

To apply, please use any of the following methods: 1) fill out the form linked here and at the bottom of the...

Disability Beyond Compliance Student Researcher

P

OSITION/TITLE: Disability Beyond Compliance Student Researcher

TERM:Late August 2022 through May 2023

FELLOWSHIP AWARD:$4,000 per academic year.

TIME COMMITMENT: 5 hours per week

POSITIONS: 1

To apply, please use any of the following methods: 1) fill out the form linked here...

Disability Beyond Compliance Student Facilitator

POSITION/TITLE: Disability Beyond Compliance Student Facilitator

TERM:Late August 2022 through May 2023

FELLOWSHIP AWARD:$4,000 per academic year.

TIME COMMITMENT:5 hours per week

POSITIONS: 2

To apply, please use any of the following methods: 1) fill out the form linked here and at the bottom of the...

Fellowship Opportunities

Please read each Fellowship opportunity carefully and follow the directions outlined.

Cecilia Saavedra

Trio Support Service Coordinator

Cecilia Saavedra joined the DSP-TRiO as the Student Support Coordinator in April 2022. She has over ten years of experience working in nonprofits, fortune 500 companies, and academia. She has a B.S in Environmental Science focus in Geography and Planning and also a degree in Horticulture Land Systems and Management. Thanks to the support of TRiO, Cecilia was able to successfully complete her two degrees. Her intersectional experiences include being a first-generation, low-income student, and immigrant household. She uses these experiences to help connect with students to make sure...

Courtney Castleman Bucher

Disability Specialist - Autism

Welcome to DSP! Compassion, integrity, and community are a few of my highest values.

Both inside and outside of my role as a Disability Specialist, I thrive in purposefully envisioning the future, and emboldening others in reaching their educational and personal aspirations. As a person with multiple disabilities, I was a first-generation college student grappling with the social and attitudinal barriers that can exist in the pursuit of a word-class degree at a competitive university. I bring these experiences to my role as a specialist.

I received my MA in Sociology from...

How Can I Learn More About Disability Culture and Community?

“A cultural space on campus goes beyond basic compliance and more adequately promotes equal opportunity. It would acknowledge disabled students as a strong sociocultural identity group as opposed to a constituency that needs “fixing.” Shame, isolation, and presumed incompetence loom over disabled students when the institution neglects to recognize their importance and place in our campus community.”

Excerpt from student and community advocacy letter, January 2018

If you are interested in learning more about disability culture, community, and how to create an anti-ablest...

Getting Involved: Programs, Services and Opportunities

Center Open Community Hours!

The DCC is open for community hours weekly during the Fall and Spring semesters at Hearst Field Annex D-25. Students, staff, and faculty can reserve rooms and spaces for collaborations, studying, events, or to relax and connect with members from the disability community!

Tuesdays 11:30 AM-6:00 PM Wednesdays 11:30 AM-6:00 PM Thursdays 11:30 AM-6:00 PM DCC Space and Event Reservation Request Form

Are you interested in hosting an event or gathering at the DCC? Would you like to partner with the center on creating community events? If so,...

Who We Are DCC

Disability is a natural part of the human experience!

Approximately 30% of the UC Berkeley combined campus community (undergraduates, graduate and postdoctoral students, faculty and staff) report to having a disability.

The UC Berkeley disability statistics from the 2019 My Climate Survey found that 35% of undergraduates, 25% of graduate students, and 23% postdocs identify as having some type of disability.

Our Mission

UC Berkeley’s Disability Cultural Community Center serves as a platform to advocate, educate, and collaborate...

Welcome to the Disability Cultural Community (DCC) Center

Juliana Chiarelli

Disability Specialist

Juliana has worked with students with disabilities for over four years, by coaching students one-on-one, connecting students to various on- and off-campus resources, partnering with faculty and staff, and leading academic success workshops and programming for gaining and maintaining study skills necessary for academic success. Prior to joining the Disability Specialist team, Juliana worked in TRiO DSP SSS as a Learning Specialist and an Academic Success Coach at the University of Rochester. She earned an M.Ed. in Counseling - Student Affairs at Northern Arizona University, where she...

Devin Toma

Interim Lead Disability Specialist / Disability Specialist

Hello! I started as a specialist with DSP in 2022, and worked with people with disabilities for about 10 years prior to coming to Berkeley. I started while I was an undergrad at UCLA, working with children on the autism spectrum to carry out behavioral intervention programs. I later earned a master's degree from Columbia University and worked in special education classrooms, in homes, and in a center based treatment program carrying out behavior analytic programs with children and adults on the spectrum. From there I shifted into higher education, where I worked in disability...

Vineeta Ram

Disability Specialist

Greetings! My name is Vineeta Ram (pronounced Vee-nee-ta Rahm). I’ve spent the last 5 years working with students in various roles and positions in disability services in the Midwest. Prior to this, I trained and worked as an Occupational Therapist and Rehabilitation Counselor in various hospitals and non-profits.

My own academic journey has largely influenced my work and interest in improving access and equity in higher education. I received my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois in Chicago with a focus on creating accessible services and programming...

Allison West

Alternative Media Supervisor

Allison West began working with the DSP Team in July of 2019. She has enjoyed collaborating with students, faculty, and staff in both the proctoring and captioning units and is currently the Alternative Media Supervisor. Allison started her career as a classroom teacher where she developed a passion for finding innovative ways to help students access curriculum. Prior to joining UC Berkeley, she worked in disability services at City College of San Francisco coordinating alternative media and testing accommodations. Allison received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics-Economics from...

Do I need to fill out a request for each individual exam?

Yes, please make a request for each exam you would like to take with DSP Proctoring.

Does DSP Proctoring provide blue books/papers or other exam materials?

DSP Proctoring does not provide green books, calculators, or any other exam materials. Students are responsible for bringing their own exam materials. Please bring all required material on the day of your exam.

Can I choose my exam location?

The seat and its location is assigned based on the accommodation condition and the space availability.

How can I cancel and reschedule the request?

Exams can be canceled via your DSP Student Portal. Select Proctoring on the left-hand side. Select the exam you would like to cancel or reschedule. After you cancel your exam request, have your instructor email proctoring@berkeley.edu with written permission to reschedule your exam.

What if my exam is in conflict with another class or another exam?

It is your responsibility to communicate directly with your instructors for all exams.

You must reconcile any exam conflicts with your instructors before you submit any exam requests with DSP Proctoring.

You must also check your final exam schedule in CalCentral at the beginning of the semester to make sure there are no conflicts with other overlapping exams due to extended-time accommodations. If there are such conflicts, you must reconcile those with your instructors at...

Can I make a proctoring request on the exam day? How late can I make a request for proctoring?

You are required to make a proctoring request at least 5 business days before quizzes and midterms and 10 business days before final exams.

Proctoring - Student FAQs

If you have any additional questions about proctoring services, please contact us at proctoring@berkeley.edu.

My class is online. Can I request an online proctoring service?

DSP Proctoring does not proctor online/remote exams. Please speak with your DSP Specialist and instructor on how best to proceed with online exams.

How do I request proctoring services for exams?

Please log on to the DSP Student Portal. Click Proctoring on the left-hand side. Select the class you would like to request an exam for and fill out the required information.

For more information on how to request proctoring services for your exam click on the following link: https://dsp.berkeley.edu/how-request-your-exams-...

How to Submit a Testing Agreement for your Class

Overview

While academic departments and faculty members are primarily responsible for providing testing accommodations to students with disabilities, the DSP Proctoring Center may provide support (proctors and space) in the event that the department or faculty do not have the requisite resources to provide these accommodations. Due to space limitations, we give preference to students who require accommodations like 200%+ extended time, room alone, scribe, use of a computer or assistive technology, etc. Students who require accommodations like a 150%...

How to request your exams with DSP Proctoring

Introduction

DSP Proctoring provides services to students who have met with a Disability Specialist and have provided documentation that supports the need for exam-related accommodations. Once students have sent their Letter of Accommodation to their Professor and the Professor has submitted the Alternative Testing Agreement with DPS Proctoring, students are required to submit their own Exam Request through the DSP Student Portal.

...

New Student Orientation - Fall 2023

The Disabled Students' Program at UC Berkeley welcomes all new students to our Fall 2023 New Student Orientation! We are excited to meet you and share information that can help you transition into your experience as a new Cal student.

Our New Student Orientation will be taking place this year on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM at the Alumni House

To register for the New Student Orientation, please use the DSP...

Volunteer Notetaker Onboarding

In order to receive your stipend at the end of the semester, you'll need to complete paperwork. Also, if you do not have another campus job you'll have to complete the I9 on-boarding process.

This process is only required if you have never been a notetaker before. If you've worked for us over the last year, you don't need to do this again

Please note that all processing goes through BEARS Regional services. Processing stipends can take over up to several months as there are multiple steps involved for the onboarding and payment...

Volunteer Notetaker Onboarding Page

In order to receive your stipend at the end of the semester, you'll need to complete a notetaker form. Also, if you do not have another campus job you'll have to complete the I9 on-boarding process.

This process is only required if you have never been a notetaker before. If you've worked for us over the last year, you don't need to do this again

Here's how to start the Process

1. Fill out the Student Volunteer Notetaker Form...

Making the Most of RRR Week

Not sure what to do during RRR? Feeling overwhelmed? At the Make the Most of RRR Week Workshop, we’ll talk about creating a plan for your week, using effective study strategies, and remembering the fourth R - relaxation.

Objectives

Project manage your exam preparation

Plan your RRR week

Review effective study strategies

R = Relaxation - practice relaxation strategies to reduce finals stress

Test Taking Strategies

Build your test-taking confidence at this workshop. We’ll cover how to effectively prepare, reduce anxiety, and approach your big exams.

Objectives:

Validate and reflect on Test Taking Anxiety

Strategies for preparing your body for exams

Develop a Day of Exam routine

Review test-taking strategies for objective, multiple-choice, and essay exams

Note-Taking Essentials

Note-taking is an essential academic skill. Make sure you’re making the most of your notes and utilizing the tools available to you as a DSP student.

Objectives:

Reflect on your current note-taking habits and challenges. Learn steps, strategies, and structures for effective note-taking. Explore digital note-taking resources. FAQ with DSP Note-taking Supervisor, Christian Yee

Strong Start Workshop

Start your semester strong with this workshop. Learn organizational strategies, scheduling skills, tips for developing new habits, and have a chance to share and discuss with peers.

Objectives:

Create semester and weekly schedules, Explore organizational strategies for digital folders, binders/notebooks, and assignments. Learn tips for effectively communicating your DSP accommodations to instructors. Share your experiences and suggestions with peers.

Graduate Student Disability Specialist (4557U) #43587

The Disabled Students' Program promotes an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We equip disabled students with appropriate accommodations and services to achieve their individual academic goals. We are dedicated to supporting disabled students and collaborating with the campus community to remove barriers to educational access and embrace the University’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe that an accessible environment universally benefits everyone.

How do I access accommodation information in AIM?

Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

1. Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-in page and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page

2. After an Instructor reads...

What if the Zoom link changes for my class?

If there is a new Zoom link for your course, please contact the Realtime Captioning Coordinator with the updated Zoom link information.

How do I receive captions for an on-campus class when using a remote captioner?

Streamtext is the primary platform used to provide captions remotely. Below are instructions for logging in, viewing captions, and customizing the display in Streamtext.

If captions are being provided through a different platform, you will receive an email with a URL link to view the captions on that platform.

To log into your streamtext account, please follow these instructions: ...

How do I request services through AIM?

Each semester you must submit your requests in the DSP portal (AIM). It is best to request services as soon as you are registered so there is no delay in services.

Note: These instructions are also available in DOCX and...

How do I retrieve my transcript in the DSP portal (AIM)?

1.From the AIM Dashboard, click on “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” located on the left side of the screen.

Screenshot of AIM Dashboard

2. Click on “Available Transcript(...

What is the difference between My Media and Media Gallery?

My Media is the place on bCourses where all of your recordings and Zoom lectures are uploaded and housed. All of this content is unique and viewable only to you.

Media Gallery is for videos that are viewable by those with access to the bCourses site.

...

Can a student with an ASL Interpreting accommodation participate in Zoom group work/breakout rooms?

Yes, the student is able to participate in group work. When a class is held in-person, an ASL Interpreter is present and often sits with the group in order to hear the speakers clearly. Remote classes are handled in a similar fashion in that the interpreter will be present in the same breakout room/group component as the student.

We encourage students to discuss their accommodations with their professors, and they may reach out to you with what works best for them in your particular class.

How will I know if an ASL Interpreter is present in my Zoom meeting?

The ASL Interpreter will be named “Interpreter” in your Zoom participant list.

What are the ASL Interpreting Best Practices for courses presented via Zoom?

Zoom lectures need to end at the scheduled end time, as both the students and the interpreters may have other obligations immediately following your class.

Speak clearly, in a normal tone, and at a moderate rate. Do not rush through a lecture. If the interpreter does not understand or hear what was said, the interpreter may communicate with the instructor through the Zoom chat window. Please monitor your chat window for questions or requests from the interpreter.

...

How do I assign an ASL Interpreter to a Zoom breakout room?

When assigning an ASL Interpreter to the student during breakout sessions, please look for the Interpreter as a participant (Interpreter). Please ensure the Interpreter is in the same breakout room as the student receiving the accommodation.

Breakout Room Instructions

How will I receive ASL Interpreting services remotely?

A video communication service is used for ASL interpreting when a class is held remotely via Zoom. ASL interpreting will be provided virtually through a URL link. Students will be provided the URL link prior to class beginning.

How do I share a captioned video or other captioned media with my students through bCourses/Kaltura?

You can choose to share your captioned media with all of your students by placing it in your Media Gallery, or you may keep it private in your My Media folder on bCourses. Here's how to share a video from your My Media folder on bCourses with your students: Berkeley Service Now How to Share My Media

For further...

How do I submit a video to AIM for captioning?

1. Log into AIM

2. Click the “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” tab on the left side.

The Views and Tools Tab opens to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Tab

3...

Student CART/Realtime Captioning FAQs

If you have any difficulty accessing AIM, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. Please send an email to dssonline_help@berkeley.edu, and a DSP staff member will respond to your inquiry and assist you with obtaining the information you need.

Will Captioned Media be provided even though I have a Realtime Captioner?

Yes, Captioned Media is a separate accommodation. All media has to be captioned, even if a Realtime Captioner is present.

Can I make a request for Captioned Media after my initial accommodations are granted?

Yes. You may request additional accommodations after your initial request is approved. Please schedule an appointment with your DSP Specialist to request a new accommodation. If your request has been approved, please allow sufficient time for the instructor and the Communication Services Department to coordinate your Captioned Media accommodation.

What do I do if media is not being captioned after I have received an accommodation?

If you feel your accommodations are not being met or you have any questions or concerns, please notify your DSP Specialist.

What is included in Captioned Media accommodations?

The Captioned Media accommodation applies to any media that is presented, posted, and/or required to be viewed in a course. Students with a Captioned Media Accommodation must have equal access to all media-related material in a course.

Can a student with a Realtime Captioning accommodation participate in Zoom group work/breakout rooms?

Yes, the student is able to participate in group work. When a class is held in-person, a captioner is present and often sits with the group in order to hear the speakers clearly. Remote classes are handled in a similar fashion in that the captioner will be present in the same breakout room/group component as the student.

A student may also speak with the DSP Captioning Coordinator if they wish to omit captioning from any portion of their course. In the event a student elects to omit captioning from a...

How will I know if a Realtime Captioner is present in my Zoom meeting?

The captioner will be named “Captioner” in your Zoom participant list.

Does Realtime Captioning require the use of technology, such as mobile phones or laptops, in my classroom?

Yes, Realtime Captioning provides an instant translation of spoken English into written English text that is displayed on a laptop, tablet, or cell phone.

If a DSP student has an accommodation for the use of a laptop, tablet, or cell phone for disability-related reasons, please allow the DSP student to use their device. It is also important to allow the student to sit where they choose, as the student may need to sit near the front as an accommodation for their disability as well. ...

Can I request to have live captioning for a public event that is not course related?

Yes. Disability Access and Compliance can arrange services for public events. Please contact them to request assistance at: Disability Access and Compliance request form

When will I receive a transcript for my class?

Class transcripts will be available in the DSP portal (AIM) within 24 hours.

Do I need to do anything differently when an ASL Interpreter is present for an in-person class?

When using an interpreter to speak with a person who is D/deaf or hard of hearing, remember to speak directly to the person, not to the interpreter. The interpreter is not part of the conversation and is not permitted to voice personal opinions or enter into the conversation.

Face the person who is D/deaf or hard of hearing and speak to them in a normal manner. Do not make comments to the interpreter that you do not intend to have interpreted to the D/deaf or hard-of-hearing person, even if the person...

Where will the interpreter stand?

The interpreter will generally stand near the speaker so the student can pick up on facial expressions and body language from the speaker.

Will I have the same ASL Interpreter for all of my classes?

Interpreters will be scheduled based on logistics and students’ schedules. For classes that are more than an hour in length or with complex content, two interpreters will be assigned. They will switch every 15-20 minutes.

Career Services Support

Support internship and career opportunities for students with disabilities. Gifts will support travel, business attire, assistive technology, and more. Gifts of any size are welcome. A gift of $1000 would allow a student to participate in a summer internship program.

Disability Awareness Month

Each October, we sponsor special programming to heighten disability awareness. This year’s activities included a showcase for artists with disabilities and a project expo with EnableTech —where campus makers met students with disabilities to brainstorm technological solutions. A gift of $500 or more would allow us to expand the range of programming for this annual event.

Mental Health Services

The majority of our students have a primary or secondary mental health disability. Many universities offer specialized counseling and services for students with mental health disabilities. We aim to add a dedicated counselor to DSP focused on the unique needs of these students, to teach disability management strategies, and provide support for navigating and succeeding at Cal. A gift of approximately $225,000 could support a counselor position for one year.

Technology Grants and Services

DSP provides grants twice a year to support the technology needs of students with disabilities and to expand access to assistive technologies. Each semester we have more applications for assistance than we have funds to provide. A new assistive technology specialist would provide evaluations and technology training to expand access and improve retention for students with disabilities. A gift of any size would allow us to provide more technology grants for students with needs. A gift of approximately $175,000 could support a new assistive technology specialist...

Specialized Autism Spectrum Services

We are building a program to support success for students on the autism spectrum. In the past five years, the number of these students seeking DSP services increased nearly tenfold. We expect this demand to continue growing, so we aspire to add residential support, a full-time executive functioning coach, and a computer lab to our offerings. While similar programs at other universities charge a fee, we intend to raise private support for these additional services and provide them at no cost to all students. A gift of approximately $125,000 could support a full-...

Disability Cultural Community Center

Our Cal disability community has been advocating for decades for the creation of a uniquely accessible community space for the disability community. Our new Disability Cultural Center will open this fall. The Center will provide a welcoming and fully accessible space for the disability community, will house services for students, host disability focused events, and house exhibits and honor our alumnus’ history of disability activism. Our Center Coordinator will nurture leadership development, activism and self advocacy, and contribute to creating a more inclusive campus climate...

Alternative Media Agreement

When logging into AIM, eligible students will be prompted to sign the following contract which stipulates the use of alternative formats. For a DOCX version of the contract, please use this link: Alternative Media Agreement - DOCX.

Alternative Media Contract

I, hereby referred to as the "Student,” affirms that by signing this statement, the Student is agreeing to the following uses of audio-recording devices, as outlined in the terms of this agreement.

The above...

What if DSP is unable to find a note taker for my class?

If we are unable to find a notetaker 10 business days after your request, your DSP specialist will reach out to you about utilizing alternative accommodations. We utilize a remote notetaking service, NoteTaking Express(link is external) in which you can record your class and then upload the audio. A notetaker will transcribe notes and send them to you within 48 hours.

If I add a class late and request notetaking, will I receive retroactive notes?

DSP policy states that after a note-taker has been assigned, notes will (if available) will be provided retroactively to the first class the student attended or the date of the student's request for notetaking (whichever is later)

If I add or drop a course, who should I notify?

Make sure to notify your disability specialist as soon as possible so we can discontinue note-taking services if needed.

What sort of classes are notetaking services available for?

Note-taking services are always provided for lecture courses. If you require notes for a seminar or discussion, please let your specialist know as soon as possible, as these courses require their approval.

Notetakers are typically not provided for courses such as Field Studies, independent studies, DeCals, Education 198 courses, Berkeley Connect etc.

Faculty: Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

Beginning Monday, November 16, 2020 DSP will be launching a new Accessible Information Management system (AIM) to replace our current DSS Online system called SCARAB. To access the AIM Instructor Portal, instructors can either click on the faculty portal link via the DSP website or through the following link https://bachelor....

Where does the Realtime Captioner Sit?

When utsing an on-site captioner, the captioner will sit where they are able to hear the instructor and see the visual presentations. The student can sit next to the captioner or may use their own electronic device if they wish to sit elsewhere in the room.

In the event an internet connection is unavailable or interrupted, the student will need to sit by the captioner in order to view live captions.

Will I have the same captioner for all of my classes?

The assignment of a captioner will depend on scheduling and logistics. Each captioner will work with multiple students and will not work exclusively with one student for all of their classes.

What if I add, drop, or change a class?

Please request Realtime Captioning accommodations through the DSP portal (AIM) for any class changes or newly added classes. Notify the Realtime Captioning Supervisor once the AIM changes have been made.

****Note that it may take up to two weeks to receive realtime captioning services once your request is submitted.

Accessible Information Management System (AIM)

Alternative Media: How To Request Services

Overview

To request alternative media each semester, you must log into AIM, which is the new platform DSP will be using to keep information about your accommodations.

Note: These instructions are also available as a DOCX and PDF - How to Request Alternative Media.docx | How to Request Alternative Media.pdf.

Logging into AIM and Finding Your...

New Student Orientation - Fall 2020

The Disabled Students' Program at UC Berkeley welcomes all new students to our Fall 2020 New Student Orientation! We are excited to meet you and share information that can help you transition into your experience as a new Cal student.

Our New Student Orientation will be taking place this year on Thursday, August 20, 2020 from 10-3 PM via the Zoom platform.

To register for the New Student Orientation, please use the DSP New Student Orientation registration form. After you register, we...

Jobseekers with Disabilities:

Cal students registered with the Disabled Student Program can schedule hour-long one-on-one appointments with an experiencedCareer Counselor(link is external) to support their career exploration, preparation, and job seeking as an employee with a disability.
Berkeley Career Services for Students with Disabilities...

Applying for Standardized Testing Accommodation:

Accommodations for test takers with disabilities or health-related needs.

GRE(link is external)

MCAT (link is external)

...

Mental Health and Wellness:

CAPS offers short-term counseling for academic, career, and personal issues and also offers psychiatry services for circumstances when medication can help with counseling. There is no charge to get started, and all registered students can access services regardless of their insurance plan.
University Health Services - Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)(link is external)

Inclusive Recreation is a collaborative campus commitment to...

Disability Identity, Culture, and Justice:

Archive of individuals with oral histories or personal papers in the Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement collection and organizations with historical records.Bancroft Library - The Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement(link is external)

Contains work on intersectionality, the autistic movement, racial justice, queer and trans experiences, and disability rights....

Disability Studies:

The Disability Studies field explores how to best meet the challenges and alleviate the problems of those with impairments or disabilities, with emphasis on the role of those affected in defining problems and evaluating solutions.Disability Studies at UC Berkeley(link is external)

The Disability Studies Cluster aims to support theoretical and applied research, policy analysis, teaching and community partnership on...

Student Groups:

Hosts a variety of volunteering, mentoring, and fundraising events throughout the year that help promote acceptance and empower the Berkeley autism community.
Spectrum @Cal(link is external)

Serves as the representative undergraduate voice on mental health, acting as the central liaison between mental health stakeholders, addressing the intersectionalities of mental health.
...

Resources for Housing Accommodations:

Provides accessible housing to meet the needs of everyone.Berkeley Housing Accomodations(link is external)

Oversees nondiscrimination laws that require housing providers to grant requests for reasonable accommodations and modifications in housing, programs, and activities.
...

Resources for Legal Support:

Advises currently registered Cal students regarding their legal questions, rights, and obligations.UC Berkeley Student Legal Services(link is external)

Works to advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, training, education, and public policy and legislative development.
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)...

Reading Strategies/Resources:

Helps improve your understanding, recall, and retention of textbook material.SQ3R - Survey, Question, Read, Recall, Review(link is external)

A video tutorial about the SQ3R Reading Method.
SQ3R Video Tutorial(link is external)

A video detailing...

Note Taking Strategies:

A system for taking, organizing, and reviewing notes.Cornell Note Taking(link is external)

A note-taking method for iPad users.
The "Box-Method"(link is external)

Writing:

Helps students build confidence in their writing and enhances their ability to express rich ideas thoughtfully.College Writing Program - Writing Across Berkeley(link is external)

Writing worksheets, resources, and workshops that help students develop their writing skills.
...

Study Skills:

The Learning Scientists make scientific research on learning more accessible to students, teachers, and other educators.The Learning Scientists(link is external)

Study skills guides for students that provide everything you need in order to learn effectively.
Education Corner - Study Skills for Students(...

Resources for Academic and Learning Support:

The UC Berkeley Library provides special assistance to library users with disabilities in their use of the library and its resources.UC Berkeley Library - Disability Resources(link is external)

The Student Learning Center is the premier undergraduate academic support unit at UC Berkeley.
Student Learning Center...

Community-based Disability Resources:

Provides disability-related information, resources, and programs in the City of Berkeley.
City of Berkeley - Disability Resources(link is external)

A list of ADHD/LD providers that administer testing.
ADHD/LD Testing Referrals(link is external)

The...

Resources for Financial Support:

The Basic Needs Center serves as a space for students to create community and access coordinated basic needs services.
UC Berkeley Basic Needs(link is external)

CalFresh is California's food stamps (SNAP) program.
CalFresh(link is external)

Social Security offers an online disability...

How do I get my media captioned?

Submit captioning requests to DSP Captioning via the DSP portal (AIM). This includes all media including, but not limited to, bCourses videos, video and voiceover content, narrated embedded PowerPoint videos, videos listed on your syllabus, YouTube, TED Talks, Zoom lectures,...

How do I assign the captioner to a Zoom breakout room?

When assigning a captioner to the student during breakout sessions, please look for the captioner as a participant (Captioner). Please ensure the captioner is in the same breakout room as the student receiving the accommodation.

Breakout Room Instructions

How do I communicate with the captioner during a Zoom lecture?

You can communicate with the captioner in the Zoom chat. The captioner will be listed in the participant list as “Captioner.” In the event the Zoom chat is disabled, you can send a message to the captioner in the StreamText chat.

The captioners are captioning and monitoring multiple screens, so they will respond as they are able to.

Message to DSP Students Regarding Corona-virus and DSP Services

Your health and your wellbeing as disabled people is important. We know that COVID-19 can be more of a concern for some of you than to the general population. We hope you have found the university messages on travel, remote access to classrooms, health tips, and self-care useful. They can be found at Berkeley NewsHowever, we felt it was important to send a message particularly tailored to the disability community.

Below you will...

Faculty FAQ - Alternative Media

May a postsecondary institution disclose to a parent, without the student’s consent, information regarding a student’s violation of the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance?

Yes, if the student is under the age of 21 at the time of the disclosure. FERPA was amended in 1998 to allow such disclosures. See § 99.31(a)15 of the FERPA regulations. Also, if the student is a “dependent student” as defined in FERPA, the institution may disclosure such information, regardless of the age of the student.

What if my child is a minor and he or she is taking classes at a local college while still in high school – do I have rights?

If a student is attending a postsecondary institution – at any age – the rights under FERPA have transferred to the student. However, in a situation where a student is enrolled in both a high school and a postsecondary institution, the two schools may exchange information on that student. If the student is under 18, the parents still retain the rights under FERPA at the high school and may inspect and review any records sent by the postsecondary institution to the high school.

Can a postsecondary institution disclose financial records of an eligible student with the student’s parents?

If the student is a dependent for income tax purposes, the institution may disclose any education records, including financial records to a student’s parents. If the student is not a dependent, then the student must generally provide consent for the school to disclose the information to the parents.

If I am a parent of a college student, do I have the right to see my child’s education records, especially if I pay the bill?

As noted above, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student, once the student turns 18 years old or enters a postsecondary institution at any age. However, although the rights under FERPA have now transferred to the student, a school may disclose information from an “eligible student’s” education records to the parents of the student, without the student’s consent, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes. Neither the age of the student nor the parent’s status as a custodial parent is relevant. If a student is claimed as a dependent by either...

What is “Directory Information”?

FERPA defines “directory information” as information contained in the education records of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Typically, “directory information” includes information such as name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and dates of attendance. A school may disclose “directory information” to third parties without consent if it has given public notice of the types of information which it has designated as “directory...

Under what circumstances may a school disclose information from education records without consent?

There are several exceptions to FERPA’s general prior consent rule that are set forth in the statute and the regulations. See § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. One exception is the disclosure of “directory information” if the school follows certain procedures set forth in FERPA. (34 CFR § 99.31(a)(11).)

How am I informed about my rights under FERPA?

Educational agencies and institutions are required to notify parents and eligible students about their rights under FERPA. Section 99.7 of the FERPA regulations sets forth the requirements for the notification and there is a model notification on this Web site. Schools do not have to individually notify parents and eligible students but do have to notify them by any means that are reasonably likely to inform the parents or eligible students of their rights.

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”). The FERPA statute is found at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and the FERPA regulations are found at...

DSP Team

Meet our dedicated team of staff professionals, managers, and supervisors. We look forward to helping to meet your needs!

Can I request books from the Library?

If you have a library book that needs conversion, please use the Library's scanning services. You will receive an email with a link to a PDF and a DOCX. If the document you received needs further editing, please feel free to request this file from the Alternative Media Unit of DSP.

Why do I need to provide a receipt?

DSP must adhere to copyright guidelines and verify that students own the textbooks they are requesting. For detailed information please read our Alternative Media Guidelines

I am a graduate student and need alternative formats for non-course related academic work. Can I request alternative formats for these titles?

If you own a book that needs conversion, whether it is required for a class or not, please request a conversion from DSP's Alternative Media Unit by logging into AIM. You will need to provide a receipt or proof of ownership for any copyrighted materials.

Note: If you have a lot of books that you need converted, we recommend that you make an appointment with Alt Media staff so that we can prioritize what to convert...

How long does it take to get my files?

Books/course materials containing clean text (i.e. a novel) take 10-17 business days to process. Books containing STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), graphs, tables, or poor quality/markups (highlighting, underlining, writing, blurry text) generally take longer than 10 business days. For detailed information please read our Alternative Media Guidelines

I dropped/changed one or more of my classes and no longer need Alt Media for them, what do I do?

As soon as possible, email us at dspamc@berkeley.edu with your name, the name of the class(es), and the name of the book(s) in those classes so that we can cancel those requests immediately.

How do I request Alt Media?

To request alternative media each semester, you must log into AIM. Please see instructions on our website about how to request alternative media using AIM.

My assigned format is not working for me (I don’t like it), can a request a different format?

Please email the Alternative Media Supervisor with details of what is not working for you. Your format could be adjusted or changed.

How do I check to see what textbooks I need for my classes?

There are a few ways to do this. You can check on CalCentral or the Cal Student Store Textbook Lookup. Additionally, you can log into AIM and access the Alternative Media module. See the instructions about how to request alternative media for more information.

My instructor has not yet declared the titles of my textbooks, what do I do?

Fill out the Alternative Media Notice form as soon as possible. This will allow us to contact your instructor or course department for book and course material information. We will email you information as we receive it.

Other Support Services

UC Berkeley is committed to going beyond compliance and required accommodations to provide needed services for students with disabilities to support their success and graduation.

Learning Specialist: Our DSP Learning Specialist offers workshops, academic coaching, and a course, Access & Self-Advocacy: An Intro to UC Berkeley for Students with Disabilities. Many of their services are available through...

Where can I go to find an already captioned version of the film/video I want to play?

Media Resource Center (MRC)

DSP-Captioning YouTube account

DCMP Video Archives

Kanopy Streaming Service

**If you are unsure whether a video has proper captioning, please submit your media to the Captioned Media department for review...

What if the media I plan to use is from YouTube?

There are two options to have YouTube media captioned: Submit YouTube media and request captioning through the DSP portal AIM. Submit public and unlisted YouTube links via bCourses Submit YouTube media and request captioning through AIM

If the material is on YouTube, you should check to see if it’s appropriately captioned. If...

How long does it take to get media captioned?

For shorter videos of ten minutes or less, please allow 10 business days. For longer videos, please allow 15 business days. For last-minute media captioning requests, please submit your request via the DSP Portal (AIM) and indicate your desired turnaround time. Please plan accordingly. If videos are not captioned, they may not be shown in class or be required to view outside of class time.

Is a transcript of a video sufficient?

If the media has audio and video, it needs to have professional captions. A transcript is not sufficient to meet the captioned Media accommodation.

Career Services

DSP offers specialized career services for students with disabilities. Cal students registered with the Disabled Students’ Program can schedule hour-long one-on-one appointments with an experienced Career Counselor to support their career exploration, preparation, and job-seeking as an employee with a disability.

Ricardo Flores is our DSP Career Counselor. Ricardo has a Master’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. He is an experienced vocational expert who previously served as project coordinator for the National...

A notetaker has reached out to me and asked for permission to use their laptop. I do not allow students to use technology in class. What should I do?

Some DSP students have specific accommodations to receive typewritten notes from a student notetaker in their class. If this is the case, the notetaker should be allowed to use their laptop in the classroom as long as they have identified themselves to you. A DSP specialist will reach out to you to confirm the accommodation.

In my classroom, we often discuss sensitive topics/information. How do I handle this?

In this case, it’s best to reach out to the student's Disability Specialist to discuss your concerns and make a plan. Please do not discuss your concerns with your student. A common solution is to allow the student to record any lecture-based material, but turn the recording off during discussion of sensitive topics.

A student in my class has an audio recording accommodation, but I don’t allow recording.

All DSP students who are approved to audio record sign an Audio Recording Agreement. The agreement states that they acknowledge the recording is the intellectual property of the instructor and that they will not distribute the recording. You may request a copy of this from the students’ assigned Disability Specialist. If you still have concerns about audio recording in your class, please contact the Disability Specialist who signed the letter of accommodation.

A student in my class says they are not receiving notes. What should I do?

Instruct the student to contact dspnotes@berkeley.edu, and we will follow up with the student.

A student in my class has an accommodation to receive notes. Am I required to find the student a notetaker?

No action is required on your part. DSP’s Note Taking office will coordinate recruitment of notetakers and delivery of notes to the student. In certain cases, DSP may contact you directly for assistance in recruiting a notetaker.

My student needs an alternative format of my exam. What do I do?

If you are a faculty member or GSI who needs to convert an exam into an alternative format, please send an email to dspamc@berkeley.edu in which you share with us the following information:

Student name

Student ID

Class name

Professor name

CCN

Exam date

In your email, you can share with us your...

How can I check if the documents that I am using in my class are accessible to students who are blind or who use assistive technology?

How can I create accessible materials for my class?

OCR Scanners

Before you scan a document for use in your class, first check if the document is already available electronically through one of the Library’s subscriptions. If the book is in the public domain, you can also check for electronic copies at Project Gutenberg

If you cannot locate an electronic version of a text and...

A student in my class receives alternative media. What do I do?

If you know that a student is registered with the Disabled Students Program, please feel free to contact the Alternative Media Unit of DSP for help.

It is best practice to create an accessible version of your course before you are notified that a student has an accommodation. See the previous question for information about how to do that.

How can I prepare my classes so that they are accessible to students who use alternative media (braille, large print, e-Text)?

Adopt your textbooks and prepare your course reader before the Accommodation Deadline

If you are using a print shop for a course reader, retain a digital copy of the course reader files. DSP may need to request the digital version of your course reader for conversion purposes.

Create accessible versions of class documents, syllabi, handouts, and exams....

Why do students receive exam accommodations?

Exam accommodations are a more common accommodation because they accommodate students with many different types of disabilities. Some examples include: students with learning disabilities or physical disabilities who use assistive technologies may need additional time to read exam questions and produce responses; students with learning disabilities that impact processing speeds may need more time to process information; students with attention deficits may need both additional time and a reduced distraction environment.

Can I relocate students during an exam?

Generally, no. This can be very disruptive to students who need exam accommodations. The exception would be if the chosen space was no longer appropriate because of unanticipated background noise or disruptions.

Can I refuse a disability-related request for a make-up exam and instead drop the exam and add the points to a future exam? (sometimes known as clobber policies)

Faculty may offer this as an option to students. However, if the student has a documented disability-related need for a make-up exam as verified by the Disability Specialist, then the student has a right to take a make-up exam. The exam may be an alternate exam of the same format and difficulty as the original exam. The faculty member may also choose to administer the same exam and have the student sign an academic honesty agreement.

Can I provide DSP exam accommodations myself?

Yes, so long as each student is provided with their individual accommodations. If you have any questions about specific accommodations for any student, please contact the student’s Disability Specialist for assistance.

Can DSP Proctoring proctor exams during RRR week?

University policy prohibits administering any final assessments during RRR week. For further clarification, please consult the Committee on Courses of Instruction (COCI) Handbook, section 2.1.12 Reading, Review, and Recitation (RRR) Week Guidelines

Will DSP Proctoring notify me of my DSP student's proctoring details?

When a student's exam is approved you will receive an email thread notifying you of your students' scheduled exams, including all relevant details. You will receive a separate email for each student in one email thread.

How do I request proctoring services for exams?

To request proctoring services for your class, log in to your DSP Faculty Portal and click on the Proctoring module on the left side of the page. Click on the Testing Agreement and answer all questions in that form. Once you have submitted the testing agreement, students will be responsible for scheduling their own exams. Space is limited and we may not be able to seat all your students. We will give priority to students with complex accommodations...

Can DSP Proctoring proctor exams at night?

Due to staffing considerations, we are unable to proctor evening exams. All regular-semester exams must end by 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. All final exams must end no later than 6 pm. Please call our office at (510) 643-4691 or email proctoring@berkeley.edu to discuss your needs.

Can DSP Proctoring proctor online exams?

We are unable to proctor online exams at this time. For assistance with online exams, please contact Digital Learning Services or email: bcourseshelp@berkeley.edu

What measures are taken to promote academic integrity?

DSP Proctoring takes academic integrity very seriously. All of our proctors are well trained and are constantly monitoring exams in our testing locations. Students must show a photo ID when they arrive and agree to all conditions before an exam begins. Cell phones and smart watches must be turned off in front of the proctor and stowed away for the duration of the exam. Students are asked to sign in/out when using the bathroom, and proctors are continually walking the floor to deter any potential for cheating. Any suspicious activity is logged and reported to the instructor...

If a student is late to their exam, do they receive their full amount of time?

If a student is late for their exam, they will not be granted any additional time. If they are more than 30 minutes late, they will not be allowed to start their exam unless we get approval from the instructor. We will call the contact number submitted on the proctoring request form for approval.

If a student misses their exam, can they reschedule with DSP Proctoring?

If an instructor would like us to reschedule a student’s exam, please email our office at proctoring@berkeley.edu. We will be happy to reschedule the exam at the instructor’s request. Please do not have students contact us directly to reschedule an exam. Exams can only be scheduled with faculty approval.

How can I communicate changes or errors in the exam to my students while they are taking their exam with DSP Proctoring?

To communicate any changes to your exam while the exam is taking place, please call the DSP Proctoring Center at (510) 643-4691. We will notify your students of the changes. Please keep in mind that your students may be located in different buildings, and reaching all of your students may take time.

When can I pick up completed exams from the DSP Proctoring office?

Exams must be picked up in person in our office beginning at 8:30 am the day after the exam. Pick-up hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

When should I drop off exams to the DSP Proctoring office?

Exams must be delivered to us in one of the following ways:

1.) Email the exam in an attachment to proctoring@berkeley.edu no later than 4:30 PM 2 BUSINESS DAYS prior to the date of the exam. Please include the Department and course number in the subject line.

2.) Upload exams through your Faculty Portal no later than 4:30 PM 2 BUSINESS DAYS prior to the date of the exam.

3.)Hand-delivered in person at the Proctoring Center no later than 4:30 pm one business day before the...

Do I need to fill out a new request for each individual exam?

Faculty need to submit a testing agreement for each class for which they are requesting exams. Once the testing agreement is submitted, students will be responsible for requesting and scheduling their own exams through their DSP Student Portal.

Can students in DSP take their exam at a different day and/or time than the class?

Students can only schedule their exams on the dates entered by the instructor in the Testing Agreement. However, the system will allow students to schedule their exams at any time between the hours of 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM for regular-semester exams. If you want your students to schedule their exams at a specific time it is your responsibility to notify your students to schedule their exams at the time determined by you.

For final exams, students are restricted to...

Faculty FAQs

For more information, take the DSP Online Training, DISABILITY, ACCOMMODATION, AND ACCESS IN THE UC CLASSROOM in the UC Learning Center: https://uc.sumtotal.host/rcore/c/pillarRedirect?relyingParty=LM&url=app%...

Who is responsible for ensuring accessibility standards are met? What resources and training are available for faculty?

Faculty are responsible for making their own websites accessible and providing accommodations for students with disabilities in an online course. There are many campus resources to assist faculty with this.

Resources for building accessible websites can be found here: https://webaccess.berkeley.edu/home

Resources for online instruction: ...

There’s been a lot of discussion about online access recently. Can you explain the difference between the accessibility standard for websites and accommodations for online classes?

UC Berkeley is required to ensure that anything posted in public forums (for example, University websites or YouTube Channels) is fully accessible to persons with disabilities and can be accessed using assistive technology ( i.e. screen readers) and also includes video captions. Any information that is posted in your official university capacity that is visible to any member of the public must meet this accessibility standard.

Online courses or websites that are only accessible to registered students must provide accommodations as described in...

As I’m planning my class, is there anything I can do to make my class more accessible so students require fewer accommodations to participate in my class?

We’re so glad you asked! The more accessible your class is for students with disabilities, the fewer accommodations students will require to participate in your class. As an additional benefit, when your class is more accessible for students with disabilities, it will be more accessible for students without disabilities, too!

The paradigm of Universal Design recognizes that disability is just one facet of an individual’s identity and that disability is neither negative nor an inherent barrier to access. Universal Design asks us to consider for...

Can I send an email to all of my DSP students?

Yes, please be sure to use bcc to not violate the privacy of your DSP students.

A DSP student has an accommodation to use a laptop, and I do not allow laptops in my classroom.

Some students use assistive technology on a laptop to assist them with note taking. If a DSP student has an accommodation for the use of a laptop for disability-related reasons, please allow the DSP student to use their laptop. Students should not be told where to sit in the classroom.

In your syllabus, please state that students who need a laptop should contact the instructor to request an exception. In this way, you can avoid specifically singling out students with disabilities.

Can I, instead of offering a make-up exam, require the student to roll the points for the missed exam into future exams?

Faculty may offer this as an option to students. However, if the student has a documented disability-related need for a make-up exam as verified by the Disability Specialist, then the student has a right to take a make-up exam. The exam may be an alternate exam of the same format and difficulty as the original exam. The faculty member may also choose to administer the same exam and have the student sign an academic honesty agreement.

Is it okay for me to give the student a grade of Incomplete and ask them to take the final exam with next semester’s class?

The day of my final exam, a student in my class had a disability-related absence. The student now wants me to provide them with a make-up exam, which their accommodation letter allows for. Is it okay for me to give the student a grade of Incomplete and ask them to take the final exam with next semester’s class?

If the student is in good standing in your class at the time of the missed final, you can offer the student the option of an incomplete grade to allow them to take a make-up exam when they are well enough to do so. However, you cannot require a student to wait a full semester to take the final exam with another class if the student requests to take the exam earlier. In most cases, if a student has missed an exam due to a flare in the impact of their disability, the student will be able to take the exam within days of the flare subsiding. If this is the case, it would not...

A student in my class is requesting an extension on their homework assignment, but their accommodation letter doesn’t say how many additional days I should allow them. How do I know how much additional time to provide?

Guidance on implementing assignment extension accommodations

Allowance for extensions on take-home assignments may be needed to address the impact of some student's disabilities. Students who may need this accommodation include students who take longer to produce assignments because they use assistive technology (for example, speech to text) or students who have periodic flares of illness that may sometimes interfere with meeting deadlines.

Students with an assignment extension accommodation must communicate the need for an extension on each assignment unless otherwise...

The location of my classroom was changed to accommodate a student with a disability. How could a change of classroom location serve as a disability accommodation?

Sometimes a student with disabilities may need to have a classroom location changed in order to have full access to your course. Most frequently, this is because a classroom was not fully accessible for a student who is using a wheelchair for mobility, because the building is in a campus location that the student has significant difficulty physically travelling to and from because of the impact of their disability, or because the classroom lacks the technology needed for real-time captioning. If you have any concerns about the change, please contact a DSP Disability Specialist...

How far in advance must students with disabilities inform an instructor about needed accommodations?

Students who work with DSP are strongly urged to request and send letters of accommodation as soon as they register for a course or become eligible for accommodations. However, the University must make every effort to accommodate students, regardless of the timing of the notice of a student's need for accommodations. DSP may be able to assist with late requests. Please contact the Disability Specialist who sent the student’s accommodation letter if you need assistance.

Are there ways for students to receive approval of or support for academic accommodations other than through DSP?

Yes. Students may request accommodations through other processes and offices, including the Title IX office, Path to Care, and the Center for Support and Intervention. For questions about accommodations for reasons other than disability (for example, Title IX accommodations), please reach out to the referring office with questions. More information is available at Academic Accommodations Hub

What if I object to a recommendation in DSP's letter of accommodation?

Please contact the Disability Specialist who sent the accommodation letter to resolve any logistical or other concerns you may have. The Disability Specialists know that their recommendations can occasionally inadvertently compromise the purposes or standards of a class, and they are ready to discuss such concerns with you. You are not obligated to fundamentally alter the objectives of your course.

When DSP and an instructor disagree regarding the appropriateness of an accommodation for a particular course, the...

Are students required to speak with faculty to initiate accommodations?

We do encourage students to have a conversation with their instructors about their accommodations. These conversations can be helpful for both parties. DSP Disability Specialists can also help facilitate these conversations and assist faculty with setting up an agreement with students about accommodations (for example, Disability Specialists can help instructors and students determine the parameters for acceptable numbers of absences or timelines for assignment extensions). However, we cannot require students to have a conversation about their accommodations with their...

If I receive a late accommodation letter, do I need to accommodate for past weeks in the semester?

Accommodations are not retroactive, so you are not responsible for provision of accommodations prior to the date that the accommodation letter is issued. You do have the discretion to retroactively accommodate a student if you would like to. For instance, if a student becomes active in DSP in the middle of the semester and their accommodation letter requires flexibility with assignment deadlines, you have the discretion to accept their late work from earlier in the semester. However, you are not required to do so. If you have any concerns about the...

Why do we receive late letters of accommodation? Can you set a deadline for students to apply for accommodations each semester?

DSP does not have a deadline by which students can apply for services. Students can be diagnosed with or acquire disabilities at any time, and the process of obtaining disability documentation can also take time. Sometimes students who already have a disability identity will wait to seek services until they have first tried participating at Berkeley without formal accommodations. Students may also find that the impact of their disability has changed during the semester and that they need additional support in accessing their program of study due...

Why doesn’t my student’s accommodation letter state what their disability is? How can I verify that their accommodation request in my class is related to their disability? Can I request medical documentation from a student with DSP accommodations?

Students with disabilities have a right to privacy regarding their medical diagnoses and medical documentation. For this reason, we ask faculty not to request medical documentation from students with disabilities. If you feel that it is necessary to verify that a student’s request is disability related, you can contact the student’s assigned Disability Specialist. The Disability Specialist can review the student’s documentation on file and confirm whether there is a disability-related need for an absence, assignment extension, or other...

How is the decision made that a student needs accommodations? How does a student become eligible for DSP services?

Not every student with a disability attending UC Berkeley is utilizing DSP services. The decision to connect with DSP is an individual choice for students with disabilities. If a student believes that they will require accommodations to have equal access to participate in their program at Berkeley, they need to take the formal step of applying for accommodations.

Students first apply online to create an account with DSP that will allow our office to keep students’ disability records separate from their academic and other campus records....

What if a student says that they have a disability, but I have not received a letter of accommodation from DSP?

We ask faculty to refer students back to DSP rather than provide informal accommodations. Informal accommodations may not meet the student’s disability-related access needs. If a student is not yet active in DSP and has an immediate concern, instructors can provide the same consideration for extenuating circumstances that they would provide for students without disabilities. For instance, if a student breaks their hand the night before your exam and asks you if they can have some extra time because their typing is slower, you have the discretion to allow this adjustment without...

A student with a disability is enrolled in my class. What adjustments or other accommodations must I make?

If the student is being served by DSP, you will receive a letter of accommodation that specifically describes the accommodations to which a student is entitled to ensure their equal access to your course. If a student requests accommodations on the basis of disability and you have not yet received an accommodation letter, then you should ask the student to log in to their DSP account via the DSP website to request that a letter of accommodation from DSP is sent to you. Once you have been sent the electronic copy of the accommodation letter, you are then required to provide...

I have been teaching at Berkeley for some time, and the number of students with disabilities in my classes seems to increase every semester. Are more students with disabilities attending Berkeley? Why do the numbers seem to keep going up?

In 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act was amended, broadening the definition of disability to include more persons with non-apparent disabilities (for example, chronic health conditions and psychological disabilities). In addition, IDEA, the law that governs K-12 services for students with disabilities, has provided greater opportunity for students with disabilities to excel academically, graduate high school, and successfully matriculate to higher education.

Universities nationwide are experiencing unprecedented growth in the numbers of...

Ricardo Flores

TRiO Career Advisor/Career Services Counselor

Ricardo Flores Career Services

Heather Yaden

TRiO Learning Specialist

Rochelle Barnes

DSP TRiO Director

Rochelle Brown earned a bachelor’s in Sociology from Pitzer College and a master’s degree in Counseling from the University of La Verne.

Student Support Workshops

There is one academic study skills course and several workshops offered to students in TRiO DSP throughout the year. If you have any questions about any of the workshops offered, please contact dsp-trio@berkeley.edu. For accommodation requests, please send us an email.

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Cal TRiO DSP Student Support Services Staff

TRiO SSS Director Rochelle Barnes

Rochelle Barnes Cal TRiO DSP SSS Director

Rochelle Barnes earned a bachelor’s in Sociology from Pitzer College and a master’s degree in Counseling from the University of La Verne.

Read...

TRIO DSP SSS - Program Highlights and Statistics

General Statistics

Total Number of Applications Received from 2020 to 2021: 184

Total Number of Students Admitted from 2020 to 2021: 101

Total Number of Graduates (December 2021 & Spring 2022): 49

Average GPA of TRIO graduates: 3.36

Most popular major for graduates: Sociology, B.A. (30%)

Most popular major for continuing...

What Students Are Saying About Cal TRiO DSP SSS

TRiO Students attending an event at the TRiO center

Here are a few comments from current and past students about their experiences participating in our UC Berkeley CAL TRiO DSP SSS program:

The Cal TRiO DSP SSS program is here for you. I am so excited to be able to go to an office and speak with staff members that understand what I am going through. They not only listen to...

Notetaking Policies

Class notes are not intended to substitute for class attendance. The Purpose and Provision of Class notes

A student’s creation of class notes for personal use or study is more than a form of merely recording classroom information for later review and memorization to assist in recalling information presented to the student while attending class. The process of creating class notes assists students in analyzing, synthesizing, and organizing the information and concepts presented in the classroom into a cognitive framework customized to meet the individual student’s unique learning needs....

How do I become an ally for autistic students on campus?

With the projected growing population of neurodiverse students entering 4 year universities in the next decade, it is advantageous for campus communities to design a culture that embraces and showcases neurodiversity acceptance and inclusion. The DSP Autism Services Program, Spectrum Connect, offers a training program for staff, faculty and allies to learn more about autism and best practices for accessibility on campus. We are seeking to build a community of faculty & staff that can act as advocates and educators for neurodivergent students. For more information about...

A student with autism has communicated to our GSI that they are having trouble finding lab partners and working collaboratively in group settings. What can they do to support them?

Autism diagnoses are often characterized by social and communication deficits. These barriers can make it very challenging for students to engage in the process of finding partners and to communicate effectively when working in pairs or small groups. It can be helpful to select student groups ahead of time to avoid the potential challenge of group outreach and matching. Another suggestion would be to meet with the student 1:1 to outline the components of a given lab or project and to identify portions of the assignment that the student can best showcase and contribute their...

A student who has disclosed an autism diagnosis is demonstrating unique behaviors in class. How do I learn more about the nature of these behaviors and initiate an open dialogue with the student about them?

As a general guideline, when communicating with a student with autism, it is important to utilize concise and direct language; try to avoid using figurative language or sarcasm. If a behavior is observed that a faculty or staff member has questions or concerns about, it is recommended to first meet with the student 1:1 to talk about the observed behavior. This meeting should occur before or after class and/or during office hours if accessible. Please keep in mind that observed behaviors could be a general misinterpretation or a result of a specific manifestation of...

What is the best way to communicate with a student who discloses an autism identity?

The student is the best person to answer this question, as every student has their individual communication preferences. In general, direct, written communication has shown to be effective. It is common for students who have autism to identify as visual learners over auditory learners , so providing visual notes, structured outlines, checklists and timelines can be really effective for supportive communication. When meeting 1:1 with a student, writing down key takeaways from your discussion and sharing them with the student can ensure that the student walks away with clear...

How do I know if a student in my class has autism?

Generally speaking, knowing whether or not a student has autism in your class is not necessary in order to implement supportive communication and teaching strategies that could potentially benefit all students in your course. Examples of such strategies can include designing a course syllabus that is structured with explicit information about course objectives, assignment breakdowns, office hours, and further opportunities for progress monitoring support. Offering visual content such as powerpoint presentations to all students and/or recordings of direct instruction can...

Get Involved!

Page under construction

Autism Spectrum Services: For Faculty

Resources and tutorials highlighting best practice for the development of accessible and inclusive teaching practices for all students, including individuals with autism. If you are a faculty or staff member at Cal and are interested in scheduling a training session with the Spectrum Connect team, please complete the Campus Training Interest form on the Autism Spectrum Services homepage.

OAR Students with Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for College Personnel
...

Autism Spectrum Services: For Parents & Allies

Resources that offer guidelines for families and allies of students who identify with disability who are transitioning to the post secondary education setting.

Differences between disability services offered in K-12 & Higher Education
http://depts.washington.edu/uwdrs/differences-between-k-12-and-postsecondary-education/

Cited from: University of Washington...

Autism Spectrum Services: Resources for Students

Christian Yee

Auxiliary Services Supervisor

Picture of Note-Taking Coordinator Christian YeeChristian Yee has been with the Disabled Students' Program since 2014.

Trenna Davis

CART/ASL Supervisor

Picture of CART/ASL Supervisor Trenna DavisTrenna Davis is the Realtime Captioning and ASL Communication Supervisor.......

Resources

A collection of autism centered resources for all members of the UC Berkeley campus community.

Brochure

Martha Velasquez

Associate Director and Manager of Auxiliary Services

Martha VelasquezMartha Velasquez has been the Associate Director since November 2017.

DSP Managers and Supervisors

Organizational Chart

DSP History

A Brief History of Disability Activism and DSP at Cal

UC Berkeley was one of the first campuses in the US to begin accommodating students with disabilities. This happened because of the activism of students who pushed UC Berkeley to provide equal learning opportunities for persons with disabilities. The disability activism of our UC Berkeley students helped ignite a civil rights movement that led to the passage of the ADA and continues to shape policy today.

Student Activists

The Disabled Students’ Program and the disability rights movement were also born out of student...

Accommodations Descriptions

Page is under construction.

Exam Conversion

If you are a faculty member or GSI who needs to convert an exam into an alternative format, please send an email to dspamc@berkeley.edu in which you share with us the following information:

Student name

Student ID

Class name

Professor name

CCN

Exam date

In your email, you can share...

Application Process

Application Process

If you have already had an intake appointment and you are already active in the Disabled Students' Program, you may go directly to Student Login to request letters and services.

All students taking classes at UC Berkeley (including admitted degree students, Summer Sessions students, and students studying abroad at UC Berkeley) are responsible for completing the following steps to request academic accommodations on the basis of disability:...

Stephanie D. LaBarge

Lead Disability Specialist & Supervisor

Picture of Disability Specialist Stephanie FloresHello and welcome to my page! I joined the UC Berkeley DSP team in January 2018.

Alvaro Gomez

Disability Specialist

Picture of Disability Specialist Alvaro GomezBorn and raised in the Bay Area, Alvaro Francisco Gomez has been working in the field of Disability and Higher Education for the past 25 years.

Kurzweil 3000 Resources

Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 is a scan and read software program that students can use to access their reading materials, whether on the web or in digital file formats (PDF, DOCX, and EPUB). Kurzweil uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology to convert inaccessible versions of text into text that students can select and hear read out loud by the program. When reading texts with Kurzweil, students can see the text highlighted and can adjust the size of the text for easier viewing. Kurzweil also offers many annotation features and writing supports that can enhance a student’s...

International Student Note Takers

A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to receive the monetary stipend at the end of the semester. If you do not have an SSN you can still serve as a volunteer notetaker and receive a gift card for up to $75 at the end of the semester.

Please feel free to reach out to us at dspnotes@berkeley.edu if you have any questions.

Julie Greene

Disability Specialist - Graduate Students

Photo of Disability Specialist Julie GreeneWelcome to my DSP page! I joined the Berkeley community in January 2018...

DSP Specialists

DSP Disability Specialists

Our Disability Specialists serve each student individually by conducting intakes, determining accommodations and DSP services, referring students to campus and community resources, and assisting students in working with faculty to carry out accommodations. Each DSP student works with one DSP specialist. The specialist should be the student's first contact when the student experiences any problems or concerns with their accommodations or services or if the student needs to adjust their accommodations. See bios for more information about our specialists. We...

Carolyn Swalina

Lead Disability Specialist & Supervisor

Photo of Lead Disability Specialist Carolyn SwalinaWhen I graduated from high school, I had no idea that I would eventually pursue a career working with college students.

Employment Opportunities

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) is recognized for its commitment to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities at UC Berkeley and helps students to achieve academic success through its programs. DSP provides a wide array of legally mandated services to students with disabilities and consists of approximately 50 FTE, serves over 5500 students, and hires over 400 service providers and student volunteers to provide educational support to this growing population. The unit has an annual operating budget of approximately $3.5 million in...

Annual Report and Data

DSP Annual Report

End of year data for FY 2019-20

Chart A: Students served and Auxiliary Services requests- The University is required by federal law to provide accommodations and services to students with disabilities who register with DSP. This chart is an overall summary of the growth of the number of DSP students over an 8 year period and the growth in requests for mandated services.

Academic Year

2013-14

...

Resources for Parents, Families, and Allies

The transition from high school to college also means a change in student privacy protections and changes in the way students receive accommodations and services. The following resources will aid in the understanding of the high school-college transition.

Autism Spectrum Services

Policies

DSP Policies

DSP has student policies to guide our students on using our services, provide for the fair resolution of complaints and concerns, and establish consistency in our practices. Some of the most important student policies follow below. University and systemwide policies may be found here.

What Are Accommodations?

Accommodations are adjustments to policies, procedures, and practices that serve to remove barriers and allow students with disabilities...

Carolyn Swalina

Lead Disability Specialist

Emily Paulson

collapse my bio expand to read my bio About Me

Hello, and welcome to my DSP webpage. I started my career with the UC Berkeley DSP in January of 2018. I am a licensed Special Education Teacher with 10 years of experience working in the K-12 system supporting students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Over the course of my career, I have had the great opportunity to gain extensive experience working with students on the...

Stephanie LaBarge

About Me

Stephanie Joined the UC Berkeley DSP team in January 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University and a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling with a specialization in College Student Services from Saint Mary’s College of CA. Stephanie uses a student-centered approach when working with students and finds the best solutions for students by using empathy, active listening and holistic approaches.

She brings over 11 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities of all ages both in the...

Julie Greene

About Me:

Welcome to my DSP page! I joined the Berkeley community in January 2018 and bring with me over six years experience working with students with varying disabilities, with over four of those years in higher education. In working with college students, I have adopted a person-centered approach and emphasize the importance of a student’s narrative and the understanding of one’s self and needs.

I graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. After some time spent traveling and teaching...

Alice Wong

Welcome to my DSP page! I joined the UC Berkeley community in January 2018. I worked the previous year as a Disability Specialist. Prior to that I was an Alternate Format Production Facilities and Assistive Technology Manager for 13 years at Stanford University. I have 20+ years of experience working at the college level with students with disabilities.

My approach to working with students with disabilities is to thoughtfully listen to them and confirm that I understand their academic needs. I want to provide students with resources to level the academic playing field and deliver...

Laurica Brown

About Me: I'm excited to work with all of you. Check back for updates soon!

The Loop Golf Cart

The Loop is a golf cart that provides intra-campus rides for eligible faculty, staff, and students with disabilities on a first-come, first-served basis. This service was created to assist persons with mobility disabilities (including temporary disability as a result of injury) and visual impairments. The Loop only operates on the core campus.

Eligibility for the Loop

All riders must demonstrate a disability-related need to receive approval to use the Loop. Campus Access Services receives...

Cal TRiO DSP Student Support Services

Drop-In Appointment Procedures Change

This page is obsolete and can be deleted.

No Specialists Available 11/17/16 from 12 noon - 1:30

Specialists will be in a training during that time. Our apologies for any inconveniences.

11/17/16 No Specialists available from 12-1:30

Specialists will be in a training session at this time. We apologogize for any inconveniences.

Accessibility Responsibilities

We all share a concern about reducing the high cost of course materials and ensuring those materials are accessible by our students. Please see below for information regarding instructors’ responsibilities and important upcoming deadlines for submitting assigned course books and readers.

Accessibility:

Each faculty has the responsibility* to identify instructional materials for his or her courses far enough in advance of the semester that the Disabled Students Program has adequate time to convert them into an accessible format, e.g., Braille, large print, digital/electronic. Timely...

Become TRiO!

Expectations

The Federal TRiO programs have proven to be helpful in increasing retention, good academic standing, and graduation rates of students. To benefit from TRiO’s history of success, TRiO DSP SSS students must comply with the following expectations:

Create a Student Success Plan Complete the Financial Literacy/Financial Advising Courses Complete the Career Exploration/Readiness Assessments Meet with TRiO DSP SSS Coordinator and/or Learning Specialist twice a semester Attend at least one Academic Workshop,...

What is TRiO?

What is TRiO?

Cal TRiO DSP SSS is one of nine Federal TRiO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education that supports eligible students to excel throughout their academic career--from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. TRiO began with demands for greater access to higher education in the 1960s. It was the first national college access and retention program to address the severe social and cultural barriers to higher education in America.

The nine TRiO...

DSP Process for Class Notes

The Purpose and Provision of Class Notes

Class notes are not intended to substitute for class attendance by the student with a disability.

A student’s creation of class notes for personal use or study is more than a form of merely recording classroom information for later review and memorization to assist in recalling information presented to the student while attending class. The process of creating class notes assists students in analyzing, synthesizing and organizing the information and concepts presented in the classroom into a cognitive framework customized to...

Letters of Accommodation

Letters of Accommodation (LOA’s)

When students give you Letters of Accommodation (LOA’s) from DSP, you:

Are responsible for providing the accommodations listed. Are not required to compromise the academic integrity of your course by giving passing grades to students who have failed to demonstrate the required level of understanding or performance competency. Contact the DSP specialist (not the student) immediately with any concerns. Are not responsible for providing retroactive accommodations. Accommodations become your responsibility only after a DSP student has submitted a request to...

Classroom Accessibility

At UC Berkeley, the vast majority of classrooms are accessible to people with all manners of disabilities. With only a few exceptions our classrooms are wheelchair accessible, and many of the largest lecture halls also contain accessible classroom furniture. Some students require additional furniture accommodations that allow them to fully participate in their courses and, despite the general accessibility of classrooms, some rooms present access barriers to students with other access needs. To support all students in participating in their courses, DSP Auxiliary Services...

About

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) provides services to meet the unique educational needs of regularly enrolled students with permanent or temporary disabilities. Our staff includes disability specialists, service providers, and accessibility experts who serve our students with disabilities throughout their educational career.

DSP is under the umbrella of the Equity and Inclusion division, as disability is a part of the diversity fabric. While the primary focus and mission of DSP is to serve documented disabled students, DSP staff also work closely with faculty...

Self-Scan Lab

Hours of Operation: Day Time Monday - Friday

9AM-12PM

1PM-4:30PM

For a 15-20 minute tutorial on self-scanning, please send an e-mail to the Alt Media Liaison.

Scan Station Software

Each scan station is equipped with the following software:

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) Kurzweil 3000...

Documentation for DSP

Students applying for DSP accommodations should provide DSP with the preferred disability documentation listed below in order to determine eligibility for DSP services. If the documents listed are not available to you, please submit any documentation you have and complete your DSP application.

The University Health Services Care Manager can speak with students about their needs and help them navigate services at the Tang Center. Assistance includes making appointments for DSP documentation, coordinating care with Counseling and Psychological...

Admission to UC Berkeley

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is your best resource for information about applying for admission to Berkeley if you have a disability.

If you are interested in accessibility at Berkeley, one of the best sources of information about physical access on the Berkeley campus is Disability Access & Compliance. It has maps that outline physical access to buildings on campus and the slope of campus paths, links to transportation options in the local area...

Transitioning to UC Berkeley

From the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Website

Section 504 and Title II of the ADA protect elementary, secondary, and postsecondary students from discrimination. Nevertheless, several of the requirements that apply through high school are different from the requirements that apply beyond high school.

An individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan, if you have one, may help identify services that have been effective for you. This is generally...

Temporary Conditions

DSP may provide academic accommodations for students with temporary or unexpected conditions that limit their ability to fully participate in academic programing without having accommodations. Some examples of temporary conditions that may require accommodations include:

Pregnant students experiencing pregnancy-related functional limitations (pregnant students not experiencing pregnancy-related functional limitations can seek pregnancy accommodations through the campus Title IX Office). Students with recently aquired injuries,...

Campus TTY

The following campus offices can be contacted directly by TTY:

Admissions: Graduate
(510) 642-7405

Admissions: Undergraduate & Relations with Schools
(510) 642-8396

The Campus ADA/504 Compliance Office
(510) 643-5116

Campus Operator
(510) 642-9900

Career & Graduate School Services
(510) 642-0592

Disabled Students' & Alumni Placement Program
(510) 642-0592

Disabled Students' Program
(510) 642-6376...

Proctoring with DSP - What to Expect the Day of Your Exam

All students taking exams with DSP Proctoring will be held to the same standard as all students as outlined in the Berkeley Campus Code of Student Conduct(link is external) and the Academic Honor Code, which includes the following: “As a member of the UC Berkeley community, I act with honesty, integrity, and respect for others.” Proctoring with DSP...

With Your Department

Accommodation Terms

Here is a list of terms that may be on accommodation letters for students and suggestions on how to appropriatly meet those accommodations. If you have any questions please email proctoring@berkeley.edu.

Reduced Distraction

The Student should be placed in a room that is quiet, with minimal movement or distractions both inside and outside the room, such as frequent opening and closing of doors, loud foot traffic outside the room, or construction noises outside the window.

The room should not...

Other Services

Contact Information

Christian Yee, Auxiliary Services Supervisor

260 Chavez Student Center

Berkeley, CA 94720

Email: dspnotes@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)

Phone: (510)-642-0518

Wheelchair Repair

Vendors List Grandmar

15079 Wicks Blvd, San Leandro
(510) 895-0441
Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; appointments recommended

Only provides service and repairs for equipment that has been purchased directly from Grandmar. Accepts MediCal & Medi-Care, Medi-Medi, (private insurance, cash & credit cards) Limited transportation, equipment only Repairs all chairs, scooters, chargers, & hoyer lifts Repairs most hospital beds and rents beds & commodes Sells DME (Durable Medical Equipment) and bathroom supplies Seating and alignments, (side supports, belts, cushions, etc.) Rents...

Auxiliary In-Class Assistance/Readers

Students may require additional assistance in the classroom environment. Students may be assigned an assistant based on their individual needs.

Lab Assistance

A lab assistant can be provided to assist with laboratory classes. Tasks that the auxiliary assistants provide in a lab class include but are not limited to, physical manipulation of lab materials as needed by the student, adjusting and moving lab equipment as described by the student, taking dictation for lab recording of data, and completion of worksheets during lab....

Note Taking: Steps for Obtaining Notes

The following steps are designed to assist DSP in accommodating you with timely and effective note-taking services through cooperation, good communication, and advance notice. Failure to follow these steps may result in a delay in receiving note-taking services.

DSP Note Taking Request Process Utilize priority enrollment to sign up for classes

As a DSP student, you receive priority enrollment so that you are able to predict your class schedule in advance, and in turn, you are able to provide DSP with advance notice of your need for note-taking services.

Log into your DSP Account...

Who We Serve

DSP serves currently enrolled UC Berkeley students with documented disabilities seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additionally, DSP staff collaborates with UC Berkeley faculty, staff, departments, and other campus partners to ensure that all students with disabilities have inclusive and equally accessible educational opportunities at UC Berkeley.

Who We Are

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) supports students with disabilities in achieving academic success at the world’s top-ranked public higher education institution. Our staff includes disability specialists, service providers, and accessibility experts who serve our students with disabilities throughout their educational career. Get to know our staff better here through our staff profiles. We look forward to meeting you!

Exam Accommodations

Applying for Accommodations

Apply early. If you think you will need an accommodation for a standardized exam, begin the application process well ahead of time. You will need to submit your "request for accommodations" with your other application materials. (Never submit the request for accommodations separately from the other materials.) If you submit the entire packet early, there may be time for you to submit additional materials if you are asked for them. If you are denied accommodations, there may be time to appeal.

Review all direction for test-takers...

Financial Aid

On-Campus Resources Financial Aid Office

Cal Student Central
120 Sproul Hall
Phone: (510) 664-9181
Fax: (510) 643-2015

Mailing Address:
Financial Aid and Scholarships Office
UC Berkeley
201 Sproul Hall #1960
Berkeley, CA 94720-1960

Financial Aid drop-in hours

The Financial Aid Office offers drop-in office hours for DSP. Contact your specialist for more information.

Understanding Student Billing (CARS) Statements

The...

Preparing for Graduation

Discuss your post-graduation plans with the TRIO Coordinator or DSP Specialist

Consider how your disability may affect you in grad school, pre-professional school, or your chosen career. Before graduation, what plans can you make to maximize your assets and minimize your limitations?

See your TRIO Specialist for information and referral for resources for applying to and financing graduate school. You may also be eligible for accomodations on the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and other pre-grad and pre-professional school exams. Details are available through the...

Peer Support

Peer Advisor and Career Coach (PACC) program

Seasoned Cal students are available to answer questions, provide advice, coordinate activities, and help you navigate the campus successfully. PACC 's also faciliate topic-specific discussions to provide oppotuntiies to develop and enhance personal, social and career preparation.

Join a student group

Cal has over 500 student groups. Get involved.

Transfer, Re-entry, and Student Parent Center (TRSP)

The...

Achieving Academic Goals

Academic Tips Check out the resources of the Student Learning Center (SLC)

The SLC offers credit-bearing classes linked to lecture courses, as well as tutoring, study groups, problem sessions, exam reviews, and mini-lectures—all designed to improve students' mastery of course material.

Seek regular academic advising and assistance from your DSP Specialist

Individual consultations are also available on assistance with: major selection, college requirements, and coursework to prepare for graduate school; test anxiety...

Financial Literacy

Learn skills to increase your financial independence and manage your money

TRIO students are expected to complete at least one of our short, interactive Financial Literacy online modules (FL 101) each year. The modules are designed to give you the skills necessary to manage your money and increase your financial independence.

All students on financial aid are encouraged to complete the short module Using Financial Aid to Pay for College (Course number 188). This module describes the basics of financial...

Application

There is a saying, a long journey begins with the first step. The first step to be a TRIO participant is to complete the application process. Stay tuned, as the application will soon be posted on this page. Application

In Progress

Follow the bSpace and Facebook pages

After you have applied, and been accepted, read DSP e-mails, as well as follow us on bSpace and Facebook for the latest with academic deadlines; disability-related events on campus and in the local community; and deadlines for scholarships, fellowships...

Staff

DSP Staff

Martha Velasquez
Associate Director, DSP
Manager, Auxiliary Services

Laronda Chambers
HR & Business Manager

Disability Specialists

Carolyn Swalina
Lead Disability Specialist

Auxiliary Services Supervisors

Vacant - Alternative Media Services
...

Prospective Note Takers

Are you interested in becoming a student volunteer notetaker? Would you like to earn a monetary stipend for sharing the notes that you are already taking for yourself in class? Apply as a DSP notetaker today!

As a DSP notetaker, your responsibility will be to take neat, well-organized notes and upload them to our Accessible Information Management (AIM) system within 36 hours after each class. We welcome both typed and handwritten notes.

Eligibility

You must be currently enrolled as a student in the course in which you are willing to share notes.

...

Accommodations

Berkeley Campus Plan for Accommodating the Academic Needs of Students with Disabilities

This policy describes the roles of various units and individuals at the University of California, Berkeley in ensuring that students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations in their instructional activities, as mandated by Federal and State law and by University policy.

The fundamental principles of nondiscrimination and accommodation in academic programs were set forth in Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title II;...

Teaching and Inclusive Design

General Suggestions on Teaching Students with Disabilities

We encourage you to start with the DSP Online Course: DISABILITY, ACCOMMODATION, AND ACCESS IN THE UC CLASSROOM

Faculty control the curriculum in the classroom and determine how curriculum is taught and how it is assessed. Students whose learning style differs from the instructor's teaching style struggle....

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

University of California Practices for the Documentation and Academic Accommodation of Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder1

Federal and State law2 and University of California policies3 require the University to provide reasonable accommodation in its academic programs to qualified4 students with disabilities, including students with psychological disabilities.

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations appropriate to the nature...

Psychological Disabilities

University of California Practices for the Documentation and Academic Accommodation of Students with Psychological Disabilities1

Federal and State law2 and University of California policies3 require the University to provide reasonable accommodation in its academic programs to qualified4 students with disabilities, including students with psychological disabilities.

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations appropriate to the nature and severity of...

Learning Disabilities

University of California Practices for the Documentation and Accommodation of Students with Learning Disabilities—Revised1

Federal and State law2 and University of California policies3 require the University to provide reasonable accommodation in its academic programs to qualified4 students with disabilities, including students with learning disabilities.

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations appropriate to the nature and severity of the...

Study Abroad

At Cal Improving Program Access

Campus Disability Access Services: The Disability Access Specialist can help answer any question you may have about making your program more accessible and welcoming to individuals with disabilities.

Web Accessibility

Campus Access Guide

...

Financial Assistance

Students are often concerned about finances. Having a disability can produce even more financial burdens: part-time employment isn’t always an option, and often there are a number of extra disability-related expenses. Below are some sources of assistance that may be helpful to students with disabilities.

Campus Financial Aid

Financial aid is offered to students, with and without disabilities, who may qualify by showing that their income, resources, and in some cases, parents’ income and resources, are not adequate to meet the cost of the student’s education.

The situations...

Accessible Off-Campus Events

Faculty and other instructors who develop courses that include off-campus field trips or activities are encouraged to make students aware of the off-campus activity in the course description and at the start of classes.

As soon as possible, students should discuss anticipated disability-related off-campus needs with their assigned DSP Disability Specialist and, as appropriate, with the instructor (or GSI), so that there is an opportunity to identify and resolve in advance any accessibility challenges posed by the off-campus activity. DSP may need to provide academic accommodations...

DSP Complaint Resolution Process

Disabled Students’ Program Complaint Resolution Process

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and UC Non-Discrimination Policy require a process for the resolution of complaints related to disability discrimination or the failure to reasonably accommodate disability-related academic needs.

The following process may be used by students with disabilities to resolve complaints about these matters: Denial of academic accommodations, decisions regarding eligibility for academic accommodations, determinations of...

Policies & Guidelines

DSP Student Handbook DSP Complaint Resolution Process Other Disability-related policies UC Systemwide Guidelines Applying to Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability—

The University of California’s Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students...

E-books

There are many databases and inventories of electronic books and materials (some in an accessible format, others not). You may be able to locate an existing electronic copy of the book you need by yourself.

If the electronic copy you locate via these databases requires additional editing or conversion to hard copy Braille or Large Print, DSP will do such further editing or conversion provided a) it is a required or recommended course reading, b) an alt media request form is submitted, and c) the electronic document is not technically "locked" so as to preclude further editing or...

Print Access

Get Accessible Print, Fast!

Course Materials, e.g., Textbooks, Course Readers

Library Materials, e.g., from printed book to e-book

Self-Help Resources Scan It Yourself Alternative Media Center...

Alternative Media Guidelines

Upon request DSP provides alternative media for required and recommended course reading assignments including course textbooks, readers, handouts, materials posted to bCourse and specifically required or recommended library materials. Please note there are also Library services for students with print disabilities.

The following guidelines are designed to assist the Disabled Students' Program (DSP) in providing you with timely and...

Accommodations: Requesting Letters of Accommodation

As soon as you register for a class, you should request your accommodation letter for that class to insure faculty compliance with disability accommodations for the semester. Students who become newly eligible for DSP accommodations during the semester must request their LOAs as soon as they are active in DSP. If LOAs are not requested in a timely manner, it may not be possible to provide accommodations in a timely manner. For example, some exam accommodations including scribes may require two or more weeks to arrange. Faculty responsibility for...

Community Partners

Community Resources

Active Minds

Active Minds is the nation's premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for students.

Axis Dance Company

AXIS Dance Company, one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities, will change the way you think about dance and the possibilities of the human body forever. Founded in 1987, AXIS has become a jewel of...

Vocational Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for individuals with disabilities.

Their services include:

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialized Services Rehabilitation Resources Directory Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) Client Assistance Program (CAP) Mobility Evaluation Program (MEP) Disability Access Services (DAS) American Sign Language Bilingual Fluency Evaluations for State Employees Independent Living Assistive...

Technology Grants

Student Tech Grant referrals will be submitted on a rolling basis.

Completed applications will be approved for an October or March disbursement.

Any referrals received after the stated deadlines will be considered for review during the next grant cycle.

IF INTERESTED, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES CAREFULLY.

Purpose

Only DSP enrolled...

Note-Taking

DSP’s Note-Taking Services office provides accommodations to help you succeed in your academics.

For Students: We provide 2 types of notetaking accommodations.

In-class note-taking services

Assistive Technology for note-taking

DSP offers Sonocent Audio Note-taker which will help you take better notes...

Campus Partners

Overview

The Disabled Students' Program (DSP) at UC Berkeley provides a wide range of services, including federal and state legally mandated services and accommodations for eligible students with verified disabilities, non-mandated services, and exam proctoring services for faculty.

Services for students are individually designed, and are based on students' individual needs as identified by their Disability Specialist.

Academic Advising Academic Accommodations ...

Student Resources

Find links for many campus and community resources for students below.

New Students

Welcome to UC Berkeley, and congratulations for joining the Cal family! We always look forward to welcoming new students to our DSP Program. We are here to help you to successfully transition to UC Berkeley and to connect you with the accommodations and services that will give you full access to all of Berkeley's academic environments.

Our Disability Specialists can answer your questions every step of the way: before you apply to Cal, after admission, before you begin classes, and ongoing throughout your time at Cal. We are here to help.

Start here to connect with DSP for...

Creating Accessible Content

In an effort to make academic participation as easy as possible for our students, DSP requests that you take a few simple steps to support us in creating accessible alternative media. As instructors, by choosing class materials which require the least amount of extra effort to convert into accessible formats, you support our mandate to make all of our courses welcoming to the broadest range of students possible. Please keep in mind the following steps as you build your syllabi and assign readings for your classes. In so doing, you are reaffirming UC Berkeley’s commitment to creating an...

Proctoring

The Berkeley campus uses a shared model for test accommodations and proctoring services. While academic departments and faculty members are primarily responsible for providing testing accommodations to students with disabilities, Proctoring Services may provide support (proctors and space) if the department or faculty do not have the requisite resources to provide these accommodations. The DSP Proctoring Center, in collaboration with students and faculty, seeks to ensure an equitable and sustainable testing environment.

The Disabled Students' Program

"Physically" was dropped from the Physically Disabled Students' Program's name in 1982, in recognition of the services provided for students with learning disabilities. In 1988, Susan O'Hara became Director of the Disabled Students' Program, and Bill Blanchard succeeded her as Coordinator of the Residence Program. Susan retired in 1992 and Lynn Bailiff became the Disabled Students' Program's Director. Lynn Retired in 1997 and Ed Rogers became DSP's manager in 1998.

Residence Program

Also in 1975, Susan O'Hara became Coordinator of the Residence Program. Recognizing the needless stigma attached to students housed in a campus hospital, the University moved the Residence Program to the Unit II residence halls. It is now housed in the fully accessible Unit I residence halls, two blocks closer to campus.

For the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Residence Program in 1987, a survey was taken of 157 former Residence Program participants. It found the average salary of those employed to be $32,224. Career fields include law, architecture, psychotherapy, counseling,...

California Department of Rehabilitation

In 1975 the California Department of Rehabilitation established a contract with the University. Renewed annually, it covers a full-time Coordinator of the Residence Program as well as Special Assistants, who help students enhance their independent living skills. That year, Ed Roberts was appointed Director of the California Department of Rehabilitation by Governor Jerry Brown. Roberts named Hessler his Deputy in Sacramento. Donald Lorence, another of the 60's Cowell residents, was named Director of the Physically Disabled Students' Program.

Physically Disabled Students' Program

In 1970, the students received a grant of $80,000 from the Federal Department of Education. The Physically Disabled Students' Program was established in a office behind the eatery Top Dog at 2532 Durant Avenue. Its first Director was John Hessler. Hessler hired three counselors: Mike Fuss, Zona Roberts, and Chuck Grimes. In those days, everyone at the office was a "generalist." They did whatever was needed, inventing if necessary, as they went along. Mike was the Assistant Director, Chuck was largely in charge of wheelchair maintenance, and Zona worked on the essential services of...

Disabled Students' Union

Like other groups in the 1960's, the students organized themselves to better deal with bureaucracies and to voice their concerns. The "Rolling Quads" was formed in 1969 (renamed the "Disabled Students' Union" in 1973). They proposed the formal establishment of services for the disabled students at Cal.

Off-Campus Apartments

By 1969, the first adventurous students moved from the hospital to apartments on the south side of the Berkeley campus. This was a revolutionary step away from the conventional idea that disabled individuals needed to be sheltered and protected by medical professionals.

Cowell Hospital

By the end of the 1960's, a dozen students lived in the third-floor wing of Cowell Hospital. They found and hired people to do personal care (to be known as "attendants"), discovered a largely unused law which entitled disabled individuals money to pay for their personal care (now known as "In-Home Support Services"), and bought motorized wheelchairs. Registered nurse Eleanor Smith, (and later Edna Brean), served as liaison, assistant, and resource for students. Part-time orderlies helped with meals and back-up personal care.

John Hessler

Newspaper accounts of Roberts' admission at Cal caught the attention of a physical therapist at Contra Costa Hospital. She showed them to a twenty-two year old patient, John Hessler. John had broken his neck six years earlier in a diving accident and expected to live out his life in the hospital. Instead, he applied for academic admission at Cal and, in 1963, became the second student to move into Cowell.

Ed Roberts

In 1962, Ed Roberts wanted to attend UC Berkeley. Like most Cal students, he was bright and ambitious, but in one respect he was not a "stock model." He'd had polio when he was fourteen. Now he used a wheelchair by day and respirator by night. Meetings were held among Dean of Students Arleigh Williams, Director of Student Health Services Dr. Henry Bruyn, Ed's mother Zona Roberts, and Ed himself. This led to Ed's having a room, not in the residence halls, but in the on-campus health facility, Cowell Hospital.

Campus Access

Please Note:

This page has moved. Please visit Campus Access Services at access.berkeley.edu.

If you are not redirected properly to the new access.berkeley.edu website, please try clearing your browser cache. The following links contain browser-specific instructions on how to clear cache:

Chrome...

Contact Us

Where can I get more information about disability accommodations?

The Disabled Students' Program has an online manual for faculty, "Teaching Students with Disabilities." For more general information, consult the Disabled Students' Program website.

Can I arrange proctoring online?

Yes. Please visit our online request page for information on the online submission process.

What if I have questions about the accommodation letter?

Letters of accommodation are online; there is a faculty login page that will give you access to the information. Please contact the Disabled Students' Program Specialist, 642-0518, who signed the letter or check the DSP FAQ. The main Berkeley policy addressing academic accommodations is the Campus Policy for Accommodating the Academic Needs of Students with Disabilities.

What advice can I give my students about their responsibility in the process?

The responsibility of students with disabilities in the exam accommodation process is outlined in "Exam Preparation Tips for Students with Disabilities Using the Campus Proctoring Service". It explains their role in planning for accommodations, securing assistants and equipment they may need, and how the centralized campus proctoring program works.

How far ahead must I request proctoring assistance?

Requests for midterms should be made two weeks prior to the regularly scheduled exam. For final exams requests should be made before our fall and spring deadline. Our set Final exam deadlines are: Nov. 1 for Fall Semester and April 2 for Spring Semester.

Will someone from the campus proctoring service pick up and drop off the exam?

No. Exams need to be delivered to and picked up from 260 Chavez by you or a person you designate. It may be possible to make alternate arrangements for testing site, pickup, and delivery by calling 643-4691.

My department doesn't have resources to provide proctoring. What do I do next?

You (not the student) may contact the Campus Proctoring Service (643-4691, proctoring@berkeley.edu) or make an online request, to arrange for centralized proctoring and space for administering the exam. You inform the student where and when to report.

What are the drop-in hours for this semester?

DSP Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists hold daily tabling just outside the front of the DSP office for students on their caseloads. Drop-in hours can be found below.

DSP Specialist Drop-In Calendar

Will you discuss my progress at Cal with my parents or answer their questions if they write or phone?

We encourage you to keep in close personal contact with your family throughout your years at Cal. However, DSP cannot normally discuss any information about students' progress at Berkeley with a third party, including parents, guardians, partners, and children. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the University policy regarding the release and disclosure of student information generally prohibit DSP from disclosing confidential information to anyone but the student.

What is...

What are my responsibilities for ensuring that I receive the accommodations I am entitled to?

Students have multiple responsibilities in ensuring that they receive their accommodations.

The individual assessment and accommodation process is an ongoing and interactive one. Participate actively in your intake appointment. If the nature or impact of your disability changes, or if your accommodations no longer seem sufficient to provide you with equal access to your courses, let your assigned Disability Specialist know. You can meet with your Disability Specialist to review your current documentation, schedule, and accommodations.

...

Why is there a difference between the services I was offered in high school and those I am eligible to receive at Berkeley?

The laws that address students' access to K-12 education and to postsecondary education offer different protections to students and result in different accommodations.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act covers public school students with disabilities in the United States from elementary school through high school and focuses on student success. Students with disabilities are provided with the curriculum and accomodations they require to be successful in meeting their individualized goals. In some cases, this means that students with disabilities are meeting...

Why did you request that I submit to more learning disability testing?

Additional or updated testing is normally requested when the existing testing does not give us enough information to determine appropriate services for you. You may review the specific criteria for the diagnosis of learning disabilities and the determination of appropriate service.

If I was eligible for disability services in high school, will I automatically be eligible for similar services at Cal?

IEP's and 504 Plans are not binding on the University of California or any organizations outside of the schools in which they were developed. Accordingly, you will not automatically be eligible for specific services or accommodations simply because you present your high school Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.

To determine whether you are eligible for our services, one of our Disability Specialists will conduct a comprehensive assessment and evaluation process that is consistent with established University of California systemwide practices. The assessment and evaluation...

What do I have to do in order to prove that I have a disability?

Disability documentation must verify two things: (1) the presence of a diagnosed disability or medical condition and (2) the current impact of the diagnosed disability or medical condition. For detailed information about documentation requirements and for forms that you can give to your medical providers to fill out, see Documentation.

If you have already sent us documentation but we conclude that it either is not sufficient to support a disability diagnosis or does not give us the...

Will I automatically receive services from DSP if I submit a "certification of disability" during the admissions application process?

No. Services are not provided by DSP automatically. All students seeking services through DSP must complete an application. If you are unable to complete the online application process, you can also request assistance in person from the receptionist at the DSP office.

Student CART/Realtime Captioning Remote Learning FAQs

How do I request Services through AIM?

Each semester you must submit your requests in the DSP portal (AIM). It is best to request services as soon as you are registered so there is no delay in services.

Note: These instructions are also available in DOCX and PDF...

How do I access accommodation information in AIM?

Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

1. Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-in page (link is external)and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page

2....

How do I access Accommodation Information in AIM?

Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

1. Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-in page (link is external)and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page

2....

What is AIM?

AIM the Accessible Information management System, a web-based database system that provides a means for DSP to communicate and interact with faculty, staff, and disabled students from one robust platform. It’s also fully integrated with Berkeley Student Information System (SIS/Cal Central) making coordination of services for students easier.

For further information, please visit DSP's Accessible Information Management Sytem (AIM) page.

What is AIM?

AIM the Accessible Information management System, a web-based database system that provides a means for DSP to communicate and interact with faculty, staff, and disabled students from one robust platform. It’s also fully integrated with Berkeley Student Information System (SIS/Cal Central) making coordination of services for students easier.

For further information, please visit DSP's Accessible Information Management Sytem (AIM) page.

What is AIM?

AIM the Accessible Information management System, a web-based database system that provides a means for DSP to communicate and interact with faculty, staff, and disabled students from one robust platform. It’s also fully integrated with Berkeley Student Information System (SIS/Cal Central) making coordination of services for students easier.

For further information, please visit DSP's Accessible Information Management Sytem (AIM) page.

Submit YouTube Links Via bCourses

Submit YouTube links via bCourses

This solution is useful if you are using several different Youtube links.

In bCourses, go to Media Gallery

Screenshot of Aim's My Media Gallery page with and arrow pointing at the My Media Gallry menu

In Media Gallery, click on Add Media...

Share Captioned Media with Students Through bCourses

You can choose to share your captioned media with all of your students by placing it in your Media Gallery, or you may keep it private in your My Media folder on bCourses. Here's how to share a video from your My Media folder on bCourses with your students: Berkeley Service Now How to Share My Media(link is external)

For further information on how to...

My Media and Media Gallery Explanation

My Media is the place on bCourses where all of your recordings and Zoom lectures are uploaded and housed. All of this content is unique and viewable only to you.

Media Gallery is for videos that are viewable by those with access to the bCourses site.

Screenshot of My Media and Media Gallery tabs

We will fulfill all of your captioning...

Accessing Student Accommodation Information in AIM-Heather

Accessing Student Accommodation Information in AIM Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-n page (link is external)and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page...

Instructions for Submitting Media for Captioning in AIM

1. Log into AIM(link is external)

2. Click the “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” tab on the left side.

The Views and Tools Tab opens to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Tab

...

Supervisor - Testing Accommodations (4560U), Disabled Students

Departmental Overview

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) is recognized for its commitment to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities at UC Berkeley and helps students to achieve academic success through its programs. DSP provides a wide array of legally mandated services to students with disabilities and consists of approximately 50 FTE, serves over 5500 students, and hires over 400 service providers and student volunteers to provide educational support to this growing population. The unit has an annual operating...

Captioned Media Information for Instructors

Overview

To facilitate accommodations for learners requiring Captioned Media, instructors are advised to assess all media intended for integration into their course curriculum or sharing on their course website for the duration of the semester. Any media lacking precise captions or transcriptions will undergo professional captioning services provided by the Disabled Students' Program (DSP). This page will offer guidance on obtaining captioning for video media and/or transcription for audio content.

Please take note:...

American Sign Language (ASL) information for Instructors

Overview

At UC Berkeley, we prioritize inclusive communication practices to ensure that all students, regardless of their hearing abilities, have equal access to education. When interacting with individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing and utilizing an interpreter, it's essential to follow certain guidelines to facilitate effective communication.

Clear Communication When a student uses an interpreter, remember to speak directly to the student who is D/deaf or hard of hearing, not to the interpreter. The interpreter facilitates communication but is not part of the...

Realtime Captioning Information for Instructors

Overview

Welcome to the Disabled Students' Program's Realtime Captioning Guidelines page. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students, including those with disabilities. To ensure effective communication and equal access to educational content, we have established the following guidelines for the use of realtime captioning in your classes:

Effective Speaking Techniques Speak clearly, at a moderate pace, and in a normal tone. Do not rush through lectures. Avoid simultaneous speaking when multiple speakers are present, as...

Communication Services Instructor Information

Captioned Media Information for Students

Overview

The Captioned Media accommodation applies to any media that is presented, posted, and/or required to be viewed in a course. Students with a Captioned Media Accommodation must have equal access to all media-related material in a course.

Requesting Captioned Media for Enrolled Courses Each semester, you must submit your Captioned Media requests in the DSP Portal (AIM). It is advised to request services as soon as you are registered so that you don’t...

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) Information for Students

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

In addition to Assistive Listening Devices that may be checked out to students individually, some classrooms and auditoriums at UC Berkeley have Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) that are permanently installed. The classrooms, lecture halls, and other facilities that have permanently installed ALS are posted on the Research, Teaching, and Learning (RTL) website in their General Classroom Database.

American Sign Language (ASL) Information for Students

Requesting ASL Interpreting Services for Enrolled Courses (Each Semester)

Each semester you must submit your ASL Interpreting requests in the DSP Portal (AIM). It is advised to request services as soon as you are registered so that you don’t experience a delay in receiving services. Please note that it may take up to two weeks to receive ASL Interpreting services once your request is submitted.

Instructions for requesting ASL...

Realtime Captioning Information for Students

Requesting Realtime Captioning Services for Enrolled Courses (Each Semester)

Each semester you must submit your Realtime Captioning requests in the DSP Portal (AIM). It is advised that you request services as soon as you are registered so that you don’t experience a delay in receiving services. Please note that it may take up to two weeks to receive Realtime Captioning services once your request is submitted.

Instructions for requesting Realtime Captioning services...

Communication Services Student Information

Clifton Damiens

Business Operations Manager

Clifton Damiens graduated from UC Berkeley in 2014 with a BA in American History. He has worked on campus as an Academic Achievement Counselor for the Re-entry Student Program and has taught several one-unit sections of EDUC 198 -- Adult Learners in Higher Education.

Athena AI

Athena screenshot of software What is Athena AI? Athena is a note-taking software that utilizes AI to take notes for you.

Record your lecture, and Athena will write comprehensive notes that include:
Automatically generated flashcards. To-do lists to keep track of assignments. Integrated lecture slides throughout your notes. Athena is made by DSP students, and is free for all UC Berkeley DSP students. Here is...

Otter.Ai

What does Otter.ai do?

With Otter you can record and transcribe in real-time across multiple devices.

Highlight transcript as you record (or after), and export highlighted sections Can upload audio from another source and have it transcribed Can upload images or take pictures while recording Can search transcription Automatically transcribe zoom meetings in real time.

If you are interested in using Otter, please reach out to your assigned Disability Specialist.

Glean Audio notetaking

Glean banner Screenshot of Glean software What is Glean?

Glean is the personal study tool that helps you navigate classroom information and take notes effectively.

...

Carmen Varela

Executive Director

Glean

What is Glean?

Glean is the personal study tool that helps you navigate classroom information and take notes effectively.

With Glean, you record your classes, attaching labels and text notes to important moments as you listen. After class, import lecture slides, convert audio to text, find quick definitions and more.

Soon, you have a full set of multimedia notes all in one workspace; highly organized, easily searchable, and with everything you need to learn effectively from your lectures....

When will my exam request be approved?

Your exam request will be approved five (5) business days before the exam date.

Meet our Featured Donors & Alumni

Fred Herzer

Looking Back without Sight – a UC Berkeley DCC Success Story

UC Berkeley’s Disabled Students Program has a formidable task – to create a safe and social space for Cal’s disabled community. This is not simple as approximately 11% of the university’s community reports having a disability, and these disabilities are as diverse as our campus. The result is a platform that advocates, educates and collaborates and allows our members to advance and empower both themselves and the campus as a whole. While we don’t...

Clifton Damiens

Supervisor - Testing Accommodations

Clifton Damiens graduated from UC Berkeley in 2014 with a BA in American History. He has worked on campus as an Academic Achievement Counselor for the Re-entry Student Program and has taught several one-unit sections of EDUC 198 -- Adult Learners in Higher Education. He currently works as the Supervisor of Test Taking Services and is the interim Associate Director for DSP.

Rebecca Whitney

Disability Specialist - Graduate Students

I’ve spent my career in education, first as a high school English teacher, then as a Learning Specialist for high school and middle school students. I loved the experience of working with individual students: fostering their metacognition, coaching them in self-advocacy, and helping them navigate the challenges of their classrooms and learning environments.

When I began working as a Disability Specialist in higher education in 2016, however, I discovered that this area allowed me to use my expertise towards social justice goals of educational equity and access. I...

Brian Scholte

Disability Specialist

Brian is a first-generation American and United States Air Force Veteran whose academic and vocational passions center around the intersection of education, disability access, and mental health. Upon separating from the Air Force, he earned a Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University.

Brian is passionate about applying science and education for social good. As a Peer Disability Advocate for the American Association for People with Disabilities, he...

Jessica Mangaccat

Assistant Disability Specialist

Jessica Mangaccat started as a disability specialist with DSP in 2023. Jessica is a first generation college student and a daughter of immigrants. She has an undergraduate degree in Legal Studies and previously worked in the legal field for 10 years as a paralegal before switching careers and getting her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Jessica was inspired to work with people with disabilities after her father developed a spinal cord injury. Jessica has experience working with people with disabilities across the lifespan, from children with physical, neurological,...

Jason Keough

Disability Specialist

Hello!

I’m Jason. I’m originally from Pacifica (yes, the place with Taco Bell on the beach), and I have been working in education since high school. I started by tutoring peers in academic and social skills. When I graduated, I went to San Francisco State University and received my B.A. in Creative Writing. Once out of undergrad, I started working as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher for Special Education classes in the high school setting in the Bay Area. I received my Master’s in Special Education and Teaching Credential from Notre...

Alternative Media Production Assistant (4723C) #41969

The Disabled Students' Program promotes an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We equip disabled students with appropriate accommodations and services to achieve their individual academic goals. We are dedicated to supporting disabled students and collaborating with the campus community to remove barriers to educational access and embrace the University’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe that an accessible environment universally benefits everyone.

Disability Specialist 3, Disabled Students Program (4556U), #43955

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

Housing Disability Specialist, (4557U) #64460

The Disabled Students' Program promotes an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We equip disabled students with appropriate accommodations and services to achieve their individual academic goals. We are dedicated to supporting disabled students and collaborating with the campus community to remove barriers to educational access and embrace the University’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe that an accessible environment universally benefits everyone.

Assistant Disability Specialist (4555U) #44574

The Assistant Disability Specialist works under the supervision of the Lead Disability Specialist Supervisor and is responsible for working as part of a team responsible for providing mandated accommodations and services to students with disabilities. This position works closely with the Administration Team and the DSP Specialist Team to help coordinate intakes, process documentation, provide receptionist coverage, conducts student drop-ins, and assist with intakes. The position also involves planning, developing, and implementing programs, processes, and activities for students with disabilities in accordance with federal and state law to ensure their access to the academic and campus environment.

Are there any resources available if I want to teach parts of my course online?

Yes, Research Teaching and Learning (RTL) provides a thorough set of resources that allows you to bring more of your teaching online. Please visit: https://rtl.berkeley.edu/get-started

Disability Beyond Compliance Student Liaison

POSITION/TITLE: Disability Beyond Compliance Student Liasion

TERM:Late August 2022 through May 2023

FELLOWSHIP AWARD:$8800 per academic year.

TIME COMMITMENT: 10 hours per week

POSITIONS: 1

To apply, please use any of the following methods: 1) fill out the form linked here and at the bottom of the...

Disability Beyond Compliance Student Researcher

P

OSITION/TITLE: Disability Beyond Compliance Student Researcher

TERM:Late August 2022 through May 2023

FELLOWSHIP AWARD:$4,000 per academic year.

TIME COMMITMENT: 5 hours per week

POSITIONS: 1

To apply, please use any of the following methods: 1) fill out the form linked here...

Disability Beyond Compliance Student Facilitator

POSITION/TITLE: Disability Beyond Compliance Student Facilitator

TERM:Late August 2022 through May 2023

FELLOWSHIP AWARD:$4,000 per academic year.

TIME COMMITMENT:5 hours per week

POSITIONS: 2

To apply, please use any of the following methods: 1) fill out the form linked here and at the bottom of the...

Fellowship Opportunities

Please read each Fellowship opportunity carefully and follow the directions outlined.

Cecilia Saavedra

Trio Support Service Coordinator

Cecilia Saavedra joined the DSP-TRiO as the Student Support Coordinator in April 2022. She has over ten years of experience working in nonprofits, fortune 500 companies, and academia. She has a B.S in Environmental Science focus in Geography and Planning and also a degree in Horticulture Land Systems and Management. Thanks to the support of TRiO, Cecilia was able to successfully complete her two degrees. Her intersectional experiences include being a first-generation, low-income student, and immigrant household. She uses these experiences to help connect with students to make sure...

Courtney Castleman Bucher

Disability Specialist - Autism

Welcome to DSP! Compassion, integrity, and community are a few of my highest values.

Both inside and outside of my role as a Disability Specialist, I thrive in purposefully envisioning the future, and emboldening others in reaching their educational and personal aspirations. As a person with multiple disabilities, I was a first-generation college student grappling with the social and attitudinal barriers that can exist in the pursuit of a word-class degree at a competitive university. I bring these experiences to my role as a specialist.

I received my MA in Sociology from...

How Can I Learn More About Disability Culture and Community?

“A cultural space on campus goes beyond basic compliance and more adequately promotes equal opportunity. It would acknowledge disabled students as a strong sociocultural identity group as opposed to a constituency that needs “fixing.” Shame, isolation, and presumed incompetence loom over disabled students when the institution neglects to recognize their importance and place in our campus community.”

Excerpt from student and community advocacy letter, January 2018

If you are interested in learning more about disability culture, community, and how to create an anti-ablest...

Getting Involved: Programs, Services and Opportunities

Center Open Community Hours!

The DCC is open for community hours weekly during the Fall and Spring semesters at Hearst Field Annex D-25. Students, staff, and faculty can reserve rooms and spaces for collaborations, studying, events, or to relax and connect with members from the disability community!

Tuesdays 11:30 AM-6:00 PM Wednesdays 11:30 AM-6:00 PM Thursdays 11:30 AM-6:00 PM DCC Space and Event Reservation Request Form

Are you interested in hosting an event or gathering at the DCC? Would you like to partner with the center on creating community events? If so,...

Who We Are DCC

Disability is a natural part of the human experience!

Approximately 30% of the UC Berkeley combined campus community (undergraduates, graduate and postdoctoral students, faculty and staff) report to having a disability.

The UC Berkeley disability statistics from the 2019 My Climate Survey found that 35% of undergraduates, 25% of graduate students, and 23% postdocs identify as having some type of disability.

Our Mission

UC Berkeley’s Disability Cultural Community Center serves as a platform to advocate, educate, and collaborate...

Welcome to the Disability Cultural Community (DCC) Center

Juliana Chiarelli

Disability Specialist

Juliana has worked with students with disabilities for over four years, by coaching students one-on-one, connecting students to various on- and off-campus resources, partnering with faculty and staff, and leading academic success workshops and programming for gaining and maintaining study skills necessary for academic success. Prior to joining the Disability Specialist team, Juliana worked in TRiO DSP SSS as a Learning Specialist and an Academic Success Coach at the University of Rochester. She earned an M.Ed. in Counseling - Student Affairs at Northern Arizona University, where she...

Devin Toma

Interim Lead Disability Specialist / Disability Specialist

Hello! I started as a specialist with DSP in 2022, and worked with people with disabilities for about 10 years prior to coming to Berkeley. I started while I was an undergrad at UCLA, working with children on the autism spectrum to carry out behavioral intervention programs. I later earned a master's degree from Columbia University and worked in special education classrooms, in homes, and in a center based treatment program carrying out behavior analytic programs with children and adults on the spectrum. From there I shifted into higher education, where I worked in disability...

Vineeta Ram

Disability Specialist

Greetings! My name is Vineeta Ram (pronounced Vee-nee-ta Rahm). I’ve spent the last 5 years working with students in various roles and positions in disability services in the Midwest. Prior to this, I trained and worked as an Occupational Therapist and Rehabilitation Counselor in various hospitals and non-profits.

My own academic journey has largely influenced my work and interest in improving access and equity in higher education. I received my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois in Chicago with a focus on creating accessible services and programming...

Allison West

Alternative Media Supervisor

Allison West began working with the DSP Team in July of 2019. She has enjoyed collaborating with students, faculty, and staff in both the proctoring and captioning units and is currently the Alternative Media Supervisor. Allison started her career as a classroom teacher where she developed a passion for finding innovative ways to help students access curriculum. Prior to joining UC Berkeley, she worked in disability services at City College of San Francisco coordinating alternative media and testing accommodations. Allison received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics-Economics from...

Do I need to fill out a request for each individual exam?

Yes, please make a request for each exam you would like to take with DSP Proctoring.

Does DSP Proctoring provide blue books/papers or other exam materials?

DSP Proctoring does not provide green books, calculators, or any other exam materials. Students are responsible for bringing their own exam materials. Please bring all required material on the day of your exam.

Can I choose my exam location?

The seat and its location is assigned based on the accommodation condition and the space availability.

How can I cancel and reschedule the request?

Exams can be canceled via your DSP Student Portal. Select Proctoring on the left-hand side. Select the exam you would like to cancel or reschedule. After you cancel your exam request, have your instructor email proctoring@berkeley.edu with written permission to reschedule your exam.

What if my exam is in conflict with another class or another exam?

It is your responsibility to communicate directly with your instructors for all exams.

You must reconcile any exam conflicts with your instructors before you submit any exam requests with DSP Proctoring.

You must also check your final exam schedule in CalCentral at the beginning of the semester to make sure there are no conflicts with other overlapping exams due to extended-time accommodations. If there are such conflicts, you must reconcile those with your instructors at...

Can I make a proctoring request on the exam day? How late can I make a request for proctoring?

You are required to make a proctoring request at least 5 business days before quizzes and midterms and 10 business days before final exams.

Proctoring - Student FAQs

If you have any additional questions about proctoring services, please contact us at proctoring@berkeley.edu.

My class is online. Can I request an online proctoring service?

DSP Proctoring does not proctor online/remote exams. Please speak with your DSP Specialist and instructor on how best to proceed with online exams.

How do I request proctoring services for exams?

Please log on to the DSP Student Portal. Click Proctoring on the left-hand side. Select the class you would like to request an exam for and fill out the required information.

For more information on how to request proctoring services for your exam click on the following link: https://dsp.berkeley.edu/how-request-your-exams-...

How to Submit a Testing Agreement for your Class

Overview

While academic departments and faculty members are primarily responsible for providing testing accommodations to students with disabilities, the DSP Proctoring Center may provide support (proctors and space) in the event that the department or faculty do not have the requisite resources to provide these accommodations. Due to space limitations, we give preference to students who require accommodations like 200%+ extended time, room alone, scribe, use of a computer or assistive technology, etc. Students who require accommodations like a 150%...

How to request your exams with DSP Proctoring

Introduction

DSP Proctoring provides services to students who have met with a Disability Specialist and have provided documentation that supports the need for exam-related accommodations. Once students have sent their Letter of Accommodation to their Professor and the Professor has submitted the Alternative Testing Agreement with DPS Proctoring, students are required to submit their own Exam Request through the DSP Student Portal.

...

New Student Orientation - Fall 2023

The Disabled Students' Program at UC Berkeley welcomes all new students to our Fall 2023 New Student Orientation! We are excited to meet you and share information that can help you transition into your experience as a new Cal student.

Our New Student Orientation will be taking place this year on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM at the Alumni House

To register for the New Student Orientation, please use the DSP...

Volunteer Notetaker Onboarding

In order to receive your stipend at the end of the semester, you'll need to complete paperwork. Also, if you do not have another campus job you'll have to complete the I9 on-boarding process.

This process is only required if you have never been a notetaker before. If you've worked for us over the last year, you don't need to do this again

Please note that all processing goes through BEARS Regional services. Processing stipends can take over up to several months as there are multiple steps involved for the onboarding and payment...

Volunteer Notetaker Onboarding Page

In order to receive your stipend at the end of the semester, you'll need to complete a notetaker form. Also, if you do not have another campus job you'll have to complete the I9 on-boarding process.

This process is only required if you have never been a notetaker before. If you've worked for us over the last year, you don't need to do this again

Here's how to start the Process

1. Fill out the Student Volunteer Notetaker Form...

Making the Most of RRR Week

Not sure what to do during RRR? Feeling overwhelmed? At the Make the Most of RRR Week Workshop, we’ll talk about creating a plan for your week, using effective study strategies, and remembering the fourth R - relaxation.

Objectives

Project manage your exam preparation

Plan your RRR week

Review effective study strategies

R = Relaxation - practice relaxation strategies to reduce finals stress

Test Taking Strategies

Build your test-taking confidence at this workshop. We’ll cover how to effectively prepare, reduce anxiety, and approach your big exams.

Objectives:

Validate and reflect on Test Taking Anxiety

Strategies for preparing your body for exams

Develop a Day of Exam routine

Review test-taking strategies for objective, multiple-choice, and essay exams

Note-Taking Essentials

Note-taking is an essential academic skill. Make sure you’re making the most of your notes and utilizing the tools available to you as a DSP student.

Objectives:

Reflect on your current note-taking habits and challenges. Learn steps, strategies, and structures for effective note-taking. Explore digital note-taking resources. FAQ with DSP Note-taking Supervisor, Christian Yee

Strong Start Workshop

Start your semester strong with this workshop. Learn organizational strategies, scheduling skills, tips for developing new habits, and have a chance to share and discuss with peers.

Objectives:

Create semester and weekly schedules, Explore organizational strategies for digital folders, binders/notebooks, and assignments. Learn tips for effectively communicating your DSP accommodations to instructors. Share your experiences and suggestions with peers.

Graduate Student Disability Specialist (4557U) #43587

The Disabled Students' Program promotes an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We equip disabled students with appropriate accommodations and services to achieve their individual academic goals. We are dedicated to supporting disabled students and collaborating with the campus community to remove barriers to educational access and embrace the University’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe that an accessible environment universally benefits everyone.

How do I access accommodation information in AIM?

Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

1. Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-in page and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page

2. After an Instructor reads...

What if the Zoom link changes for my class?

If there is a new Zoom link for your course, please contact the Realtime Captioning Coordinator with the updated Zoom link information.

How do I receive captions for an on-campus class when using a remote captioner?

Streamtext is the primary platform used to provide captions remotely. Below are instructions for logging in, viewing captions, and customizing the display in Streamtext.

If captions are being provided through a different platform, you will receive an email with a URL link to view the captions on that platform.

To log into your streamtext account, please follow these instructions: ...

How do I request services through AIM?

Each semester you must submit your requests in the DSP portal (AIM). It is best to request services as soon as you are registered so there is no delay in services.

Note: These instructions are also available in DOCX and...

How do I retrieve my transcript in the DSP portal (AIM)?

1.From the AIM Dashboard, click on “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” located on the left side of the screen.

Screenshot of AIM Dashboard

2. Click on “Available Transcript(...

What is the difference between My Media and Media Gallery?

My Media is the place on bCourses where all of your recordings and Zoom lectures are uploaded and housed. All of this content is unique and viewable only to you.

Media Gallery is for videos that are viewable by those with access to the bCourses site.

...

Can a student with an ASL Interpreting accommodation participate in Zoom group work/breakout rooms?

Yes, the student is able to participate in group work. When a class is held in-person, an ASL Interpreter is present and often sits with the group in order to hear the speakers clearly. Remote classes are handled in a similar fashion in that the interpreter will be present in the same breakout room/group component as the student.

We encourage students to discuss their accommodations with their professors, and they may reach out to you with what works best for them in your particular class.

How will I know if an ASL Interpreter is present in my Zoom meeting?

The ASL Interpreter will be named “Interpreter” in your Zoom participant list.

What are the ASL Interpreting Best Practices for courses presented via Zoom?

Zoom lectures need to end at the scheduled end time, as both the students and the interpreters may have other obligations immediately following your class.

Speak clearly, in a normal tone, and at a moderate rate. Do not rush through a lecture. If the interpreter does not understand or hear what was said, the interpreter may communicate with the instructor through the Zoom chat window. Please monitor your chat window for questions or requests from the interpreter.

...

How do I assign an ASL Interpreter to a Zoom breakout room?

When assigning an ASL Interpreter to the student during breakout sessions, please look for the Interpreter as a participant (Interpreter). Please ensure the Interpreter is in the same breakout room as the student receiving the accommodation.

Breakout Room Instructions

How will I receive ASL Interpreting services remotely?

A video communication service is used for ASL interpreting when a class is held remotely via Zoom. ASL interpreting will be provided virtually through a URL link. Students will be provided the URL link prior to class beginning.

How do I share a captioned video or other captioned media with my students through bCourses/Kaltura?

You can choose to share your captioned media with all of your students by placing it in your Media Gallery, or you may keep it private in your My Media folder on bCourses. Here's how to share a video from your My Media folder on bCourses with your students: Berkeley Service Now How to Share My Media

For further...

How do I submit a video to AIM for captioning?

1. Log into AIM

2. Click the “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” tab on the left side.

The Views and Tools Tab opens to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Tab

3...

Student CART/Realtime Captioning FAQs

If you have any difficulty accessing AIM, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. Please send an email to dssonline_help@berkeley.edu, and a DSP staff member will respond to your inquiry and assist you with obtaining the information you need.

Will Captioned Media be provided even though I have a Realtime Captioner?

Yes, Captioned Media is a separate accommodation. All media has to be captioned, even if a Realtime Captioner is present.

Can I make a request for Captioned Media after my initial accommodations are granted?

Yes. You may request additional accommodations after your initial request is approved. Please schedule an appointment with your DSP Specialist to request a new accommodation. If your request has been approved, please allow sufficient time for the instructor and the Communication Services Department to coordinate your Captioned Media accommodation.

What do I do if media is not being captioned after I have received an accommodation?

If you feel your accommodations are not being met or you have any questions or concerns, please notify your DSP Specialist.

What is included in Captioned Media accommodations?

The Captioned Media accommodation applies to any media that is presented, posted, and/or required to be viewed in a course. Students with a Captioned Media Accommodation must have equal access to all media-related material in a course.

Can a student with a Realtime Captioning accommodation participate in Zoom group work/breakout rooms?

Yes, the student is able to participate in group work. When a class is held in-person, a captioner is present and often sits with the group in order to hear the speakers clearly. Remote classes are handled in a similar fashion in that the captioner will be present in the same breakout room/group component as the student.

A student may also speak with the DSP Captioning Coordinator if they wish to omit captioning from any portion of their course. In the event a student elects to omit captioning from a...

How will I know if a Realtime Captioner is present in my Zoom meeting?

The captioner will be named “Captioner” in your Zoom participant list.

Does Realtime Captioning require the use of technology, such as mobile phones or laptops, in my classroom?

Yes, Realtime Captioning provides an instant translation of spoken English into written English text that is displayed on a laptop, tablet, or cell phone.

If a DSP student has an accommodation for the use of a laptop, tablet, or cell phone for disability-related reasons, please allow the DSP student to use their device. It is also important to allow the student to sit where they choose, as the student may need to sit near the front as an accommodation for their disability as well. ...

Can I request to have live captioning for a public event that is not course related?

Yes. Disability Access and Compliance can arrange services for public events. Please contact them to request assistance at: Disability Access and Compliance request form

When will I receive a transcript for my class?

Class transcripts will be available in the DSP portal (AIM) within 24 hours.

Do I need to do anything differently when an ASL Interpreter is present for an in-person class?

When using an interpreter to speak with a person who is D/deaf or hard of hearing, remember to speak directly to the person, not to the interpreter. The interpreter is not part of the conversation and is not permitted to voice personal opinions or enter into the conversation.

Face the person who is D/deaf or hard of hearing and speak to them in a normal manner. Do not make comments to the interpreter that you do not intend to have interpreted to the D/deaf or hard-of-hearing person, even if the person...

Where will the interpreter stand?

The interpreter will generally stand near the speaker so the student can pick up on facial expressions and body language from the speaker.

Will I have the same ASL Interpreter for all of my classes?

Interpreters will be scheduled based on logistics and students’ schedules. For classes that are more than an hour in length or with complex content, two interpreters will be assigned. They will switch every 15-20 minutes.

Career Services Support

Support internship and career opportunities for students with disabilities. Gifts will support travel, business attire, assistive technology, and more. Gifts of any size are welcome. A gift of $1000 would allow a student to participate in a summer internship program.

Disability Awareness Month

Each October, we sponsor special programming to heighten disability awareness. This year’s activities included a showcase for artists with disabilities and a project expo with EnableTech —where campus makers met students with disabilities to brainstorm technological solutions. A gift of $500 or more would allow us to expand the range of programming for this annual event.

Mental Health Services

The majority of our students have a primary or secondary mental health disability. Many universities offer specialized counseling and services for students with mental health disabilities. We aim to add a dedicated counselor to DSP focused on the unique needs of these students, to teach disability management strategies, and provide support for navigating and succeeding at Cal. A gift of approximately $225,000 could support a counselor position for one year.

Technology Grants and Services

DSP provides grants twice a year to support the technology needs of students with disabilities and to expand access to assistive technologies. Each semester we have more applications for assistance than we have funds to provide. A new assistive technology specialist would provide evaluations and technology training to expand access and improve retention for students with disabilities. A gift of any size would allow us to provide more technology grants for students with needs. A gift of approximately $175,000 could support a new assistive technology specialist...

Specialized Autism Spectrum Services

We are building a program to support success for students on the autism spectrum. In the past five years, the number of these students seeking DSP services increased nearly tenfold. We expect this demand to continue growing, so we aspire to add residential support, a full-time executive functioning coach, and a computer lab to our offerings. While similar programs at other universities charge a fee, we intend to raise private support for these additional services and provide them at no cost to all students. A gift of approximately $125,000 could support a full-...

Disability Cultural Community Center

Our Cal disability community has been advocating for decades for the creation of a uniquely accessible community space for the disability community. Our new Disability Cultural Center will open this fall. The Center will provide a welcoming and fully accessible space for the disability community, will house services for students, host disability focused events, and house exhibits and honor our alumnus’ history of disability activism. Our Center Coordinator will nurture leadership development, activism and self advocacy, and contribute to creating a more inclusive campus climate...

Alternative Media Agreement

When logging into AIM, eligible students will be prompted to sign the following contract which stipulates the use of alternative formats. For a DOCX version of the contract, please use this link: Alternative Media Agreement - DOCX.

Alternative Media Contract

I, hereby referred to as the "Student,” affirms that by signing this statement, the Student is agreeing to the following uses of audio-recording devices, as outlined in the terms of this agreement.

The above...

What if DSP is unable to find a note taker for my class?

If we are unable to find a notetaker 10 business days after your request, your DSP specialist will reach out to you about utilizing alternative accommodations. We utilize a remote notetaking service, NoteTaking Express(link is external) in which you can record your class and then upload the audio. A notetaker will transcribe notes and send them to you within 48 hours.

If I add a class late and request notetaking, will I receive retroactive notes?

DSP policy states that after a note-taker has been assigned, notes will (if available) will be provided retroactively to the first class the student attended or the date of the student's request for notetaking (whichever is later)

If I add or drop a course, who should I notify?

Make sure to notify your disability specialist as soon as possible so we can discontinue note-taking services if needed.

What sort of classes are notetaking services available for?

Note-taking services are always provided for lecture courses. If you require notes for a seminar or discussion, please let your specialist know as soon as possible, as these courses require their approval.

Notetakers are typically not provided for courses such as Field Studies, independent studies, DeCals, Education 198 courses, Berkeley Connect etc.

Faculty: Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

Beginning Monday, November 16, 2020 DSP will be launching a new Accessible Information Management system (AIM) to replace our current DSS Online system called SCARAB. To access the AIM Instructor Portal, instructors can either click on the faculty portal link via the DSP website or through the following link https://bachelor....

Where does the Realtime Captioner Sit?

When utsing an on-site captioner, the captioner will sit where they are able to hear the instructor and see the visual presentations. The student can sit next to the captioner or may use their own electronic device if they wish to sit elsewhere in the room.

In the event an internet connection is unavailable or interrupted, the student will need to sit by the captioner in order to view live captions.

Will I have the same captioner for all of my classes?

The assignment of a captioner will depend on scheduling and logistics. Each captioner will work with multiple students and will not work exclusively with one student for all of their classes.

What if I add, drop, or change a class?

Please request Realtime Captioning accommodations through the DSP portal (AIM) for any class changes or newly added classes. Notify the Realtime Captioning Supervisor once the AIM changes have been made.

****Note that it may take up to two weeks to receive realtime captioning services once your request is submitted.

Accessible Information Management System (AIM)

Alternative Media: How To Request Services

Overview

To request alternative media each semester, you must log into AIM, which is the new platform DSP will be using to keep information about your accommodations.

Note: These instructions are also available as a DOCX and PDF - How to Request Alternative Media.docx | How to Request Alternative Media.pdf.

Logging into AIM and Finding Your...

New Student Orientation - Fall 2020

The Disabled Students' Program at UC Berkeley welcomes all new students to our Fall 2020 New Student Orientation! We are excited to meet you and share information that can help you transition into your experience as a new Cal student.

Our New Student Orientation will be taking place this year on Thursday, August 20, 2020 from 10-3 PM via the Zoom platform.

To register for the New Student Orientation, please use the DSP New Student Orientation registration form. After you register, we...

Jobseekers with Disabilities:

Cal students registered with the Disabled Student Program can schedule hour-long one-on-one appointments with an experiencedCareer Counselor(link is external) to support their career exploration, preparation, and job seeking as an employee with a disability.
Berkeley Career Services for Students with Disabilities...

Applying for Standardized Testing Accommodation:

Accommodations for test takers with disabilities or health-related needs.

GRE(link is external)

MCAT (link is external)

...

Mental Health and Wellness:

CAPS offers short-term counseling for academic, career, and personal issues and also offers psychiatry services for circumstances when medication can help with counseling. There is no charge to get started, and all registered students can access services regardless of their insurance plan.
University Health Services - Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)(link is external)

Inclusive Recreation is a collaborative campus commitment to...

Disability Identity, Culture, and Justice:

Archive of individuals with oral histories or personal papers in the Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement collection and organizations with historical records.Bancroft Library - The Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement(link is external)

Contains work on intersectionality, the autistic movement, racial justice, queer and trans experiences, and disability rights....

Disability Studies:

The Disability Studies field explores how to best meet the challenges and alleviate the problems of those with impairments or disabilities, with emphasis on the role of those affected in defining problems and evaluating solutions.Disability Studies at UC Berkeley(link is external)

The Disability Studies Cluster aims to support theoretical and applied research, policy analysis, teaching and community partnership on...

Student Groups:

Hosts a variety of volunteering, mentoring, and fundraising events throughout the year that help promote acceptance and empower the Berkeley autism community.
Spectrum @Cal(link is external)

Serves as the representative undergraduate voice on mental health, acting as the central liaison between mental health stakeholders, addressing the intersectionalities of mental health.
...

Resources for Housing Accommodations:

Provides accessible housing to meet the needs of everyone.Berkeley Housing Accomodations(link is external)

Oversees nondiscrimination laws that require housing providers to grant requests for reasonable accommodations and modifications in housing, programs, and activities.
...

Resources for Legal Support:

Advises currently registered Cal students regarding their legal questions, rights, and obligations.UC Berkeley Student Legal Services(link is external)

Works to advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, training, education, and public policy and legislative development.
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)...

Reading Strategies/Resources:

Helps improve your understanding, recall, and retention of textbook material.SQ3R - Survey, Question, Read, Recall, Review(link is external)

A video tutorial about the SQ3R Reading Method.
SQ3R Video Tutorial(link is external)

A video detailing...

Note Taking Strategies:

A system for taking, organizing, and reviewing notes.Cornell Note Taking(link is external)

A note-taking method for iPad users.
The "Box-Method"(link is external)

Writing:

Helps students build confidence in their writing and enhances their ability to express rich ideas thoughtfully.College Writing Program - Writing Across Berkeley(link is external)

Writing worksheets, resources, and workshops that help students develop their writing skills.
...

Study Skills:

The Learning Scientists make scientific research on learning more accessible to students, teachers, and other educators.The Learning Scientists(link is external)

Study skills guides for students that provide everything you need in order to learn effectively.
Education Corner - Study Skills for Students(...

Resources for Academic and Learning Support:

The UC Berkeley Library provides special assistance to library users with disabilities in their use of the library and its resources.UC Berkeley Library - Disability Resources(link is external)

The Student Learning Center is the premier undergraduate academic support unit at UC Berkeley.
Student Learning Center...

Community-based Disability Resources:

Provides disability-related information, resources, and programs in the City of Berkeley.
City of Berkeley - Disability Resources(link is external)

A list of ADHD/LD providers that administer testing.
ADHD/LD Testing Referrals(link is external)

The...

Resources for Financial Support:

The Basic Needs Center serves as a space for students to create community and access coordinated basic needs services.
UC Berkeley Basic Needs(link is external)

CalFresh is California's food stamps (SNAP) program.
CalFresh(link is external)

Social Security offers an online disability...

How do I get my media captioned?

Submit captioning requests to DSP Captioning via the DSP portal (AIM). This includes all media including, but not limited to, bCourses videos, video and voiceover content, narrated embedded PowerPoint videos, videos listed on your syllabus, YouTube, TED Talks, Zoom lectures,...

How do I assign the captioner to a Zoom breakout room?

When assigning a captioner to the student during breakout sessions, please look for the captioner as a participant (Captioner). Please ensure the captioner is in the same breakout room as the student receiving the accommodation.

Breakout Room Instructions

How do I communicate with the captioner during a Zoom lecture?

You can communicate with the captioner in the Zoom chat. The captioner will be listed in the participant list as “Captioner.” In the event the Zoom chat is disabled, you can send a message to the captioner in the StreamText chat.

The captioners are captioning and monitoring multiple screens, so they will respond as they are able to.

Message to DSP Students Regarding Corona-virus and DSP Services

Your health and your wellbeing as disabled people is important. We know that COVID-19 can be more of a concern for some of you than to the general population. We hope you have found the university messages on travel, remote access to classrooms, health tips, and self-care useful. They can be found at Berkeley NewsHowever, we felt it was important to send a message particularly tailored to the disability community.

Below you will...

Faculty FAQ - Alternative Media

May a postsecondary institution disclose to a parent, without the student’s consent, information regarding a student’s violation of the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance?

Yes, if the student is under the age of 21 at the time of the disclosure. FERPA was amended in 1998 to allow such disclosures. See § 99.31(a)15 of the FERPA regulations. Also, if the student is a “dependent student” as defined in FERPA, the institution may disclosure such information, regardless of the age of the student.

What if my child is a minor and he or she is taking classes at a local college while still in high school – do I have rights?

If a student is attending a postsecondary institution – at any age – the rights under FERPA have transferred to the student. However, in a situation where a student is enrolled in both a high school and a postsecondary institution, the two schools may exchange information on that student. If the student is under 18, the parents still retain the rights under FERPA at the high school and may inspect and review any records sent by the postsecondary institution to the high school.

Can a postsecondary institution disclose financial records of an eligible student with the student’s parents?

If the student is a dependent for income tax purposes, the institution may disclose any education records, including financial records to a student’s parents. If the student is not a dependent, then the student must generally provide consent for the school to disclose the information to the parents.

If I am a parent of a college student, do I have the right to see my child’s education records, especially if I pay the bill?

As noted above, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student, once the student turns 18 years old or enters a postsecondary institution at any age. However, although the rights under FERPA have now transferred to the student, a school may disclose information from an “eligible student’s” education records to the parents of the student, without the student’s consent, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes. Neither the age of the student nor the parent’s status as a custodial parent is relevant. If a student is claimed as a dependent by either...

What is “Directory Information”?

FERPA defines “directory information” as information contained in the education records of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Typically, “directory information” includes information such as name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and dates of attendance. A school may disclose “directory information” to third parties without consent if it has given public notice of the types of information which it has designated as “directory...

Under what circumstances may a school disclose information from education records without consent?

There are several exceptions to FERPA’s general prior consent rule that are set forth in the statute and the regulations. See § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. One exception is the disclosure of “directory information” if the school follows certain procedures set forth in FERPA. (34 CFR § 99.31(a)(11).)

How am I informed about my rights under FERPA?

Educational agencies and institutions are required to notify parents and eligible students about their rights under FERPA. Section 99.7 of the FERPA regulations sets forth the requirements for the notification and there is a model notification on this Web site. Schools do not have to individually notify parents and eligible students but do have to notify them by any means that are reasonably likely to inform the parents or eligible students of their rights.

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”). The FERPA statute is found at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and the FERPA regulations are found at...

DSP Team

Meet our dedicated team of staff professionals, managers, and supervisors. We look forward to helping to meet your needs!

Can I request books from the Library?

If you have a library book that needs conversion, please use the Library's scanning services. You will receive an email with a link to a PDF and a DOCX. If the document you received needs further editing, please feel free to request this file from the Alternative Media Unit of DSP.

Why do I need to provide a receipt?

DSP must adhere to copyright guidelines and verify that students own the textbooks they are requesting. For detailed information please read our Alternative Media Guidelines

I am a graduate student and need alternative formats for non-course related academic work. Can I request alternative formats for these titles?

If you own a book that needs conversion, whether it is required for a class or not, please request a conversion from DSP's Alternative Media Unit by logging into AIM. You will need to provide a receipt or proof of ownership for any copyrighted materials.

Note: If you have a lot of books that you need converted, we recommend that you make an appointment with Alt Media staff so that we can prioritize what to convert...

How long does it take to get my files?

Books/course materials containing clean text (i.e. a novel) take 10-17 business days to process. Books containing STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), graphs, tables, or poor quality/markups (highlighting, underlining, writing, blurry text) generally take longer than 10 business days. For detailed information please read our Alternative Media Guidelines

I dropped/changed one or more of my classes and no longer need Alt Media for them, what do I do?

As soon as possible, email us at dspamc@berkeley.edu with your name, the name of the class(es), and the name of the book(s) in those classes so that we can cancel those requests immediately.

How do I request Alt Media?

To request alternative media each semester, you must log into AIM. Please see instructions on our website about how to request alternative media using AIM.

My assigned format is not working for me (I don’t like it), can a request a different format?

Please email the Alternative Media Supervisor with details of what is not working for you. Your format could be adjusted or changed.

How do I check to see what textbooks I need for my classes?

There are a few ways to do this. You can check on CalCentral or the Cal Student Store Textbook Lookup. Additionally, you can log into AIM and access the Alternative Media module. See the instructions about how to request alternative media for more information.

My instructor has not yet declared the titles of my textbooks, what do I do?

Fill out the Alternative Media Notice form as soon as possible. This will allow us to contact your instructor or course department for book and course material information. We will email you information as we receive it.

Other Support Services

UC Berkeley is committed to going beyond compliance and required accommodations to provide needed services for students with disabilities to support their success and graduation.

Learning Specialist: Our DSP Learning Specialist offers workshops, academic coaching, and a course, Access & Self-Advocacy: An Intro to UC Berkeley for Students with Disabilities. Many of their services are available through...

Where can I go to find an already captioned version of the film/video I want to play?

Media Resource Center (MRC)

DSP-Captioning YouTube account

DCMP Video Archives

Kanopy Streaming Service

**If you are unsure whether a video has proper captioning, please submit your media to the Captioned Media department for review...

What if the media I plan to use is from YouTube?

There are two options to have YouTube media captioned: Submit YouTube media and request captioning through the DSP portal AIM. Submit public and unlisted YouTube links via bCourses Submit YouTube media and request captioning through AIM

If the material is on YouTube, you should check to see if it’s appropriately captioned. If...

How long does it take to get media captioned?

For shorter videos of ten minutes or less, please allow 10 business days. For longer videos, please allow 15 business days. For last-minute media captioning requests, please submit your request via the DSP Portal (AIM) and indicate your desired turnaround time. Please plan accordingly. If videos are not captioned, they may not be shown in class or be required to view outside of class time.

Is a transcript of a video sufficient?

If the media has audio and video, it needs to have professional captions. A transcript is not sufficient to meet the captioned Media accommodation.

Career Services

DSP offers specialized career services for students with disabilities. Cal students registered with the Disabled Students’ Program can schedule hour-long one-on-one appointments with an experienced Career Counselor to support their career exploration, preparation, and job-seeking as an employee with a disability.

Ricardo Flores is our DSP Career Counselor. Ricardo has a Master’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. He is an experienced vocational expert who previously served as project coordinator for the National...

A notetaker has reached out to me and asked for permission to use their laptop. I do not allow students to use technology in class. What should I do?

Some DSP students have specific accommodations to receive typewritten notes from a student notetaker in their class. If this is the case, the notetaker should be allowed to use their laptop in the classroom as long as they have identified themselves to you. A DSP specialist will reach out to you to confirm the accommodation.

In my classroom, we often discuss sensitive topics/information. How do I handle this?

In this case, it’s best to reach out to the student's Disability Specialist to discuss your concerns and make a plan. Please do not discuss your concerns with your student. A common solution is to allow the student to record any lecture-based material, but turn the recording off during discussion of sensitive topics.

A student in my class has an audio recording accommodation, but I don’t allow recording.

All DSP students who are approved to audio record sign an Audio Recording Agreement. The agreement states that they acknowledge the recording is the intellectual property of the instructor and that they will not distribute the recording. You may request a copy of this from the students’ assigned Disability Specialist. If you still have concerns about audio recording in your class, please contact the Disability Specialist who signed the letter of accommodation.

A student in my class says they are not receiving notes. What should I do?

Instruct the student to contact dspnotes@berkeley.edu, and we will follow up with the student.

A student in my class has an accommodation to receive notes. Am I required to find the student a notetaker?

No action is required on your part. DSP’s Note Taking office will coordinate recruitment of notetakers and delivery of notes to the student. In certain cases, DSP may contact you directly for assistance in recruiting a notetaker.

My student needs an alternative format of my exam. What do I do?

If you are a faculty member or GSI who needs to convert an exam into an alternative format, please send an email to dspamc@berkeley.edu in which you share with us the following information:

Student name

Student ID

Class name

Professor name

CCN

Exam date

In your email, you can share with us your...

How can I check if the documents that I am using in my class are accessible to students who are blind or who use assistive technology?

How can I create accessible materials for my class?

OCR Scanners

Before you scan a document for use in your class, first check if the document is already available electronically through one of the Library’s subscriptions. If the book is in the public domain, you can also check for electronic copies at Project Gutenberg

If you cannot locate an electronic version of a text and...

A student in my class receives alternative media. What do I do?

If you know that a student is registered with the Disabled Students Program, please feel free to contact the Alternative Media Unit of DSP for help.

It is best practice to create an accessible version of your course before you are notified that a student has an accommodation. See the previous question for information about how to do that.

How can I prepare my classes so that they are accessible to students who use alternative media (braille, large print, e-Text)?

Adopt your textbooks and prepare your course reader before the Accommodation Deadline

If you are using a print shop for a course reader, retain a digital copy of the course reader files. DSP may need to request the digital version of your course reader for conversion purposes.

Create accessible versions of class documents, syllabi, handouts, and exams....

Why do students receive exam accommodations?

Exam accommodations are a more common accommodation because they accommodate students with many different types of disabilities. Some examples include: students with learning disabilities or physical disabilities who use assistive technologies may need additional time to read exam questions and produce responses; students with learning disabilities that impact processing speeds may need more time to process information; students with attention deficits may need both additional time and a reduced distraction environment.

Can I relocate students during an exam?

Generally, no. This can be very disruptive to students who need exam accommodations. The exception would be if the chosen space was no longer appropriate because of unanticipated background noise or disruptions.

Can I refuse a disability-related request for a make-up exam and instead drop the exam and add the points to a future exam? (sometimes known as clobber policies)

Faculty may offer this as an option to students. However, if the student has a documented disability-related need for a make-up exam as verified by the Disability Specialist, then the student has a right to take a make-up exam. The exam may be an alternate exam of the same format and difficulty as the original exam. The faculty member may also choose to administer the same exam and have the student sign an academic honesty agreement.

Can I provide DSP exam accommodations myself?

Yes, so long as each student is provided with their individual accommodations. If you have any questions about specific accommodations for any student, please contact the student’s Disability Specialist for assistance.

Can DSP Proctoring proctor exams during RRR week?

University policy prohibits administering any final assessments during RRR week. For further clarification, please consult the Committee on Courses of Instruction (COCI) Handbook, section 2.1.12 Reading, Review, and Recitation (RRR) Week Guidelines

Will DSP Proctoring notify me of my DSP student's proctoring details?

When a student's exam is approved you will receive an email thread notifying you of your students' scheduled exams, including all relevant details. You will receive a separate email for each student in one email thread.

How do I request proctoring services for exams?

To request proctoring services for your class, log in to your DSP Faculty Portal and click on the Proctoring module on the left side of the page. Click on the Testing Agreement and answer all questions in that form. Once you have submitted the testing agreement, students will be responsible for scheduling their own exams. Space is limited and we may not be able to seat all your students. We will give priority to students with complex accommodations...

Can DSP Proctoring proctor exams at night?

Due to staffing considerations, we are unable to proctor evening exams. All regular-semester exams must end by 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. All final exams must end no later than 6 pm. Please call our office at (510) 643-4691 or email proctoring@berkeley.edu to discuss your needs.

Can DSP Proctoring proctor online exams?

We are unable to proctor online exams at this time. For assistance with online exams, please contact Digital Learning Services or email: bcourseshelp@berkeley.edu

What measures are taken to promote academic integrity?

DSP Proctoring takes academic integrity very seriously. All of our proctors are well trained and are constantly monitoring exams in our testing locations. Students must show a photo ID when they arrive and agree to all conditions before an exam begins. Cell phones and smart watches must be turned off in front of the proctor and stowed away for the duration of the exam. Students are asked to sign in/out when using the bathroom, and proctors are continually walking the floor to deter any potential for cheating. Any suspicious activity is logged and reported to the instructor...

If a student is late to their exam, do they receive their full amount of time?

If a student is late for their exam, they will not be granted any additional time. If they are more than 30 minutes late, they will not be allowed to start their exam unless we get approval from the instructor. We will call the contact number submitted on the proctoring request form for approval.

If a student misses their exam, can they reschedule with DSP Proctoring?

If an instructor would like us to reschedule a student’s exam, please email our office at proctoring@berkeley.edu. We will be happy to reschedule the exam at the instructor’s request. Please do not have students contact us directly to reschedule an exam. Exams can only be scheduled with faculty approval.

How can I communicate changes or errors in the exam to my students while they are taking their exam with DSP Proctoring?

To communicate any changes to your exam while the exam is taking place, please call the DSP Proctoring Center at (510) 643-4691. We will notify your students of the changes. Please keep in mind that your students may be located in different buildings, and reaching all of your students may take time.

When can I pick up completed exams from the DSP Proctoring office?

Exams must be picked up in person in our office beginning at 8:30 am the day after the exam. Pick-up hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

When should I drop off exams to the DSP Proctoring office?

Exams must be delivered to us in one of the following ways:

1.) Email the exam in an attachment to proctoring@berkeley.edu no later than 4:30 PM 2 BUSINESS DAYS prior to the date of the exam. Please include the Department and course number in the subject line.

2.) Upload exams through your Faculty Portal no later than 4:30 PM 2 BUSINESS DAYS prior to the date of the exam.

3.)Hand-delivered in person at the Proctoring Center no later than 4:30 pm one business day before the...

Do I need to fill out a new request for each individual exam?

Faculty need to submit a testing agreement for each class for which they are requesting exams. Once the testing agreement is submitted, students will be responsible for requesting and scheduling their own exams through their DSP Student Portal.

Can students in DSP take their exam at a different day and/or time than the class?

Students can only schedule their exams on the dates entered by the instructor in the Testing Agreement. However, the system will allow students to schedule their exams at any time between the hours of 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM for regular-semester exams. If you want your students to schedule their exams at a specific time it is your responsibility to notify your students to schedule their exams at the time determined by you.

For final exams, students are restricted to...

Faculty FAQs

For more information, take the DSP Online Training, DISABILITY, ACCOMMODATION, AND ACCESS IN THE UC CLASSROOM in the UC Learning Center: https://uc.sumtotal.host/rcore/c/pillarRedirect?relyingParty=LM&url=app%...

Who is responsible for ensuring accessibility standards are met? What resources and training are available for faculty?

Faculty are responsible for making their own websites accessible and providing accommodations for students with disabilities in an online course. There are many campus resources to assist faculty with this.

Resources for building accessible websites can be found here: https://webaccess.berkeley.edu/home

Resources for online instruction: ...

There’s been a lot of discussion about online access recently. Can you explain the difference between the accessibility standard for websites and accommodations for online classes?

UC Berkeley is required to ensure that anything posted in public forums (for example, University websites or YouTube Channels) is fully accessible to persons with disabilities and can be accessed using assistive technology ( i.e. screen readers) and also includes video captions. Any information that is posted in your official university capacity that is visible to any member of the public must meet this accessibility standard.

Online courses or websites that are only accessible to registered students must provide accommodations as described in...

As I’m planning my class, is there anything I can do to make my class more accessible so students require fewer accommodations to participate in my class?

We’re so glad you asked! The more accessible your class is for students with disabilities, the fewer accommodations students will require to participate in your class. As an additional benefit, when your class is more accessible for students with disabilities, it will be more accessible for students without disabilities, too!

The paradigm of Universal Design recognizes that disability is just one facet of an individual’s identity and that disability is neither negative nor an inherent barrier to access. Universal Design asks us to consider for...

Can I send an email to all of my DSP students?

Yes, please be sure to use bcc to not violate the privacy of your DSP students.

A DSP student has an accommodation to use a laptop, and I do not allow laptops in my classroom.

Some students use assistive technology on a laptop to assist them with note taking. If a DSP student has an accommodation for the use of a laptop for disability-related reasons, please allow the DSP student to use their laptop. Students should not be told where to sit in the classroom.

In your syllabus, please state that students who need a laptop should contact the instructor to request an exception. In this way, you can avoid specifically singling out students with disabilities.

Can I, instead of offering a make-up exam, require the student to roll the points for the missed exam into future exams?

Faculty may offer this as an option to students. However, if the student has a documented disability-related need for a make-up exam as verified by the Disability Specialist, then the student has a right to take a make-up exam. The exam may be an alternate exam of the same format and difficulty as the original exam. The faculty member may also choose to administer the same exam and have the student sign an academic honesty agreement.

Is it okay for me to give the student a grade of Incomplete and ask them to take the final exam with next semester’s class?

The day of my final exam, a student in my class had a disability-related absence. The student now wants me to provide them with a make-up exam, which their accommodation letter allows for. Is it okay for me to give the student a grade of Incomplete and ask them to take the final exam with next semester’s class?

If the student is in good standing in your class at the time of the missed final, you can offer the student the option of an incomplete grade to allow them to take a make-up exam when they are well enough to do so. However, you cannot require a student to wait a full semester to take the final exam with another class if the student requests to take the exam earlier. In most cases, if a student has missed an exam due to a flare in the impact of their disability, the student will be able to take the exam within days of the flare subsiding. If this is the case, it would not...

A student in my class is requesting an extension on their homework assignment, but their accommodation letter doesn’t say how many additional days I should allow them. How do I know how much additional time to provide?

Guidance on implementing assignment extension accommodations

Allowance for extensions on take-home assignments may be needed to address the impact of some student's disabilities. Students who may need this accommodation include students who take longer to produce assignments because they use assistive technology (for example, speech to text) or students who have periodic flares of illness that may sometimes interfere with meeting deadlines.

Students with an assignment extension accommodation must communicate the need for an extension on each assignment unless otherwise...

The location of my classroom was changed to accommodate a student with a disability. How could a change of classroom location serve as a disability accommodation?

Sometimes a student with disabilities may need to have a classroom location changed in order to have full access to your course. Most frequently, this is because a classroom was not fully accessible for a student who is using a wheelchair for mobility, because the building is in a campus location that the student has significant difficulty physically travelling to and from because of the impact of their disability, or because the classroom lacks the technology needed for real-time captioning. If you have any concerns about the change, please contact a DSP Disability Specialist...

How far in advance must students with disabilities inform an instructor about needed accommodations?

Students who work with DSP are strongly urged to request and send letters of accommodation as soon as they register for a course or become eligible for accommodations. However, the University must make every effort to accommodate students, regardless of the timing of the notice of a student's need for accommodations. DSP may be able to assist with late requests. Please contact the Disability Specialist who sent the student’s accommodation letter if you need assistance.

Are there ways for students to receive approval of or support for academic accommodations other than through DSP?

Yes. Students may request accommodations through other processes and offices, including the Title IX office, Path to Care, and the Center for Support and Intervention. For questions about accommodations for reasons other than disability (for example, Title IX accommodations), please reach out to the referring office with questions. More information is available at Academic Accommodations Hub

What if I object to a recommendation in DSP's letter of accommodation?

Please contact the Disability Specialist who sent the accommodation letter to resolve any logistical or other concerns you may have. The Disability Specialists know that their recommendations can occasionally inadvertently compromise the purposes or standards of a class, and they are ready to discuss such concerns with you. You are not obligated to fundamentally alter the objectives of your course.

When DSP and an instructor disagree regarding the appropriateness of an accommodation for a particular course, the...

Are students required to speak with faculty to initiate accommodations?

We do encourage students to have a conversation with their instructors about their accommodations. These conversations can be helpful for both parties. DSP Disability Specialists can also help facilitate these conversations and assist faculty with setting up an agreement with students about accommodations (for example, Disability Specialists can help instructors and students determine the parameters for acceptable numbers of absences or timelines for assignment extensions). However, we cannot require students to have a conversation about their accommodations with their...

If I receive a late accommodation letter, do I need to accommodate for past weeks in the semester?

Accommodations are not retroactive, so you are not responsible for provision of accommodations prior to the date that the accommodation letter is issued. You do have the discretion to retroactively accommodate a student if you would like to. For instance, if a student becomes active in DSP in the middle of the semester and their accommodation letter requires flexibility with assignment deadlines, you have the discretion to accept their late work from earlier in the semester. However, you are not required to do so. If you have any concerns about the...

Why do we receive late letters of accommodation? Can you set a deadline for students to apply for accommodations each semester?

DSP does not have a deadline by which students can apply for services. Students can be diagnosed with or acquire disabilities at any time, and the process of obtaining disability documentation can also take time. Sometimes students who already have a disability identity will wait to seek services until they have first tried participating at Berkeley without formal accommodations. Students may also find that the impact of their disability has changed during the semester and that they need additional support in accessing their program of study due...

Why doesn’t my student’s accommodation letter state what their disability is? How can I verify that their accommodation request in my class is related to their disability? Can I request medical documentation from a student with DSP accommodations?

Students with disabilities have a right to privacy regarding their medical diagnoses and medical documentation. For this reason, we ask faculty not to request medical documentation from students with disabilities. If you feel that it is necessary to verify that a student’s request is disability related, you can contact the student’s assigned Disability Specialist. The Disability Specialist can review the student’s documentation on file and confirm whether there is a disability-related need for an absence, assignment extension, or other...

How is the decision made that a student needs accommodations? How does a student become eligible for DSP services?

Not every student with a disability attending UC Berkeley is utilizing DSP services. The decision to connect with DSP is an individual choice for students with disabilities. If a student believes that they will require accommodations to have equal access to participate in their program at Berkeley, they need to take the formal step of applying for accommodations.

Students first apply online to create an account with DSP that will allow our office to keep students’ disability records separate from their academic and other campus records....

What if a student says that they have a disability, but I have not received a letter of accommodation from DSP?

We ask faculty to refer students back to DSP rather than provide informal accommodations. Informal accommodations may not meet the student’s disability-related access needs. If a student is not yet active in DSP and has an immediate concern, instructors can provide the same consideration for extenuating circumstances that they would provide for students without disabilities. For instance, if a student breaks their hand the night before your exam and asks you if they can have some extra time because their typing is slower, you have the discretion to allow this adjustment without...

A student with a disability is enrolled in my class. What adjustments or other accommodations must I make?

If the student is being served by DSP, you will receive a letter of accommodation that specifically describes the accommodations to which a student is entitled to ensure their equal access to your course. If a student requests accommodations on the basis of disability and you have not yet received an accommodation letter, then you should ask the student to log in to their DSP account via the DSP website to request that a letter of accommodation from DSP is sent to you. Once you have been sent the electronic copy of the accommodation letter, you are then required to provide...

I have been teaching at Berkeley for some time, and the number of students with disabilities in my classes seems to increase every semester. Are more students with disabilities attending Berkeley? Why do the numbers seem to keep going up?

In 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act was amended, broadening the definition of disability to include more persons with non-apparent disabilities (for example, chronic health conditions and psychological disabilities). In addition, IDEA, the law that governs K-12 services for students with disabilities, has provided greater opportunity for students with disabilities to excel academically, graduate high school, and successfully matriculate to higher education.

Universities nationwide are experiencing unprecedented growth in the numbers of...

Ricardo Flores

TRiO Career Advisor/Career Services Counselor

Ricardo Flores Career Services

Heather Yaden

TRiO Learning Specialist

Rochelle Barnes

DSP TRiO Director

Rochelle Brown earned a bachelor’s in Sociology from Pitzer College and a master’s degree in Counseling from the University of La Verne.

Student Support Workshops

There is one academic study skills course and several workshops offered to students in TRiO DSP throughout the year. If you have any questions about any of the workshops offered, please contact dsp-trio@berkeley.edu. For accommodation requests, please send us an email.

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Cal TRiO DSP Student Support Services Staff

TRiO SSS Director Rochelle Barnes

Rochelle Barnes Cal TRiO DSP SSS Director

Rochelle Barnes earned a bachelor’s in Sociology from Pitzer College and a master’s degree in Counseling from the University of La Verne.

Read...

TRIO DSP SSS - Program Highlights and Statistics

General Statistics

Total Number of Applications Received from 2020 to 2021: 184

Total Number of Students Admitted from 2020 to 2021: 101

Total Number of Graduates (December 2021 & Spring 2022): 49

Average GPA of TRIO graduates: 3.36

Most popular major for graduates: Sociology, B.A. (30%)

Most popular major for continuing...

What Students Are Saying About Cal TRiO DSP SSS

TRiO Students attending an event at the TRiO center

Here are a few comments from current and past students about their experiences participating in our UC Berkeley CAL TRiO DSP SSS program:

The Cal TRiO DSP SSS program is here for you. I am so excited to be able to go to an office and speak with staff members that understand what I am going through. They not only listen to...

Notetaking Policies

Class notes are not intended to substitute for class attendance. The Purpose and Provision of Class notes

A student’s creation of class notes for personal use or study is more than a form of merely recording classroom information for later review and memorization to assist in recalling information presented to the student while attending class. The process of creating class notes assists students in analyzing, synthesizing, and organizing the information and concepts presented in the classroom into a cognitive framework customized to meet the individual student’s unique learning needs....

How do I become an ally for autistic students on campus?

With the projected growing population of neurodiverse students entering 4 year universities in the next decade, it is advantageous for campus communities to design a culture that embraces and showcases neurodiversity acceptance and inclusion. The DSP Autism Services Program, Spectrum Connect, offers a training program for staff, faculty and allies to learn more about autism and best practices for accessibility on campus. We are seeking to build a community of faculty & staff that can act as advocates and educators for neurodivergent students. For more information about...

A student with autism has communicated to our GSI that they are having trouble finding lab partners and working collaboratively in group settings. What can they do to support them?

Autism diagnoses are often characterized by social and communication deficits. These barriers can make it very challenging for students to engage in the process of finding partners and to communicate effectively when working in pairs or small groups. It can be helpful to select student groups ahead of time to avoid the potential challenge of group outreach and matching. Another suggestion would be to meet with the student 1:1 to outline the components of a given lab or project and to identify portions of the assignment that the student can best showcase and contribute their...

A student who has disclosed an autism diagnosis is demonstrating unique behaviors in class. How do I learn more about the nature of these behaviors and initiate an open dialogue with the student about them?

As a general guideline, when communicating with a student with autism, it is important to utilize concise and direct language; try to avoid using figurative language or sarcasm. If a behavior is observed that a faculty or staff member has questions or concerns about, it is recommended to first meet with the student 1:1 to talk about the observed behavior. This meeting should occur before or after class and/or during office hours if accessible. Please keep in mind that observed behaviors could be a general misinterpretation or a result of a specific manifestation of...

What is the best way to communicate with a student who discloses an autism identity?

The student is the best person to answer this question, as every student has their individual communication preferences. In general, direct, written communication has shown to be effective. It is common for students who have autism to identify as visual learners over auditory learners , so providing visual notes, structured outlines, checklists and timelines can be really effective for supportive communication. When meeting 1:1 with a student, writing down key takeaways from your discussion and sharing them with the student can ensure that the student walks away with clear...

How do I know if a student in my class has autism?

Generally speaking, knowing whether or not a student has autism in your class is not necessary in order to implement supportive communication and teaching strategies that could potentially benefit all students in your course. Examples of such strategies can include designing a course syllabus that is structured with explicit information about course objectives, assignment breakdowns, office hours, and further opportunities for progress monitoring support. Offering visual content such as powerpoint presentations to all students and/or recordings of direct instruction can...

Get Involved!

Page under construction

Autism Spectrum Services: For Faculty

Resources and tutorials highlighting best practice for the development of accessible and inclusive teaching practices for all students, including individuals with autism. If you are a faculty or staff member at Cal and are interested in scheduling a training session with the Spectrum Connect team, please complete the Campus Training Interest form on the Autism Spectrum Services homepage.

OAR Students with Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for College Personnel
...

Autism Spectrum Services: For Parents & Allies

Resources that offer guidelines for families and allies of students who identify with disability who are transitioning to the post secondary education setting.

Differences between disability services offered in K-12 & Higher Education
http://depts.washington.edu/uwdrs/differences-between-k-12-and-postsecondary-education/

Cited from: University of Washington...

Autism Spectrum Services: Resources for Students

Christian Yee

Auxiliary Services Supervisor

Picture of Note-Taking Coordinator Christian YeeChristian Yee has been with the Disabled Students' Program since 2014.

Trenna Davis

CART/ASL Supervisor

Picture of CART/ASL Supervisor Trenna DavisTrenna Davis is the Realtime Captioning and ASL Communication Supervisor.......

Resources

A collection of autism centered resources for all members of the UC Berkeley campus community.

Brochure

Martha Velasquez

Associate Director and Manager of Auxiliary Services

Martha VelasquezMartha Velasquez has been the Associate Director since November 2017.

DSP Managers and Supervisors

Organizational Chart

DSP History

A Brief History of Disability Activism and DSP at Cal

UC Berkeley was one of the first campuses in the US to begin accommodating students with disabilities. This happened because of the activism of students who pushed UC Berkeley to provide equal learning opportunities for persons with disabilities. The disability activism of our UC Berkeley students helped ignite a civil rights movement that led to the passage of the ADA and continues to shape policy today.

Student Activists

The Disabled Students’ Program and the disability rights movement were also born out of student...

Accommodations Descriptions

Page is under construction.

Exam Conversion

If you are a faculty member or GSI who needs to convert an exam into an alternative format, please send an email to dspamc@berkeley.edu in which you share with us the following information:

Student name

Student ID

Class name

Professor name

CCN

Exam date

In your email, you can share...

Application Process

Application Process

If you have already had an intake appointment and you are already active in the Disabled Students' Program, you may go directly to Student Login to request letters and services.

All students taking classes at UC Berkeley (including admitted degree students, Summer Sessions students, and students studying abroad at UC Berkeley) are responsible for completing the following steps to request academic accommodations on the basis of disability:...

Stephanie D. LaBarge

Lead Disability Specialist & Supervisor

Picture of Disability Specialist Stephanie FloresHello and welcome to my page! I joined the UC Berkeley DSP team in January 2018.

Alvaro Gomez

Disability Specialist

Picture of Disability Specialist Alvaro GomezBorn and raised in the Bay Area, Alvaro Francisco Gomez has been working in the field of Disability and Higher Education for the past 25 years.

Kurzweil 3000 Resources

Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 is a scan and read software program that students can use to access their reading materials, whether on the web or in digital file formats (PDF, DOCX, and EPUB). Kurzweil uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology to convert inaccessible versions of text into text that students can select and hear read out loud by the program. When reading texts with Kurzweil, students can see the text highlighted and can adjust the size of the text for easier viewing. Kurzweil also offers many annotation features and writing supports that can enhance a student’s...

International Student Note Takers

A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to receive the monetary stipend at the end of the semester. If you do not have an SSN you can still serve as a volunteer notetaker and receive a gift card for up to $75 at the end of the semester.

Please feel free to reach out to us at dspnotes@berkeley.edu if you have any questions.

Julie Greene

Disability Specialist - Graduate Students

Photo of Disability Specialist Julie GreeneWelcome to my DSP page! I joined the Berkeley community in January 2018...

DSP Specialists

DSP Disability Specialists

Our Disability Specialists serve each student individually by conducting intakes, determining accommodations and DSP services, referring students to campus and community resources, and assisting students in working with faculty to carry out accommodations. Each DSP student works with one DSP specialist. The specialist should be the student's first contact when the student experiences any problems or concerns with their accommodations or services or if the student needs to adjust their accommodations. See bios for more information about our specialists. We...

Carolyn Swalina

Lead Disability Specialist & Supervisor

Photo of Lead Disability Specialist Carolyn SwalinaWhen I graduated from high school, I had no idea that I would eventually pursue a career working with college students.

Employment Opportunities

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) is recognized for its commitment to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities at UC Berkeley and helps students to achieve academic success through its programs. DSP provides a wide array of legally mandated services to students with disabilities and consists of approximately 50 FTE, serves over 5500 students, and hires over 400 service providers and student volunteers to provide educational support to this growing population. The unit has an annual operating budget of approximately $3.5 million in...

Annual Report and Data

DSP Annual Report

End of year data for FY 2019-20

Chart A: Students served and Auxiliary Services requests- The University is required by federal law to provide accommodations and services to students with disabilities who register with DSP. This chart is an overall summary of the growth of the number of DSP students over an 8 year period and the growth in requests for mandated services.

Academic Year

2013-14

...

Resources for Parents, Families, and Allies

The transition from high school to college also means a change in student privacy protections and changes in the way students receive accommodations and services. The following resources will aid in the understanding of the high school-college transition.

Autism Spectrum Services

Policies

DSP Policies

DSP has student policies to guide our students on using our services, provide for the fair resolution of complaints and concerns, and establish consistency in our practices. Some of the most important student policies follow below. University and systemwide policies may be found here.

What Are Accommodations?

Accommodations are adjustments to policies, procedures, and practices that serve to remove barriers and allow students with disabilities...

Carolyn Swalina

Lead Disability Specialist

Emily Paulson

collapse my bio expand to read my bio About Me

Hello, and welcome to my DSP webpage. I started my career with the UC Berkeley DSP in January of 2018. I am a licensed Special Education Teacher with 10 years of experience working in the K-12 system supporting students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Over the course of my career, I have had the great opportunity to gain extensive experience working with students on the...

Stephanie LaBarge

About Me

Stephanie Joined the UC Berkeley DSP team in January 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University and a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling with a specialization in College Student Services from Saint Mary’s College of CA. Stephanie uses a student-centered approach when working with students and finds the best solutions for students by using empathy, active listening and holistic approaches.

She brings over 11 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities of all ages both in the...

Julie Greene

About Me:

Welcome to my DSP page! I joined the Berkeley community in January 2018 and bring with me over six years experience working with students with varying disabilities, with over four of those years in higher education. In working with college students, I have adopted a person-centered approach and emphasize the importance of a student’s narrative and the understanding of one’s self and needs.

I graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. After some time spent traveling and teaching...

Alice Wong

Welcome to my DSP page! I joined the UC Berkeley community in January 2018. I worked the previous year as a Disability Specialist. Prior to that I was an Alternate Format Production Facilities and Assistive Technology Manager for 13 years at Stanford University. I have 20+ years of experience working at the college level with students with disabilities.

My approach to working with students with disabilities is to thoughtfully listen to them and confirm that I understand their academic needs. I want to provide students with resources to level the academic playing field and deliver...

Laurica Brown

About Me: I'm excited to work with all of you. Check back for updates soon!

The Loop Golf Cart

The Loop is a golf cart that provides intra-campus rides for eligible faculty, staff, and students with disabilities on a first-come, first-served basis. This service was created to assist persons with mobility disabilities (including temporary disability as a result of injury) and visual impairments. The Loop only operates on the core campus.

Eligibility for the Loop

All riders must demonstrate a disability-related need to receive approval to use the Loop. Campus Access Services receives...

Cal TRiO DSP Student Support Services

Drop-In Appointment Procedures Change

This page is obsolete and can be deleted.

No Specialists Available 11/17/16 from 12 noon - 1:30

Specialists will be in a training during that time. Our apologies for any inconveniences.

11/17/16 No Specialists available from 12-1:30

Specialists will be in a training session at this time. We apologogize for any inconveniences.

Accessibility Responsibilities

We all share a concern about reducing the high cost of course materials and ensuring those materials are accessible by our students. Please see below for information regarding instructors’ responsibilities and important upcoming deadlines for submitting assigned course books and readers.

Accessibility:

Each faculty has the responsibility* to identify instructional materials for his or her courses far enough in advance of the semester that the Disabled Students Program has adequate time to convert them into an accessible format, e.g., Braille, large print, digital/electronic. Timely...

Become TRiO!

Expectations

The Federal TRiO programs have proven to be helpful in increasing retention, good academic standing, and graduation rates of students. To benefit from TRiO’s history of success, TRiO DSP SSS students must comply with the following expectations:

Create a Student Success Plan Complete the Financial Literacy/Financial Advising Courses Complete the Career Exploration/Readiness Assessments Meet with TRiO DSP SSS Coordinator and/or Learning Specialist twice a semester Attend at least one Academic Workshop,...

What is TRiO?

What is TRiO?

Cal TRiO DSP SSS is one of nine Federal TRiO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education that supports eligible students to excel throughout their academic career--from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. TRiO began with demands for greater access to higher education in the 1960s. It was the first national college access and retention program to address the severe social and cultural barriers to higher education in America.

The nine TRiO...

DSP Process for Class Notes

The Purpose and Provision of Class Notes

Class notes are not intended to substitute for class attendance by the student with a disability.

A student’s creation of class notes for personal use or study is more than a form of merely recording classroom information for later review and memorization to assist in recalling information presented to the student while attending class. The process of creating class notes assists students in analyzing, synthesizing and organizing the information and concepts presented in the classroom into a cognitive framework customized to...

Letters of Accommodation

Letters of Accommodation (LOA’s)

When students give you Letters of Accommodation (LOA’s) from DSP, you:

Are responsible for providing the accommodations listed. Are not required to compromise the academic integrity of your course by giving passing grades to students who have failed to demonstrate the required level of understanding or performance competency. Contact the DSP specialist (not the student) immediately with any concerns. Are not responsible for providing retroactive accommodations. Accommodations become your responsibility only after a DSP student has submitted a request to...

Classroom Accessibility

At UC Berkeley, the vast majority of classrooms are accessible to people with all manners of disabilities. With only a few exceptions our classrooms are wheelchair accessible, and many of the largest lecture halls also contain accessible classroom furniture. Some students require additional furniture accommodations that allow them to fully participate in their courses and, despite the general accessibility of classrooms, some rooms present access barriers to students with other access needs. To support all students in participating in their courses, DSP Auxiliary Services...

About

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) provides services to meet the unique educational needs of regularly enrolled students with permanent or temporary disabilities. Our staff includes disability specialists, service providers, and accessibility experts who serve our students with disabilities throughout their educational career.

DSP is under the umbrella of the Equity and Inclusion division, as disability is a part of the diversity fabric. While the primary focus and mission of DSP is to serve documented disabled students, DSP staff also work closely with faculty...

Self-Scan Lab

Hours of Operation: Day Time Monday - Friday

9AM-12PM

1PM-4:30PM

For a 15-20 minute tutorial on self-scanning, please send an e-mail to the Alt Media Liaison.

Scan Station Software

Each scan station is equipped with the following software:

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) Kurzweil 3000...

Documentation for DSP

Students applying for DSP accommodations should provide DSP with the preferred disability documentation listed below in order to determine eligibility for DSP services. If the documents listed are not available to you, please submit any documentation you have and complete your DSP application.

The University Health Services Care Manager can speak with students about their needs and help them navigate services at the Tang Center. Assistance includes making appointments for DSP documentation, coordinating care with Counseling and Psychological...

Admission to UC Berkeley

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is your best resource for information about applying for admission to Berkeley if you have a disability.

If you are interested in accessibility at Berkeley, one of the best sources of information about physical access on the Berkeley campus is Disability Access & Compliance. It has maps that outline physical access to buildings on campus and the slope of campus paths, links to transportation options in the local area...

Transitioning to UC Berkeley

From the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Website

Section 504 and Title II of the ADA protect elementary, secondary, and postsecondary students from discrimination. Nevertheless, several of the requirements that apply through high school are different from the requirements that apply beyond high school.

An individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan, if you have one, may help identify services that have been effective for you. This is generally...

Temporary Conditions

DSP may provide academic accommodations for students with temporary or unexpected conditions that limit their ability to fully participate in academic programing without having accommodations. Some examples of temporary conditions that may require accommodations include:

Pregnant students experiencing pregnancy-related functional limitations (pregnant students not experiencing pregnancy-related functional limitations can seek pregnancy accommodations through the campus Title IX Office). Students with recently aquired injuries,...

Campus TTY

The following campus offices can be contacted directly by TTY:

Admissions: Graduate
(510) 642-7405

Admissions: Undergraduate & Relations with Schools
(510) 642-8396

The Campus ADA/504 Compliance Office
(510) 643-5116

Campus Operator
(510) 642-9900

Career & Graduate School Services
(510) 642-0592

Disabled Students' & Alumni Placement Program
(510) 642-0592

Disabled Students' Program
(510) 642-6376...

Proctoring with DSP - What to Expect the Day of Your Exam

All students taking exams with DSP Proctoring will be held to the same standard as all students as outlined in the Berkeley Campus Code of Student Conduct(link is external) and the Academic Honor Code, which includes the following: “As a member of the UC Berkeley community, I act with honesty, integrity, and respect for others.” Proctoring with DSP...

With Your Department

Accommodation Terms

Here is a list of terms that may be on accommodation letters for students and suggestions on how to appropriatly meet those accommodations. If you have any questions please email proctoring@berkeley.edu.

Reduced Distraction

The Student should be placed in a room that is quiet, with minimal movement or distractions both inside and outside the room, such as frequent opening and closing of doors, loud foot traffic outside the room, or construction noises outside the window.

The room should not...

Other Services

Contact Information

Christian Yee, Auxiliary Services Supervisor

260 Chavez Student Center

Berkeley, CA 94720

Email: dspnotes@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)

Phone: (510)-642-0518

Wheelchair Repair

Vendors List Grandmar

15079 Wicks Blvd, San Leandro
(510) 895-0441
Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; appointments recommended

Only provides service and repairs for equipment that has been purchased directly from Grandmar. Accepts MediCal & Medi-Care, Medi-Medi, (private insurance, cash & credit cards) Limited transportation, equipment only Repairs all chairs, scooters, chargers, & hoyer lifts Repairs most hospital beds and rents beds & commodes Sells DME (Durable Medical Equipment) and bathroom supplies Seating and alignments, (side supports, belts, cushions, etc.) Rents...

Auxiliary In-Class Assistance/Readers

Students may require additional assistance in the classroom environment. Students may be assigned an assistant based on their individual needs.

Lab Assistance

A lab assistant can be provided to assist with laboratory classes. Tasks that the auxiliary assistants provide in a lab class include but are not limited to, physical manipulation of lab materials as needed by the student, adjusting and moving lab equipment as described by the student, taking dictation for lab recording of data, and completion of worksheets during lab....

Note Taking: Steps for Obtaining Notes

The following steps are designed to assist DSP in accommodating you with timely and effective note-taking services through cooperation, good communication, and advance notice. Failure to follow these steps may result in a delay in receiving note-taking services.

DSP Note Taking Request Process Utilize priority enrollment to sign up for classes

As a DSP student, you receive priority enrollment so that you are able to predict your class schedule in advance, and in turn, you are able to provide DSP with advance notice of your need for note-taking services.

Log into your DSP Account...

Who We Serve

DSP serves currently enrolled UC Berkeley students with documented disabilities seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additionally, DSP staff collaborates with UC Berkeley faculty, staff, departments, and other campus partners to ensure that all students with disabilities have inclusive and equally accessible educational opportunities at UC Berkeley.

Who We Are

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) supports students with disabilities in achieving academic success at the world’s top-ranked public higher education institution. Our staff includes disability specialists, service providers, and accessibility experts who serve our students with disabilities throughout their educational career. Get to know our staff better here through our staff profiles. We look forward to meeting you!

Exam Accommodations

Applying for Accommodations

Apply early. If you think you will need an accommodation for a standardized exam, begin the application process well ahead of time. You will need to submit your "request for accommodations" with your other application materials. (Never submit the request for accommodations separately from the other materials.) If you submit the entire packet early, there may be time for you to submit additional materials if you are asked for them. If you are denied accommodations, there may be time to appeal.

Review all direction for test-takers...

Financial Aid

On-Campus Resources Financial Aid Office

Cal Student Central
120 Sproul Hall
Phone: (510) 664-9181
Fax: (510) 643-2015

Mailing Address:
Financial Aid and Scholarships Office
UC Berkeley
201 Sproul Hall #1960
Berkeley, CA 94720-1960

Financial Aid drop-in hours

The Financial Aid Office offers drop-in office hours for DSP. Contact your specialist for more information.

Understanding Student Billing (CARS) Statements

The...

Preparing for Graduation

Discuss your post-graduation plans with the TRIO Coordinator or DSP Specialist

Consider how your disability may affect you in grad school, pre-professional school, or your chosen career. Before graduation, what plans can you make to maximize your assets and minimize your limitations?

See your TRIO Specialist for information and referral for resources for applying to and financing graduate school. You may also be eligible for accomodations on the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and other pre-grad and pre-professional school exams. Details are available through the...

Peer Support

Peer Advisor and Career Coach (PACC) program

Seasoned Cal students are available to answer questions, provide advice, coordinate activities, and help you navigate the campus successfully. PACC 's also faciliate topic-specific discussions to provide oppotuntiies to develop and enhance personal, social and career preparation.

Join a student group

Cal has over 500 student groups. Get involved.

Transfer, Re-entry, and Student Parent Center (TRSP)

The...

Achieving Academic Goals

Academic Tips Check out the resources of the Student Learning Center (SLC)

The SLC offers credit-bearing classes linked to lecture courses, as well as tutoring, study groups, problem sessions, exam reviews, and mini-lectures—all designed to improve students' mastery of course material.

Seek regular academic advising and assistance from your DSP Specialist

Individual consultations are also available on assistance with: major selection, college requirements, and coursework to prepare for graduate school; test anxiety...

Financial Literacy

Learn skills to increase your financial independence and manage your money

TRIO students are expected to complete at least one of our short, interactive Financial Literacy online modules (FL 101) each year. The modules are designed to give you the skills necessary to manage your money and increase your financial independence.

All students on financial aid are encouraged to complete the short module Using Financial Aid to Pay for College (Course number 188). This module describes the basics of financial...

Application

There is a saying, a long journey begins with the first step. The first step to be a TRIO participant is to complete the application process. Stay tuned, as the application will soon be posted on this page. Application

In Progress

Follow the bSpace and Facebook pages

After you have applied, and been accepted, read DSP e-mails, as well as follow us on bSpace and Facebook for the latest with academic deadlines; disability-related events on campus and in the local community; and deadlines for scholarships, fellowships...

Staff

DSP Staff

Martha Velasquez
Associate Director, DSP
Manager, Auxiliary Services

Laronda Chambers
HR & Business Manager

Disability Specialists

Carolyn Swalina
Lead Disability Specialist

Auxiliary Services Supervisors

Vacant - Alternative Media Services
...

Prospective Note Takers

Are you interested in becoming a student volunteer notetaker? Would you like to earn a monetary stipend for sharing the notes that you are already taking for yourself in class? Apply as a DSP notetaker today!

As a DSP notetaker, your responsibility will be to take neat, well-organized notes and upload them to our Accessible Information Management (AIM) system within 36 hours after each class. We welcome both typed and handwritten notes.

Eligibility

You must be currently enrolled as a student in the course in which you are willing to share notes.

...

Accommodations

Berkeley Campus Plan for Accommodating the Academic Needs of Students with Disabilities

This policy describes the roles of various units and individuals at the University of California, Berkeley in ensuring that students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations in their instructional activities, as mandated by Federal and State law and by University policy.

The fundamental principles of nondiscrimination and accommodation in academic programs were set forth in Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title II;...

Teaching and Inclusive Design

General Suggestions on Teaching Students with Disabilities

We encourage you to start with the DSP Online Course: DISABILITY, ACCOMMODATION, AND ACCESS IN THE UC CLASSROOM

Faculty control the curriculum in the classroom and determine how curriculum is taught and how it is assessed. Students whose learning style differs from the instructor's teaching style struggle....

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

University of California Practices for the Documentation and Academic Accommodation of Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder1

Federal and State law2 and University of California policies3 require the University to provide reasonable accommodation in its academic programs to qualified4 students with disabilities, including students with psychological disabilities.

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations appropriate to the nature...

Psychological Disabilities

University of California Practices for the Documentation and Academic Accommodation of Students with Psychological Disabilities1

Federal and State law2 and University of California policies3 require the University to provide reasonable accommodation in its academic programs to qualified4 students with disabilities, including students with psychological disabilities.

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations appropriate to the nature and severity of...

Learning Disabilities

University of California Practices for the Documentation and Accommodation of Students with Learning Disabilities—Revised1

Federal and State law2 and University of California policies3 require the University to provide reasonable accommodation in its academic programs to qualified4 students with disabilities, including students with learning disabilities.

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations appropriate to the nature and severity of the...

Study Abroad

At Cal Improving Program Access

Campus Disability Access Services: The Disability Access Specialist can help answer any question you may have about making your program more accessible and welcoming to individuals with disabilities.

Web Accessibility

Campus Access Guide

...

Financial Assistance

Students are often concerned about finances. Having a disability can produce even more financial burdens: part-time employment isn’t always an option, and often there are a number of extra disability-related expenses. Below are some sources of assistance that may be helpful to students with disabilities.

Campus Financial Aid

Financial aid is offered to students, with and without disabilities, who may qualify by showing that their income, resources, and in some cases, parents’ income and resources, are not adequate to meet the cost of the student’s education.

The situations...

Accessible Off-Campus Events

Faculty and other instructors who develop courses that include off-campus field trips or activities are encouraged to make students aware of the off-campus activity in the course description and at the start of classes.

As soon as possible, students should discuss anticipated disability-related off-campus needs with their assigned DSP Disability Specialist and, as appropriate, with the instructor (or GSI), so that there is an opportunity to identify and resolve in advance any accessibility challenges posed by the off-campus activity. DSP may need to provide academic accommodations...

DSP Complaint Resolution Process

Disabled Students’ Program Complaint Resolution Process

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and UC Non-Discrimination Policy require a process for the resolution of complaints related to disability discrimination or the failure to reasonably accommodate disability-related academic needs.

The following process may be used by students with disabilities to resolve complaints about these matters: Denial of academic accommodations, decisions regarding eligibility for academic accommodations, determinations of...

Policies & Guidelines

DSP Student Handbook DSP Complaint Resolution Process Other Disability-related policies UC Systemwide Guidelines Applying to Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability—

The University of California’s Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students...

E-books

There are many databases and inventories of electronic books and materials (some in an accessible format, others not). You may be able to locate an existing electronic copy of the book you need by yourself.

If the electronic copy you locate via these databases requires additional editing or conversion to hard copy Braille or Large Print, DSP will do such further editing or conversion provided a) it is a required or recommended course reading, b) an alt media request form is submitted, and c) the electronic document is not technically "locked" so as to preclude further editing or...

Print Access

Get Accessible Print, Fast!

Course Materials, e.g., Textbooks, Course Readers

Library Materials, e.g., from printed book to e-book

Self-Help Resources Scan It Yourself Alternative Media Center...

Alternative Media Guidelines

Upon request DSP provides alternative media for required and recommended course reading assignments including course textbooks, readers, handouts, materials posted to bCourse and specifically required or recommended library materials. Please note there are also Library services for students with print disabilities.

The following guidelines are designed to assist the Disabled Students' Program (DSP) in providing you with timely and...

Accommodations: Requesting Letters of Accommodation

As soon as you register for a class, you should request your accommodation letter for that class to insure faculty compliance with disability accommodations for the semester. Students who become newly eligible for DSP accommodations during the semester must request their LOAs as soon as they are active in DSP. If LOAs are not requested in a timely manner, it may not be possible to provide accommodations in a timely manner. For example, some exam accommodations including scribes may require two or more weeks to arrange. Faculty responsibility for...

Community Partners

Community Resources

Active Minds

Active Minds is the nation's premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for students.

Axis Dance Company

AXIS Dance Company, one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities, will change the way you think about dance and the possibilities of the human body forever. Founded in 1987, AXIS has become a jewel of...

Vocational Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for individuals with disabilities.

Their services include:

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialized Services Rehabilitation Resources Directory Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) Client Assistance Program (CAP) Mobility Evaluation Program (MEP) Disability Access Services (DAS) American Sign Language Bilingual Fluency Evaluations for State Employees Independent Living Assistive...

Technology Grants

Student Tech Grant referrals will be submitted on a rolling basis.

Completed applications will be approved for an October or March disbursement.

Any referrals received after the stated deadlines will be considered for review during the next grant cycle.

IF INTERESTED, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES CAREFULLY.

Purpose

Only DSP enrolled...

Note-Taking

DSP’s Note-Taking Services office provides accommodations to help you succeed in your academics.

For Students: We provide 2 types of notetaking accommodations.

In-class note-taking services

Assistive Technology for note-taking

DSP offers Sonocent Audio Note-taker which will help you take better notes...

Campus Partners

Overview

The Disabled Students' Program (DSP) at UC Berkeley provides a wide range of services, including federal and state legally mandated services and accommodations for eligible students with verified disabilities, non-mandated services, and exam proctoring services for faculty.

Services for students are individually designed, and are based on students' individual needs as identified by their Disability Specialist.

Academic Advising Academic Accommodations ...

Student Resources

Find links for many campus and community resources for students below.

New Students

Welcome to UC Berkeley, and congratulations for joining the Cal family! We always look forward to welcoming new students to our DSP Program. We are here to help you to successfully transition to UC Berkeley and to connect you with the accommodations and services that will give you full access to all of Berkeley's academic environments.

Our Disability Specialists can answer your questions every step of the way: before you apply to Cal, after admission, before you begin classes, and ongoing throughout your time at Cal. We are here to help.

Start here to connect with DSP for...

Creating Accessible Content

In an effort to make academic participation as easy as possible for our students, DSP requests that you take a few simple steps to support us in creating accessible alternative media. As instructors, by choosing class materials which require the least amount of extra effort to convert into accessible formats, you support our mandate to make all of our courses welcoming to the broadest range of students possible. Please keep in mind the following steps as you build your syllabi and assign readings for your classes. In so doing, you are reaffirming UC Berkeley’s commitment to creating an...

Proctoring

The Berkeley campus uses a shared model for test accommodations and proctoring services. While academic departments and faculty members are primarily responsible for providing testing accommodations to students with disabilities, Proctoring Services may provide support (proctors and space) if the department or faculty do not have the requisite resources to provide these accommodations. The DSP Proctoring Center, in collaboration with students and faculty, seeks to ensure an equitable and sustainable testing environment.

The Disabled Students' Program

"Physically" was dropped from the Physically Disabled Students' Program's name in 1982, in recognition of the services provided for students with learning disabilities. In 1988, Susan O'Hara became Director of the Disabled Students' Program, and Bill Blanchard succeeded her as Coordinator of the Residence Program. Susan retired in 1992 and Lynn Bailiff became the Disabled Students' Program's Director. Lynn Retired in 1997 and Ed Rogers became DSP's manager in 1998.

Residence Program

Also in 1975, Susan O'Hara became Coordinator of the Residence Program. Recognizing the needless stigma attached to students housed in a campus hospital, the University moved the Residence Program to the Unit II residence halls. It is now housed in the fully accessible Unit I residence halls, two blocks closer to campus.

For the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Residence Program in 1987, a survey was taken of 157 former Residence Program participants. It found the average salary of those employed to be $32,224. Career fields include law, architecture, psychotherapy, counseling,...

California Department of Rehabilitation

In 1975 the California Department of Rehabilitation established a contract with the University. Renewed annually, it covers a full-time Coordinator of the Residence Program as well as Special Assistants, who help students enhance their independent living skills. That year, Ed Roberts was appointed Director of the California Department of Rehabilitation by Governor Jerry Brown. Roberts named Hessler his Deputy in Sacramento. Donald Lorence, another of the 60's Cowell residents, was named Director of the Physically Disabled Students' Program.

Physically Disabled Students' Program

In 1970, the students received a grant of $80,000 from the Federal Department of Education. The Physically Disabled Students' Program was established in a office behind the eatery Top Dog at 2532 Durant Avenue. Its first Director was John Hessler. Hessler hired three counselors: Mike Fuss, Zona Roberts, and Chuck Grimes. In those days, everyone at the office was a "generalist." They did whatever was needed, inventing if necessary, as they went along. Mike was the Assistant Director, Chuck was largely in charge of wheelchair maintenance, and Zona worked on the essential services of...

Disabled Students' Union

Like other groups in the 1960's, the students organized themselves to better deal with bureaucracies and to voice their concerns. The "Rolling Quads" was formed in 1969 (renamed the "Disabled Students' Union" in 1973). They proposed the formal establishment of services for the disabled students at Cal.

Off-Campus Apartments

By 1969, the first adventurous students moved from the hospital to apartments on the south side of the Berkeley campus. This was a revolutionary step away from the conventional idea that disabled individuals needed to be sheltered and protected by medical professionals.

Cowell Hospital

By the end of the 1960's, a dozen students lived in the third-floor wing of Cowell Hospital. They found and hired people to do personal care (to be known as "attendants"), discovered a largely unused law which entitled disabled individuals money to pay for their personal care (now known as "In-Home Support Services"), and bought motorized wheelchairs. Registered nurse Eleanor Smith, (and later Edna Brean), served as liaison, assistant, and resource for students. Part-time orderlies helped with meals and back-up personal care.

John Hessler

Newspaper accounts of Roberts' admission at Cal caught the attention of a physical therapist at Contra Costa Hospital. She showed them to a twenty-two year old patient, John Hessler. John had broken his neck six years earlier in a diving accident and expected to live out his life in the hospital. Instead, he applied for academic admission at Cal and, in 1963, became the second student to move into Cowell.

Ed Roberts

In 1962, Ed Roberts wanted to attend UC Berkeley. Like most Cal students, he was bright and ambitious, but in one respect he was not a "stock model." He'd had polio when he was fourteen. Now he used a wheelchair by day and respirator by night. Meetings were held among Dean of Students Arleigh Williams, Director of Student Health Services Dr. Henry Bruyn, Ed's mother Zona Roberts, and Ed himself. This led to Ed's having a room, not in the residence halls, but in the on-campus health facility, Cowell Hospital.

Campus Access

Please Note:

This page has moved. Please visit Campus Access Services at access.berkeley.edu.

If you are not redirected properly to the new access.berkeley.edu website, please try clearing your browser cache. The following links contain browser-specific instructions on how to clear cache:

Chrome...

Contact Us

Where can I get more information about disability accommodations?

The Disabled Students' Program has an online manual for faculty, "Teaching Students with Disabilities." For more general information, consult the Disabled Students' Program website.

Can I arrange proctoring online?

Yes. Please visit our online request page for information on the online submission process.

What if I have questions about the accommodation letter?

Letters of accommodation are online; there is a faculty login page that will give you access to the information. Please contact the Disabled Students' Program Specialist, 642-0518, who signed the letter or check the DSP FAQ. The main Berkeley policy addressing academic accommodations is the Campus Policy for Accommodating the Academic Needs of Students with Disabilities.

What advice can I give my students about their responsibility in the process?

The responsibility of students with disabilities in the exam accommodation process is outlined in "Exam Preparation Tips for Students with Disabilities Using the Campus Proctoring Service". It explains their role in planning for accommodations, securing assistants and equipment they may need, and how the centralized campus proctoring program works.

How far ahead must I request proctoring assistance?

Requests for midterms should be made two weeks prior to the regularly scheduled exam. For final exams requests should be made before our fall and spring deadline. Our set Final exam deadlines are: Nov. 1 for Fall Semester and April 2 for Spring Semester.

Will someone from the campus proctoring service pick up and drop off the exam?

No. Exams need to be delivered to and picked up from 260 Chavez by you or a person you designate. It may be possible to make alternate arrangements for testing site, pickup, and delivery by calling 643-4691.

My department doesn't have resources to provide proctoring. What do I do next?

You (not the student) may contact the Campus Proctoring Service (643-4691, proctoring@berkeley.edu) or make an online request, to arrange for centralized proctoring and space for administering the exam. You inform the student where and when to report.

What are the drop-in hours for this semester?

DSP Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists hold daily tabling just outside the front of the DSP office for students on their caseloads. Drop-in hours can be found below.

DSP Specialist Drop-In Calendar

Will you discuss my progress at Cal with my parents or answer their questions if they write or phone?

We encourage you to keep in close personal contact with your family throughout your years at Cal. However, DSP cannot normally discuss any information about students' progress at Berkeley with a third party, including parents, guardians, partners, and children. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the University policy regarding the release and disclosure of student information generally prohibit DSP from disclosing confidential information to anyone but the student.

What is...

What are my responsibilities for ensuring that I receive the accommodations I am entitled to?

Students have multiple responsibilities in ensuring that they receive their accommodations.

The individual assessment and accommodation process is an ongoing and interactive one. Participate actively in your intake appointment. If the nature or impact of your disability changes, or if your accommodations no longer seem sufficient to provide you with equal access to your courses, let your assigned Disability Specialist know. You can meet with your Disability Specialist to review your current documentation, schedule, and accommodations.

...

Why is there a difference between the services I was offered in high school and those I am eligible to receive at Berkeley?

The laws that address students' access to K-12 education and to postsecondary education offer different protections to students and result in different accommodations.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act covers public school students with disabilities in the United States from elementary school through high school and focuses on student success. Students with disabilities are provided with the curriculum and accomodations they require to be successful in meeting their individualized goals. In some cases, this means that students with disabilities are meeting...

Why did you request that I submit to more learning disability testing?

Additional or updated testing is normally requested when the existing testing does not give us enough information to determine appropriate services for you. You may review the specific criteria for the diagnosis of learning disabilities and the determination of appropriate service.

If I was eligible for disability services in high school, will I automatically be eligible for similar services at Cal?

IEP's and 504 Plans are not binding on the University of California or any organizations outside of the schools in which they were developed. Accordingly, you will not automatically be eligible for specific services or accommodations simply because you present your high school Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.

To determine whether you are eligible for our services, one of our Disability Specialists will conduct a comprehensive assessment and evaluation process that is consistent with established University of California systemwide practices. The assessment and evaluation...

What do I have to do in order to prove that I have a disability?

Disability documentation must verify two things: (1) the presence of a diagnosed disability or medical condition and (2) the current impact of the diagnosed disability or medical condition. For detailed information about documentation requirements and for forms that you can give to your medical providers to fill out, see Documentation.

If you have already sent us documentation but we conclude that it either is not sufficient to support a disability diagnosis or does not give us the...

Will I automatically receive services from DSP if I submit a "certification of disability" during the admissions application process?

No. Services are not provided by DSP automatically. All students seeking services through DSP must complete an application. If you are unable to complete the online application process, you can also request assistance in person from the receptionist at the DSP office.

Student Realtime Captioning FAQS

How do I request Services through AIM?

Each semester you must submit your requests in the DSP portal (AIM). It is best to request services as soon as you are registered so there is no delay in services.

Note: These instructions are also available in DOCX and PDF...

How do I access accommodation information in AIM?

Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

1. Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-in page (link is external)and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page

2....

How do I access Accommodation Information in AIM?

Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

1. Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-in page (link is external)and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page

2....

What is AIM?

AIM the Accessible Information management System, a web-based database system that provides a means for DSP to communicate and interact with faculty, staff, and disabled students from one robust platform. It’s also fully integrated with Berkeley Student Information System (SIS/Cal Central) making coordination of services for students easier.

For further information, please visit DSP's Accessible Information Management Sytem (AIM) page.

What is AIM?

AIM the Accessible Information management System, a web-based database system that provides a means for DSP to communicate and interact with faculty, staff, and disabled students from one robust platform. It’s also fully integrated with Berkeley Student Information System (SIS/Cal Central) making coordination of services for students easier.

For further information, please visit DSP's Accessible Information Management Sytem (AIM) page.

What is AIM?

AIM the Accessible Information management System, a web-based database system that provides a means for DSP to communicate and interact with faculty, staff, and disabled students from one robust platform. It’s also fully integrated with Berkeley Student Information System (SIS/Cal Central) making coordination of services for students easier.

For further information, please visit DSP's Accessible Information Management Sytem (AIM) page.

Submit YouTube Links Via bCourses

Submit YouTube links via bCourses

This solution is useful if you are using several different Youtube links.

In bCourses, go to Media Gallery

Screenshot of Aim's My Media Gallery page with and arrow pointing at the My Media Gallry menu

In Media Gallery, click on Add Media...

Share Captioned Media with Students Through bCourses

You can choose to share your captioned media with all of your students by placing it in your Media Gallery, or you may keep it private in your My Media folder on bCourses. Here's how to share a video from your My Media folder on bCourses with your students: Berkeley Service Now How to Share My Media(link is external)

For further information on how to...

My Media and Media Gallery Explanation

My Media is the place on bCourses where all of your recordings and Zoom lectures are uploaded and housed. All of this content is unique and viewable only to you.

Media Gallery is for videos that are viewable by those with access to the bCourses site.

Screenshot of My Media and Media Gallery tabs

We will fulfill all of your captioning...

Accessing Student Accommodation Information in AIM-Heather

Accessing Student Accommodation Information in AIM Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-n page (link is external)and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page...

Instructions for Submitting Media for Captioning in AIM

1. Log into AIM(link is external)

2. Click the “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” tab on the left side.

The Views and Tools Tab opens to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Tab

...

Supervisor - Testing Accommodations (4560U), Disabled Students

Departmental Overview

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) is recognized for its commitment to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities at UC Berkeley and helps students to achieve academic success through its programs. DSP provides a wide array of legally mandated services to students with disabilities and consists of approximately 50 FTE, serves over 5500 students, and hires over 400 service providers and student volunteers to provide educational support to this growing population. The unit has an annual operating...

Captioned Media Information for Instructors

Overview

To facilitate accommodations for learners requiring Captioned Media, instructors are advised to assess all media intended for integration into their course curriculum or sharing on their course website for the duration of the semester. Any media lacking precise captions or transcriptions will undergo professional captioning services provided by the Disabled Students' Program (DSP). This page will offer guidance on obtaining captioning for video media and/or transcription for audio content.

Please take note:...

American Sign Language (ASL) information for Instructors

Overview

At UC Berkeley, we prioritize inclusive communication practices to ensure that all students, regardless of their hearing abilities, have equal access to education. When interacting with individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing and utilizing an interpreter, it's essential to follow certain guidelines to facilitate effective communication.

Clear Communication When a student uses an interpreter, remember to speak directly to the student who is D/deaf or hard of hearing, not to the interpreter. The interpreter facilitates communication but is not part of the...

Realtime Captioning Information for Instructors

Overview

Welcome to the Disabled Students' Program's Realtime Captioning Guidelines page. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students, including those with disabilities. To ensure effective communication and equal access to educational content, we have established the following guidelines for the use of realtime captioning in your classes:

Effective Speaking Techniques Speak clearly, at a moderate pace, and in a normal tone. Do not rush through lectures. Avoid simultaneous speaking when multiple speakers are present, as...

Communication Services Instructor Information

Captioned Media Information for Students

Overview

The Captioned Media accommodation applies to any media that is presented, posted, and/or required to be viewed in a course. Students with a Captioned Media Accommodation must have equal access to all media-related material in a course.

Requesting Captioned Media for Enrolled Courses Each semester, you must submit your Captioned Media requests in the DSP Portal (AIM). It is advised to request services as soon as you are registered so that you don’t...

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) Information for Students

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

In addition to Assistive Listening Devices that may be checked out to students individually, some classrooms and auditoriums at UC Berkeley have Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) that are permanently installed. The classrooms, lecture halls, and other facilities that have permanently installed ALS are posted on the Research, Teaching, and Learning (RTL) website in their General Classroom Database.

American Sign Language (ASL) Information for Students

Requesting ASL Interpreting Services for Enrolled Courses (Each Semester)

Each semester you must submit your ASL Interpreting requests in the DSP Portal (AIM). It is advised to request services as soon as you are registered so that you don’t experience a delay in receiving services. Please note that it may take up to two weeks to receive ASL Interpreting services once your request is submitted.

Instructions for requesting ASL...

Realtime Captioning Information for Students

Requesting Realtime Captioning Services for Enrolled Courses (Each Semester)

Each semester you must submit your Realtime Captioning requests in the DSP Portal (AIM). It is advised that you request services as soon as you are registered so that you don’t experience a delay in receiving services. Please note that it may take up to two weeks to receive Realtime Captioning services once your request is submitted.

Instructions for requesting Realtime Captioning services...

Communication Services Student Information

Clifton Damiens

Business Operations Manager

Clifton Damiens graduated from UC Berkeley in 2014 with a BA in American History. He has worked on campus as an Academic Achievement Counselor for the Re-entry Student Program and has taught several one-unit sections of EDUC 198 -- Adult Learners in Higher Education.

Athena AI

Athena screenshot of software What is Athena AI? Athena is a note-taking software that utilizes AI to take notes for you.

Record your lecture, and Athena will write comprehensive notes that include:
Automatically generated flashcards. To-do lists to keep track of assignments. Integrated lecture slides throughout your notes. Athena is made by DSP students, and is free for all UC Berkeley DSP students. Here is...

Otter.Ai

What does Otter.ai do?

With Otter you can record and transcribe in real-time across multiple devices.

Highlight transcript as you record (or after), and export highlighted sections Can upload audio from another source and have it transcribed Can upload images or take pictures while recording Can search transcription Automatically transcribe zoom meetings in real time.

If you are interested in using Otter, please reach out to your assigned Disability Specialist.

Glean Audio notetaking

Glean banner Screenshot of Glean software What is Glean?

Glean is the personal study tool that helps you navigate classroom information and take notes effectively.

...

Carmen Varela

Executive Director

Glean

What is Glean?

Glean is the personal study tool that helps you navigate classroom information and take notes effectively.

With Glean, you record your classes, attaching labels and text notes to important moments as you listen. After class, import lecture slides, convert audio to text, find quick definitions and more.

Soon, you have a full set of multimedia notes all in one workspace; highly organized, easily searchable, and with everything you need to learn effectively from your lectures....

When will my exam request be approved?

Your exam request will be approved five (5) business days before the exam date.

Meet our Featured Donors & Alumni

Fred Herzer

Looking Back without Sight – a UC Berkeley DCC Success Story

UC Berkeley’s Disabled Students Program has a formidable task – to create a safe and social space for Cal’s disabled community. This is not simple as approximately 11% of the university’s community reports having a disability, and these disabilities are as diverse as our campus. The result is a platform that advocates, educates and collaborates and allows our members to advance and empower both themselves and the campus as a whole. While we don’t...

Clifton Damiens

Supervisor - Testing Accommodations

Clifton Damiens graduated from UC Berkeley in 2014 with a BA in American History. He has worked on campus as an Academic Achievement Counselor for the Re-entry Student Program and has taught several one-unit sections of EDUC 198 -- Adult Learners in Higher Education. He currently works as the Supervisor of Test Taking Services and is the interim Associate Director for DSP.

Rebecca Whitney

Disability Specialist - Graduate Students

I’ve spent my career in education, first as a high school English teacher, then as a Learning Specialist for high school and middle school students. I loved the experience of working with individual students: fostering their metacognition, coaching them in self-advocacy, and helping them navigate the challenges of their classrooms and learning environments.

When I began working as a Disability Specialist in higher education in 2016, however, I discovered that this area allowed me to use my expertise towards social justice goals of educational equity and access. I...

Brian Scholte

Disability Specialist

Brian is a first-generation American and United States Air Force Veteran whose academic and vocational passions center around the intersection of education, disability access, and mental health. Upon separating from the Air Force, he earned a Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University.

Brian is passionate about applying science and education for social good. As a Peer Disability Advocate for the American Association for People with Disabilities, he...

Jessica Mangaccat

Assistant Disability Specialist

Jessica Mangaccat started as a disability specialist with DSP in 2023. Jessica is a first generation college student and a daughter of immigrants. She has an undergraduate degree in Legal Studies and previously worked in the legal field for 10 years as a paralegal before switching careers and getting her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Jessica was inspired to work with people with disabilities after her father developed a spinal cord injury. Jessica has experience working with people with disabilities across the lifespan, from children with physical, neurological,...

Jason Keough

Disability Specialist

Hello!

I’m Jason. I’m originally from Pacifica (yes, the place with Taco Bell on the beach), and I have been working in education since high school. I started by tutoring peers in academic and social skills. When I graduated, I went to San Francisco State University and received my B.A. in Creative Writing. Once out of undergrad, I started working as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher for Special Education classes in the high school setting in the Bay Area. I received my Master’s in Special Education and Teaching Credential from Notre...

Alternative Media Production Assistant (4723C) #41969

The Disabled Students' Program promotes an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We equip disabled students with appropriate accommodations and services to achieve their individual academic goals. We are dedicated to supporting disabled students and collaborating with the campus community to remove barriers to educational access and embrace the University’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe that an accessible environment universally benefits everyone.

Disability Specialist 3, Disabled Students Program (4556U), #43955

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

Housing Disability Specialist, (4557U) #64460

The Disabled Students' Program promotes an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We equip disabled students with appropriate accommodations and services to achieve their individual academic goals. We are dedicated to supporting disabled students and collaborating with the campus community to remove barriers to educational access and embrace the University’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe that an accessible environment universally benefits everyone.

Assistant Disability Specialist (4555U) #44574

The Assistant Disability Specialist works under the supervision of the Lead Disability Specialist Supervisor and is responsible for working as part of a team responsible for providing mandated accommodations and services to students with disabilities. This position works closely with the Administration Team and the DSP Specialist Team to help coordinate intakes, process documentation, provide receptionist coverage, conducts student drop-ins, and assist with intakes. The position also involves planning, developing, and implementing programs, processes, and activities for students with disabilities in accordance with federal and state law to ensure their access to the academic and campus environment.

Are there any resources available if I want to teach parts of my course online?

Yes, Research Teaching and Learning (RTL) provides a thorough set of resources that allows you to bring more of your teaching online. Please visit: https://rtl.berkeley.edu/get-started

Disability Beyond Compliance Student Liaison

POSITION/TITLE: Disability Beyond Compliance Student Liasion

TERM:Late August 2022 through May 2023

FELLOWSHIP AWARD:$8800 per academic year.

TIME COMMITMENT: 10 hours per week

POSITIONS: 1

To apply, please use any of the following methods: 1) fill out the form linked here and at the bottom of the...

Disability Beyond Compliance Student Researcher

P

OSITION/TITLE: Disability Beyond Compliance Student Researcher

TERM:Late August 2022 through May 2023

FELLOWSHIP AWARD:$4,000 per academic year.

TIME COMMITMENT: 5 hours per week

POSITIONS: 1

To apply, please use any of the following methods: 1) fill out the form linked here...

Disability Beyond Compliance Student Facilitator

POSITION/TITLE: Disability Beyond Compliance Student Facilitator

TERM:Late August 2022 through May 2023

FELLOWSHIP AWARD:$4,000 per academic year.

TIME COMMITMENT:5 hours per week

POSITIONS: 2

To apply, please use any of the following methods: 1) fill out the form linked here and at the bottom of the...

Fellowship Opportunities

Please read each Fellowship opportunity carefully and follow the directions outlined.

Cecilia Saavedra

Trio Support Service Coordinator

Cecilia Saavedra joined the DSP-TRiO as the Student Support Coordinator in April 2022. She has over ten years of experience working in nonprofits, fortune 500 companies, and academia. She has a B.S in Environmental Science focus in Geography and Planning and also a degree in Horticulture Land Systems and Management. Thanks to the support of TRiO, Cecilia was able to successfully complete her two degrees. Her intersectional experiences include being a first-generation, low-income student, and immigrant household. She uses these experiences to help connect with students to make sure...

Courtney Castleman Bucher

Disability Specialist - Autism

Welcome to DSP! Compassion, integrity, and community are a few of my highest values.

Both inside and outside of my role as a Disability Specialist, I thrive in purposefully envisioning the future, and emboldening others in reaching their educational and personal aspirations. As a person with multiple disabilities, I was a first-generation college student grappling with the social and attitudinal barriers that can exist in the pursuit of a word-class degree at a competitive university. I bring these experiences to my role as a specialist.

I received my MA in Sociology from...

How Can I Learn More About Disability Culture and Community?

“A cultural space on campus goes beyond basic compliance and more adequately promotes equal opportunity. It would acknowledge disabled students as a strong sociocultural identity group as opposed to a constituency that needs “fixing.” Shame, isolation, and presumed incompetence loom over disabled students when the institution neglects to recognize their importance and place in our campus community.”

Excerpt from student and community advocacy letter, January 2018

If you are interested in learning more about disability culture, community, and how to create an anti-ablest...

Getting Involved: Programs, Services and Opportunities

Center Open Community Hours!

The DCC is open for community hours weekly during the Fall and Spring semesters at Hearst Field Annex D-25. Students, staff, and faculty can reserve rooms and spaces for collaborations, studying, events, or to relax and connect with members from the disability community!

Tuesdays 11:30 AM-6:00 PM Wednesdays 11:30 AM-6:00 PM Thursdays 11:30 AM-6:00 PM DCC Space and Event Reservation Request Form

Are you interested in hosting an event or gathering at the DCC? Would you like to partner with the center on creating community events? If so,...

Who We Are DCC

Disability is a natural part of the human experience!

Approximately 30% of the UC Berkeley combined campus community (undergraduates, graduate and postdoctoral students, faculty and staff) report to having a disability.

The UC Berkeley disability statistics from the 2019 My Climate Survey found that 35% of undergraduates, 25% of graduate students, and 23% postdocs identify as having some type of disability.

Our Mission

UC Berkeley’s Disability Cultural Community Center serves as a platform to advocate, educate, and collaborate...

Welcome to the Disability Cultural Community (DCC) Center

Juliana Chiarelli

Disability Specialist

Juliana has worked with students with disabilities for over four years, by coaching students one-on-one, connecting students to various on- and off-campus resources, partnering with faculty and staff, and leading academic success workshops and programming for gaining and maintaining study skills necessary for academic success. Prior to joining the Disability Specialist team, Juliana worked in TRiO DSP SSS as a Learning Specialist and an Academic Success Coach at the University of Rochester. She earned an M.Ed. in Counseling - Student Affairs at Northern Arizona University, where she...

Devin Toma

Interim Lead Disability Specialist / Disability Specialist

Hello! I started as a specialist with DSP in 2022, and worked with people with disabilities for about 10 years prior to coming to Berkeley. I started while I was an undergrad at UCLA, working with children on the autism spectrum to carry out behavioral intervention programs. I later earned a master's degree from Columbia University and worked in special education classrooms, in homes, and in a center based treatment program carrying out behavior analytic programs with children and adults on the spectrum. From there I shifted into higher education, where I worked in disability...

Vineeta Ram

Disability Specialist

Greetings! My name is Vineeta Ram (pronounced Vee-nee-ta Rahm). I’ve spent the last 5 years working with students in various roles and positions in disability services in the Midwest. Prior to this, I trained and worked as an Occupational Therapist and Rehabilitation Counselor in various hospitals and non-profits.

My own academic journey has largely influenced my work and interest in improving access and equity in higher education. I received my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois in Chicago with a focus on creating accessible services and programming...

Allison West

Alternative Media Supervisor

Allison West began working with the DSP Team in July of 2019. She has enjoyed collaborating with students, faculty, and staff in both the proctoring and captioning units and is currently the Alternative Media Supervisor. Allison started her career as a classroom teacher where she developed a passion for finding innovative ways to help students access curriculum. Prior to joining UC Berkeley, she worked in disability services at City College of San Francisco coordinating alternative media and testing accommodations. Allison received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics-Economics from...

Do I need to fill out a request for each individual exam?

Yes, please make a request for each exam you would like to take with DSP Proctoring.

Does DSP Proctoring provide blue books/papers or other exam materials?

DSP Proctoring does not provide green books, calculators, or any other exam materials. Students are responsible for bringing their own exam materials. Please bring all required material on the day of your exam.

Can I choose my exam location?

The seat and its location is assigned based on the accommodation condition and the space availability.

How can I cancel and reschedule the request?

Exams can be canceled via your DSP Student Portal. Select Proctoring on the left-hand side. Select the exam you would like to cancel or reschedule. After you cancel your exam request, have your instructor email proctoring@berkeley.edu with written permission to reschedule your exam.

What if my exam is in conflict with another class or another exam?

It is your responsibility to communicate directly with your instructors for all exams.

You must reconcile any exam conflicts with your instructors before you submit any exam requests with DSP Proctoring.

You must also check your final exam schedule in CalCentral at the beginning of the semester to make sure there are no conflicts with other overlapping exams due to extended-time accommodations. If there are such conflicts, you must reconcile those with your instructors at...

Can I make a proctoring request on the exam day? How late can I make a request for proctoring?

You are required to make a proctoring request at least 5 business days before quizzes and midterms and 10 business days before final exams.

Proctoring - Student FAQs

If you have any additional questions about proctoring services, please contact us at proctoring@berkeley.edu.

My class is online. Can I request an online proctoring service?

DSP Proctoring does not proctor online/remote exams. Please speak with your DSP Specialist and instructor on how best to proceed with online exams.

How do I request proctoring services for exams?

Please log on to the DSP Student Portal. Click Proctoring on the left-hand side. Select the class you would like to request an exam for and fill out the required information.

For more information on how to request proctoring services for your exam click on the following link: https://dsp.berkeley.edu/how-request-your-exams-...

How to Submit a Testing Agreement for your Class

Overview

While academic departments and faculty members are primarily responsible for providing testing accommodations to students with disabilities, the DSP Proctoring Center may provide support (proctors and space) in the event that the department or faculty do not have the requisite resources to provide these accommodations. Due to space limitations, we give preference to students who require accommodations like 200%+ extended time, room alone, scribe, use of a computer or assistive technology, etc. Students who require accommodations like a 150%...

How to request your exams with DSP Proctoring

Introduction

DSP Proctoring provides services to students who have met with a Disability Specialist and have provided documentation that supports the need for exam-related accommodations. Once students have sent their Letter of Accommodation to their Professor and the Professor has submitted the Alternative Testing Agreement with DPS Proctoring, students are required to submit their own Exam Request through the DSP Student Portal.

...

New Student Orientation - Fall 2023

The Disabled Students' Program at UC Berkeley welcomes all new students to our Fall 2023 New Student Orientation! We are excited to meet you and share information that can help you transition into your experience as a new Cal student.

Our New Student Orientation will be taking place this year on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM at the Alumni House

To register for the New Student Orientation, please use the DSP...

Volunteer Notetaker Onboarding

In order to receive your stipend at the end of the semester, you'll need to complete paperwork. Also, if you do not have another campus job you'll have to complete the I9 on-boarding process.

This process is only required if you have never been a notetaker before. If you've worked for us over the last year, you don't need to do this again

Please note that all processing goes through BEARS Regional services. Processing stipends can take over up to several months as there are multiple steps involved for the onboarding and payment...

Volunteer Notetaker Onboarding Page

In order to receive your stipend at the end of the semester, you'll need to complete a notetaker form. Also, if you do not have another campus job you'll have to complete the I9 on-boarding process.

This process is only required if you have never been a notetaker before. If you've worked for us over the last year, you don't need to do this again

Here's how to start the Process

1. Fill out the Student Volunteer Notetaker Form...

Making the Most of RRR Week

Not sure what to do during RRR? Feeling overwhelmed? At the Make the Most of RRR Week Workshop, we’ll talk about creating a plan for your week, using effective study strategies, and remembering the fourth R - relaxation.

Objectives

Project manage your exam preparation

Plan your RRR week

Review effective study strategies

R = Relaxation - practice relaxation strategies to reduce finals stress

Test Taking Strategies

Build your test-taking confidence at this workshop. We’ll cover how to effectively prepare, reduce anxiety, and approach your big exams.

Objectives:

Validate and reflect on Test Taking Anxiety

Strategies for preparing your body for exams

Develop a Day of Exam routine

Review test-taking strategies for objective, multiple-choice, and essay exams

Note-Taking Essentials

Note-taking is an essential academic skill. Make sure you’re making the most of your notes and utilizing the tools available to you as a DSP student.

Objectives:

Reflect on your current note-taking habits and challenges. Learn steps, strategies, and structures for effective note-taking. Explore digital note-taking resources. FAQ with DSP Note-taking Supervisor, Christian Yee

Strong Start Workshop

Start your semester strong with this workshop. Learn organizational strategies, scheduling skills, tips for developing new habits, and have a chance to share and discuss with peers.

Objectives:

Create semester and weekly schedules, Explore organizational strategies for digital folders, binders/notebooks, and assignments. Learn tips for effectively communicating your DSP accommodations to instructors. Share your experiences and suggestions with peers.

Graduate Student Disability Specialist (4557U) #43587

The Disabled Students' Program promotes an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We equip disabled students with appropriate accommodations and services to achieve their individual academic goals. We are dedicated to supporting disabled students and collaborating with the campus community to remove barriers to educational access and embrace the University’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe that an accessible environment universally benefits everyone.

How do I access accommodation information in AIM?

Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

1. Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-in page and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page

2. After an Instructor reads...

What if the Zoom link changes for my class?

If there is a new Zoom link for your course, please contact the Realtime Captioning Coordinator with the updated Zoom link information.

How do I receive captions for an on-campus class when using a remote captioner?

Streamtext is the primary platform used to provide captions remotely. Below are instructions for logging in, viewing captions, and customizing the display in Streamtext.

If captions are being provided through a different platform, you will receive an email with a URL link to view the captions on that platform.

To log into your streamtext account, please follow these instructions: ...

How do I request services through AIM?

Each semester you must submit your requests in the DSP portal (AIM). It is best to request services as soon as you are registered so there is no delay in services.

Note: These instructions are also available in DOCX and...

How do I retrieve my transcript in the DSP portal (AIM)?

1.From the AIM Dashboard, click on “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” located on the left side of the screen.

Screenshot of AIM Dashboard

2. Click on “Available Transcript(...

What is the difference between My Media and Media Gallery?

My Media is the place on bCourses where all of your recordings and Zoom lectures are uploaded and housed. All of this content is unique and viewable only to you.

Media Gallery is for videos that are viewable by those with access to the bCourses site.

...

Can a student with an ASL Interpreting accommodation participate in Zoom group work/breakout rooms?

Yes, the student is able to participate in group work. When a class is held in-person, an ASL Interpreter is present and often sits with the group in order to hear the speakers clearly. Remote classes are handled in a similar fashion in that the interpreter will be present in the same breakout room/group component as the student.

We encourage students to discuss their accommodations with their professors, and they may reach out to you with what works best for them in your particular class.

How will I know if an ASL Interpreter is present in my Zoom meeting?

The ASL Interpreter will be named “Interpreter” in your Zoom participant list.

What are the ASL Interpreting Best Practices for courses presented via Zoom?

Zoom lectures need to end at the scheduled end time, as both the students and the interpreters may have other obligations immediately following your class.

Speak clearly, in a normal tone, and at a moderate rate. Do not rush through a lecture. If the interpreter does not understand or hear what was said, the interpreter may communicate with the instructor through the Zoom chat window. Please monitor your chat window for questions or requests from the interpreter.

...

How do I assign an ASL Interpreter to a Zoom breakout room?

When assigning an ASL Interpreter to the student during breakout sessions, please look for the Interpreter as a participant (Interpreter). Please ensure the Interpreter is in the same breakout room as the student receiving the accommodation.

Breakout Room Instructions

How will I receive ASL Interpreting services remotely?

A video communication service is used for ASL interpreting when a class is held remotely via Zoom. ASL interpreting will be provided virtually through a URL link. Students will be provided the URL link prior to class beginning.

How do I share a captioned video or other captioned media with my students through bCourses/Kaltura?

You can choose to share your captioned media with all of your students by placing it in your Media Gallery, or you may keep it private in your My Media folder on bCourses. Here's how to share a video from your My Media folder on bCourses with your students: Berkeley Service Now How to Share My Media

For further...

How do I submit a video to AIM for captioning?

1. Log into AIM

2. Click the “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” tab on the left side.

The Views and Tools Tab opens to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Tab

3...

Student CART/Realtime Captioning FAQs

If you have any difficulty accessing AIM, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. Please send an email to dssonline_help@berkeley.edu, and a DSP staff member will respond to your inquiry and assist you with obtaining the information you need.

Will Captioned Media be provided even though I have a Realtime Captioner?

Yes, Captioned Media is a separate accommodation. All media has to be captioned, even if a Realtime Captioner is present.

Can I make a request for Captioned Media after my initial accommodations are granted?

Yes. You may request additional accommodations after your initial request is approved. Please schedule an appointment with your DSP Specialist to request a new accommodation. If your request has been approved, please allow sufficient time for the instructor and the Communication Services Department to coordinate your Captioned Media accommodation.

What do I do if media is not being captioned after I have received an accommodation?

If you feel your accommodations are not being met or you have any questions or concerns, please notify your DSP Specialist.

What is included in Captioned Media accommodations?

The Captioned Media accommodation applies to any media that is presented, posted, and/or required to be viewed in a course. Students with a Captioned Media Accommodation must have equal access to all media-related material in a course.

Can a student with a Realtime Captioning accommodation participate in Zoom group work/breakout rooms?

Yes, the student is able to participate in group work. When a class is held in-person, a captioner is present and often sits with the group in order to hear the speakers clearly. Remote classes are handled in a similar fashion in that the captioner will be present in the same breakout room/group component as the student.

A student may also speak with the DSP Captioning Coordinator if they wish to omit captioning from any portion of their course. In the event a student elects to omit captioning from a...

How will I know if a Realtime Captioner is present in my Zoom meeting?

The captioner will be named “Captioner” in your Zoom participant list.

Does Realtime Captioning require the use of technology, such as mobile phones or laptops, in my classroom?

Yes, Realtime Captioning provides an instant translation of spoken English into written English text that is displayed on a laptop, tablet, or cell phone.

If a DSP student has an accommodation for the use of a laptop, tablet, or cell phone for disability-related reasons, please allow the DSP student to use their device. It is also important to allow the student to sit where they choose, as the student may need to sit near the front as an accommodation for their disability as well. ...

Can I request to have live captioning for a public event that is not course related?

Yes. Disability Access and Compliance can arrange services for public events. Please contact them to request assistance at: Disability Access and Compliance request form

When will I receive a transcript for my class?

Class transcripts will be available in the DSP portal (AIM) within 24 hours.

Do I need to do anything differently when an ASL Interpreter is present for an in-person class?

When using an interpreter to speak with a person who is D/deaf or hard of hearing, remember to speak directly to the person, not to the interpreter. The interpreter is not part of the conversation and is not permitted to voice personal opinions or enter into the conversation.

Face the person who is D/deaf or hard of hearing and speak to them in a normal manner. Do not make comments to the interpreter that you do not intend to have interpreted to the D/deaf or hard-of-hearing person, even if the person...

Where will the interpreter stand?

The interpreter will generally stand near the speaker so the student can pick up on facial expressions and body language from the speaker.

Will I have the same ASL Interpreter for all of my classes?

Interpreters will be scheduled based on logistics and students’ schedules. For classes that are more than an hour in length or with complex content, two interpreters will be assigned. They will switch every 15-20 minutes.

Career Services Support

Support internship and career opportunities for students with disabilities. Gifts will support travel, business attire, assistive technology, and more. Gifts of any size are welcome. A gift of $1000 would allow a student to participate in a summer internship program.

Disability Awareness Month

Each October, we sponsor special programming to heighten disability awareness. This year’s activities included a showcase for artists with disabilities and a project expo with EnableTech —where campus makers met students with disabilities to brainstorm technological solutions. A gift of $500 or more would allow us to expand the range of programming for this annual event.

Mental Health Services

The majority of our students have a primary or secondary mental health disability. Many universities offer specialized counseling and services for students with mental health disabilities. We aim to add a dedicated counselor to DSP focused on the unique needs of these students, to teach disability management strategies, and provide support for navigating and succeeding at Cal. A gift of approximately $225,000 could support a counselor position for one year.

Technology Grants and Services

DSP provides grants twice a year to support the technology needs of students with disabilities and to expand access to assistive technologies. Each semester we have more applications for assistance than we have funds to provide. A new assistive technology specialist would provide evaluations and technology training to expand access and improve retention for students with disabilities. A gift of any size would allow us to provide more technology grants for students with needs. A gift of approximately $175,000 could support a new assistive technology specialist...

Specialized Autism Spectrum Services

We are building a program to support success for students on the autism spectrum. In the past five years, the number of these students seeking DSP services increased nearly tenfold. We expect this demand to continue growing, so we aspire to add residential support, a full-time executive functioning coach, and a computer lab to our offerings. While similar programs at other universities charge a fee, we intend to raise private support for these additional services and provide them at no cost to all students. A gift of approximately $125,000 could support a full-...

Disability Cultural Community Center

Our Cal disability community has been advocating for decades for the creation of a uniquely accessible community space for the disability community. Our new Disability Cultural Center will open this fall. The Center will provide a welcoming and fully accessible space for the disability community, will house services for students, host disability focused events, and house exhibits and honor our alumnus’ history of disability activism. Our Center Coordinator will nurture leadership development, activism and self advocacy, and contribute to creating a more inclusive campus climate...

Alternative Media Agreement

When logging into AIM, eligible students will be prompted to sign the following contract which stipulates the use of alternative formats. For a DOCX version of the contract, please use this link: Alternative Media Agreement - DOCX.

Alternative Media Contract

I, hereby referred to as the "Student,” affirms that by signing this statement, the Student is agreeing to the following uses of audio-recording devices, as outlined in the terms of this agreement.

The above...

What if DSP is unable to find a note taker for my class?

If we are unable to find a notetaker 10 business days after your request, your DSP specialist will reach out to you about utilizing alternative accommodations. We utilize a remote notetaking service, NoteTaking Express(link is external) in which you can record your class and then upload the audio. A notetaker will transcribe notes and send them to you within 48 hours.

If I add a class late and request notetaking, will I receive retroactive notes?

DSP policy states that after a note-taker has been assigned, notes will (if available) will be provided retroactively to the first class the student attended or the date of the student's request for notetaking (whichever is later)

If I add or drop a course, who should I notify?

Make sure to notify your disability specialist as soon as possible so we can discontinue note-taking services if needed.

What sort of classes are notetaking services available for?

Note-taking services are always provided for lecture courses. If you require notes for a seminar or discussion, please let your specialist know as soon as possible, as these courses require their approval.

Notetakers are typically not provided for courses such as Field Studies, independent studies, DeCals, Education 198 courses, Berkeley Connect etc.

Faculty: Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

Beginning Monday, November 16, 2020 DSP will be launching a new Accessible Information Management system (AIM) to replace our current DSS Online system called SCARAB. To access the AIM Instructor Portal, instructors can either click on the faculty portal link via the DSP website or through the following link https://bachelor....

Where does the Realtime Captioner Sit?

When utsing an on-site captioner, the captioner will sit where they are able to hear the instructor and see the visual presentations. The student can sit next to the captioner or may use their own electronic device if they wish to sit elsewhere in the room.

In the event an internet connection is unavailable or interrupted, the student will need to sit by the captioner in order to view live captions.

Will I have the same captioner for all of my classes?

The assignment of a captioner will depend on scheduling and logistics. Each captioner will work with multiple students and will not work exclusively with one student for all of their classes.

What if I add, drop, or change a class?

Please request Realtime Captioning accommodations through the DSP portal (AIM) for any class changes or newly added classes. Notify the Realtime Captioning Supervisor once the AIM changes have been made.

****Note that it may take up to two weeks to receive realtime captioning services once your request is submitted.

Accessible Information Management System (AIM)

Alternative Media: How To Request Services

Overview

To request alternative media each semester, you must log into AIM, which is the new platform DSP will be using to keep information about your accommodations.

Note: These instructions are also available as a DOCX and PDF - How to Request Alternative Media.docx | How to Request Alternative Media.pdf.

Logging into AIM and Finding Your...

New Student Orientation - Fall 2020

The Disabled Students' Program at UC Berkeley welcomes all new students to our Fall 2020 New Student Orientation! We are excited to meet you and share information that can help you transition into your experience as a new Cal student.

Our New Student Orientation will be taking place this year on Thursday, August 20, 2020 from 10-3 PM via the Zoom platform.

To register for the New Student Orientation, please use the DSP New Student Orientation registration form. After you register, we...

Jobseekers with Disabilities:

Cal students registered with the Disabled Student Program can schedule hour-long one-on-one appointments with an experiencedCareer Counselor(link is external) to support their career exploration, preparation, and job seeking as an employee with a disability.
Berkeley Career Services for Students with Disabilities...

Applying for Standardized Testing Accommodation:

Accommodations for test takers with disabilities or health-related needs.

GRE(link is external)

MCAT (link is external)

...

Mental Health and Wellness:

CAPS offers short-term counseling for academic, career, and personal issues and also offers psychiatry services for circumstances when medication can help with counseling. There is no charge to get started, and all registered students can access services regardless of their insurance plan.
University Health Services - Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)(link is external)

Inclusive Recreation is a collaborative campus commitment to...

Disability Identity, Culture, and Justice:

Archive of individuals with oral histories or personal papers in the Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement collection and organizations with historical records.Bancroft Library - The Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement(link is external)

Contains work on intersectionality, the autistic movement, racial justice, queer and trans experiences, and disability rights....

Disability Studies:

The Disability Studies field explores how to best meet the challenges and alleviate the problems of those with impairments or disabilities, with emphasis on the role of those affected in defining problems and evaluating solutions.Disability Studies at UC Berkeley(link is external)

The Disability Studies Cluster aims to support theoretical and applied research, policy analysis, teaching and community partnership on...

Student Groups:

Hosts a variety of volunteering, mentoring, and fundraising events throughout the year that help promote acceptance and empower the Berkeley autism community.
Spectrum @Cal(link is external)

Serves as the representative undergraduate voice on mental health, acting as the central liaison between mental health stakeholders, addressing the intersectionalities of mental health.
...

Resources for Housing Accommodations:

Provides accessible housing to meet the needs of everyone.Berkeley Housing Accomodations(link is external)

Oversees nondiscrimination laws that require housing providers to grant requests for reasonable accommodations and modifications in housing, programs, and activities.
...

Resources for Legal Support:

Advises currently registered Cal students regarding their legal questions, rights, and obligations.UC Berkeley Student Legal Services(link is external)

Works to advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, training, education, and public policy and legislative development.
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)...

Reading Strategies/Resources:

Helps improve your understanding, recall, and retention of textbook material.SQ3R - Survey, Question, Read, Recall, Review(link is external)

A video tutorial about the SQ3R Reading Method.
SQ3R Video Tutorial(link is external)

A video detailing...

Note Taking Strategies:

A system for taking, organizing, and reviewing notes.Cornell Note Taking(link is external)

A note-taking method for iPad users.
The "Box-Method"(link is external)

Writing:

Helps students build confidence in their writing and enhances their ability to express rich ideas thoughtfully.College Writing Program - Writing Across Berkeley(link is external)

Writing worksheets, resources, and workshops that help students develop their writing skills.
...

Study Skills:

The Learning Scientists make scientific research on learning more accessible to students, teachers, and other educators.The Learning Scientists(link is external)

Study skills guides for students that provide everything you need in order to learn effectively.
Education Corner - Study Skills for Students(...

Resources for Academic and Learning Support:

The UC Berkeley Library provides special assistance to library users with disabilities in their use of the library and its resources.UC Berkeley Library - Disability Resources(link is external)

The Student Learning Center is the premier undergraduate academic support unit at UC Berkeley.
Student Learning Center...

Community-based Disability Resources:

Provides disability-related information, resources, and programs in the City of Berkeley.
City of Berkeley - Disability Resources(link is external)

A list of ADHD/LD providers that administer testing.
ADHD/LD Testing Referrals(link is external)

The...

Resources for Financial Support:

The Basic Needs Center serves as a space for students to create community and access coordinated basic needs services.
UC Berkeley Basic Needs(link is external)

CalFresh is California's food stamps (SNAP) program.
CalFresh(link is external)

Social Security offers an online disability...

How do I get my media captioned?

Submit captioning requests to DSP Captioning via the DSP portal (AIM). This includes all media including, but not limited to, bCourses videos, video and voiceover content, narrated embedded PowerPoint videos, videos listed on your syllabus, YouTube, TED Talks, Zoom lectures,...

How do I assign the captioner to a Zoom breakout room?

When assigning a captioner to the student during breakout sessions, please look for the captioner as a participant (Captioner). Please ensure the captioner is in the same breakout room as the student receiving the accommodation.

Breakout Room Instructions

How do I communicate with the captioner during a Zoom lecture?

You can communicate with the captioner in the Zoom chat. The captioner will be listed in the participant list as “Captioner.” In the event the Zoom chat is disabled, you can send a message to the captioner in the StreamText chat.

The captioners are captioning and monitoring multiple screens, so they will respond as they are able to.

Message to DSP Students Regarding Corona-virus and DSP Services

Your health and your wellbeing as disabled people is important. We know that COVID-19 can be more of a concern for some of you than to the general population. We hope you have found the university messages on travel, remote access to classrooms, health tips, and self-care useful. They can be found at Berkeley NewsHowever, we felt it was important to send a message particularly tailored to the disability community.

Below you will...

Faculty FAQ - Alternative Media

May a postsecondary institution disclose to a parent, without the student’s consent, information regarding a student’s violation of the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance?

Yes, if the student is under the age of 21 at the time of the disclosure. FERPA was amended in 1998 to allow such disclosures. See § 99.31(a)15 of the FERPA regulations. Also, if the student is a “dependent student” as defined in FERPA, the institution may disclosure such information, regardless of the age of the student.

What if my child is a minor and he or she is taking classes at a local college while still in high school – do I have rights?

If a student is attending a postsecondary institution – at any age – the rights under FERPA have transferred to the student. However, in a situation where a student is enrolled in both a high school and a postsecondary institution, the two schools may exchange information on that student. If the student is under 18, the parents still retain the rights under FERPA at the high school and may inspect and review any records sent by the postsecondary institution to the high school.

Can a postsecondary institution disclose financial records of an eligible student with the student’s parents?

If the student is a dependent for income tax purposes, the institution may disclose any education records, including financial records to a student’s parents. If the student is not a dependent, then the student must generally provide consent for the school to disclose the information to the parents.

If I am a parent of a college student, do I have the right to see my child’s education records, especially if I pay the bill?

As noted above, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student, once the student turns 18 years old or enters a postsecondary institution at any age. However, although the rights under FERPA have now transferred to the student, a school may disclose information from an “eligible student’s” education records to the parents of the student, without the student’s consent, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes. Neither the age of the student nor the parent’s status as a custodial parent is relevant. If a student is claimed as a dependent by either...

What is “Directory Information”?

FERPA defines “directory information” as information contained in the education records of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Typically, “directory information” includes information such as name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and dates of attendance. A school may disclose “directory information” to third parties without consent if it has given public notice of the types of information which it has designated as “directory...

Under what circumstances may a school disclose information from education records without consent?

There are several exceptions to FERPA’s general prior consent rule that are set forth in the statute and the regulations. See § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. One exception is the disclosure of “directory information” if the school follows certain procedures set forth in FERPA. (34 CFR § 99.31(a)(11).)

How am I informed about my rights under FERPA?

Educational agencies and institutions are required to notify parents and eligible students about their rights under FERPA. Section 99.7 of the FERPA regulations sets forth the requirements for the notification and there is a model notification on this Web site. Schools do not have to individually notify parents and eligible students but do have to notify them by any means that are reasonably likely to inform the parents or eligible students of their rights.

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”). The FERPA statute is found at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and the FERPA regulations are found at...

DSP Team

Meet our dedicated team of staff professionals, managers, and supervisors. We look forward to helping to meet your needs!

Can I request books from the Library?

If you have a library book that needs conversion, please use the Library's scanning services. You will receive an email with a link to a PDF and a DOCX. If the document you received needs further editing, please feel free to request this file from the Alternative Media Unit of DSP.

Why do I need to provide a receipt?

DSP must adhere to copyright guidelines and verify that students own the textbooks they are requesting. For detailed information please read our Alternative Media Guidelines

I am a graduate student and need alternative formats for non-course related academic work. Can I request alternative formats for these titles?

If you own a book that needs conversion, whether it is required for a class or not, please request a conversion from DSP's Alternative Media Unit by logging into AIM. You will need to provide a receipt or proof of ownership for any copyrighted materials.

Note: If you have a lot of books that you need converted, we recommend that you make an appointment with Alt Media staff so that we can prioritize what to convert...

How long does it take to get my files?

Books/course materials containing clean text (i.e. a novel) take 10-17 business days to process. Books containing STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), graphs, tables, or poor quality/markups (highlighting, underlining, writing, blurry text) generally take longer than 10 business days. For detailed information please read our Alternative Media Guidelines

I dropped/changed one or more of my classes and no longer need Alt Media for them, what do I do?

As soon as possible, email us at dspamc@berkeley.edu with your name, the name of the class(es), and the name of the book(s) in those classes so that we can cancel those requests immediately.

How do I request Alt Media?

To request alternative media each semester, you must log into AIM. Please see instructions on our website about how to request alternative media using AIM.

My assigned format is not working for me (I don’t like it), can a request a different format?

Please email the Alternative Media Supervisor with details of what is not working for you. Your format could be adjusted or changed.

How do I check to see what textbooks I need for my classes?

There are a few ways to do this. You can check on CalCentral or the Cal Student Store Textbook Lookup. Additionally, you can log into AIM and access the Alternative Media module. See the instructions about how to request alternative media for more information.

My instructor has not yet declared the titles of my textbooks, what do I do?

Fill out the Alternative Media Notice form as soon as possible. This will allow us to contact your instructor or course department for book and course material information. We will email you information as we receive it.

Other Support Services

UC Berkeley is committed to going beyond compliance and required accommodations to provide needed services for students with disabilities to support their success and graduation.

Learning Specialist: Our DSP Learning Specialist offers workshops, academic coaching, and a course, Access & Self-Advocacy: An Intro to UC Berkeley for Students with Disabilities. Many of their services are available through...

Where can I go to find an already captioned version of the film/video I want to play?

Media Resource Center (MRC)

DSP-Captioning YouTube account

DCMP Video Archives

Kanopy Streaming Service

**If you are unsure whether a video has proper captioning, please submit your media to the Captioned Media department for review...

What if the media I plan to use is from YouTube?

There are two options to have YouTube media captioned: Submit YouTube media and request captioning through the DSP portal AIM. Submit public and unlisted YouTube links via bCourses Submit YouTube media and request captioning through AIM

If the material is on YouTube, you should check to see if it’s appropriately captioned. If...

How long does it take to get media captioned?

For shorter videos of ten minutes or less, please allow 10 business days. For longer videos, please allow 15 business days. For last-minute media captioning requests, please submit your request via the DSP Portal (AIM) and indicate your desired turnaround time. Please plan accordingly. If videos are not captioned, they may not be shown in class or be required to view outside of class time.

Is a transcript of a video sufficient?

If the media has audio and video, it needs to have professional captions. A transcript is not sufficient to meet the captioned Media accommodation.

Career Services

DSP offers specialized career services for students with disabilities. Cal students registered with the Disabled Students’ Program can schedule hour-long one-on-one appointments with an experienced Career Counselor to support their career exploration, preparation, and job-seeking as an employee with a disability.

Ricardo Flores is our DSP Career Counselor. Ricardo has a Master’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. He is an experienced vocational expert who previously served as project coordinator for the National...

A notetaker has reached out to me and asked for permission to use their laptop. I do not allow students to use technology in class. What should I do?

Some DSP students have specific accommodations to receive typewritten notes from a student notetaker in their class. If this is the case, the notetaker should be allowed to use their laptop in the classroom as long as they have identified themselves to you. A DSP specialist will reach out to you to confirm the accommodation.

In my classroom, we often discuss sensitive topics/information. How do I handle this?

In this case, it’s best to reach out to the student's Disability Specialist to discuss your concerns and make a plan. Please do not discuss your concerns with your student. A common solution is to allow the student to record any lecture-based material, but turn the recording off during discussion of sensitive topics.

A student in my class has an audio recording accommodation, but I don’t allow recording.

All DSP students who are approved to audio record sign an Audio Recording Agreement. The agreement states that they acknowledge the recording is the intellectual property of the instructor and that they will not distribute the recording. You may request a copy of this from the students’ assigned Disability Specialist. If you still have concerns about audio recording in your class, please contact the Disability Specialist who signed the letter of accommodation.

A student in my class says they are not receiving notes. What should I do?

Instruct the student to contact dspnotes@berkeley.edu, and we will follow up with the student.

A student in my class has an accommodation to receive notes. Am I required to find the student a notetaker?

No action is required on your part. DSP’s Note Taking office will coordinate recruitment of notetakers and delivery of notes to the student. In certain cases, DSP may contact you directly for assistance in recruiting a notetaker.

My student needs an alternative format of my exam. What do I do?

If you are a faculty member or GSI who needs to convert an exam into an alternative format, please send an email to dspamc@berkeley.edu in which you share with us the following information:

Student name

Student ID

Class name

Professor name

CCN

Exam date

In your email, you can share with us your...

How can I check if the documents that I am using in my class are accessible to students who are blind or who use assistive technology?

How can I create accessible materials for my class?

OCR Scanners

Before you scan a document for use in your class, first check if the document is already available electronically through one of the Library’s subscriptions. If the book is in the public domain, you can also check for electronic copies at Project Gutenberg

If you cannot locate an electronic version of a text and...

A student in my class receives alternative media. What do I do?

If you know that a student is registered with the Disabled Students Program, please feel free to contact the Alternative Media Unit of DSP for help.

It is best practice to create an accessible version of your course before you are notified that a student has an accommodation. See the previous question for information about how to do that.

How can I prepare my classes so that they are accessible to students who use alternative media (braille, large print, e-Text)?

Adopt your textbooks and prepare your course reader before the Accommodation Deadline

If you are using a print shop for a course reader, retain a digital copy of the course reader files. DSP may need to request the digital version of your course reader for conversion purposes.

Create accessible versions of class documents, syllabi, handouts, and exams....

Why do students receive exam accommodations?

Exam accommodations are a more common accommodation because they accommodate students with many different types of disabilities. Some examples include: students with learning disabilities or physical disabilities who use assistive technologies may need additional time to read exam questions and produce responses; students with learning disabilities that impact processing speeds may need more time to process information; students with attention deficits may need both additional time and a reduced distraction environment.

Can I relocate students during an exam?

Generally, no. This can be very disruptive to students who need exam accommodations. The exception would be if the chosen space was no longer appropriate because of unanticipated background noise or disruptions.

Can I refuse a disability-related request for a make-up exam and instead drop the exam and add the points to a future exam? (sometimes known as clobber policies)

Faculty may offer this as an option to students. However, if the student has a documented disability-related need for a make-up exam as verified by the Disability Specialist, then the student has a right to take a make-up exam. The exam may be an alternate exam of the same format and difficulty as the original exam. The faculty member may also choose to administer the same exam and have the student sign an academic honesty agreement.

Can I provide DSP exam accommodations myself?

Yes, so long as each student is provided with their individual accommodations. If you have any questions about specific accommodations for any student, please contact the student’s Disability Specialist for assistance.

Can DSP Proctoring proctor exams during RRR week?

University policy prohibits administering any final assessments during RRR week. For further clarification, please consult the Committee on Courses of Instruction (COCI) Handbook, section 2.1.12 Reading, Review, and Recitation (RRR) Week Guidelines

Will DSP Proctoring notify me of my DSP student's proctoring details?

When a student's exam is approved you will receive an email thread notifying you of your students' scheduled exams, including all relevant details. You will receive a separate email for each student in one email thread.

How do I request proctoring services for exams?

To request proctoring services for your class, log in to your DSP Faculty Portal and click on the Proctoring module on the left side of the page. Click on the Testing Agreement and answer all questions in that form. Once you have submitted the testing agreement, students will be responsible for scheduling their own exams. Space is limited and we may not be able to seat all your students. We will give priority to students with complex accommodations...

Can DSP Proctoring proctor exams at night?

Due to staffing considerations, we are unable to proctor evening exams. All regular-semester exams must end by 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. All final exams must end no later than 6 pm. Please call our office at (510) 643-4691 or email proctoring@berkeley.edu to discuss your needs.

Can DSP Proctoring proctor online exams?

We are unable to proctor online exams at this time. For assistance with online exams, please contact Digital Learning Services or email: bcourseshelp@berkeley.edu

What measures are taken to promote academic integrity?

DSP Proctoring takes academic integrity very seriously. All of our proctors are well trained and are constantly monitoring exams in our testing locations. Students must show a photo ID when they arrive and agree to all conditions before an exam begins. Cell phones and smart watches must be turned off in front of the proctor and stowed away for the duration of the exam. Students are asked to sign in/out when using the bathroom, and proctors are continually walking the floor to deter any potential for cheating. Any suspicious activity is logged and reported to the instructor...

If a student is late to their exam, do they receive their full amount of time?

If a student is late for their exam, they will not be granted any additional time. If they are more than 30 minutes late, they will not be allowed to start their exam unless we get approval from the instructor. We will call the contact number submitted on the proctoring request form for approval.

If a student misses their exam, can they reschedule with DSP Proctoring?

If an instructor would like us to reschedule a student’s exam, please email our office at proctoring@berkeley.edu. We will be happy to reschedule the exam at the instructor’s request. Please do not have students contact us directly to reschedule an exam. Exams can only be scheduled with faculty approval.

How can I communicate changes or errors in the exam to my students while they are taking their exam with DSP Proctoring?

To communicate any changes to your exam while the exam is taking place, please call the DSP Proctoring Center at (510) 643-4691. We will notify your students of the changes. Please keep in mind that your students may be located in different buildings, and reaching all of your students may take time.

When can I pick up completed exams from the DSP Proctoring office?

Exams must be picked up in person in our office beginning at 8:30 am the day after the exam. Pick-up hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

When should I drop off exams to the DSP Proctoring office?

Exams must be delivered to us in one of the following ways:

1.) Email the exam in an attachment to proctoring@berkeley.edu no later than 4:30 PM 2 BUSINESS DAYS prior to the date of the exam. Please include the Department and course number in the subject line.

2.) Upload exams through your Faculty Portal no later than 4:30 PM 2 BUSINESS DAYS prior to the date of the exam.

3.)Hand-delivered in person at the Proctoring Center no later than 4:30 pm one business day before the...

Do I need to fill out a new request for each individual exam?

Faculty need to submit a testing agreement for each class for which they are requesting exams. Once the testing agreement is submitted, students will be responsible for requesting and scheduling their own exams through their DSP Student Portal.

Can students in DSP take their exam at a different day and/or time than the class?

Students can only schedule their exams on the dates entered by the instructor in the Testing Agreement. However, the system will allow students to schedule their exams at any time between the hours of 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM for regular-semester exams. If you want your students to schedule their exams at a specific time it is your responsibility to notify your students to schedule their exams at the time determined by you.

For final exams, students are restricted to...

Faculty FAQs

For more information, take the DSP Online Training, DISABILITY, ACCOMMODATION, AND ACCESS IN THE UC CLASSROOM in the UC Learning Center: https://uc.sumtotal.host/rcore/c/pillarRedirect?relyingParty=LM&url=app%...

Who is responsible for ensuring accessibility standards are met? What resources and training are available for faculty?

Faculty are responsible for making their own websites accessible and providing accommodations for students with disabilities in an online course. There are many campus resources to assist faculty with this.

Resources for building accessible websites can be found here: https://webaccess.berkeley.edu/home

Resources for online instruction: ...

There’s been a lot of discussion about online access recently. Can you explain the difference between the accessibility standard for websites and accommodations for online classes?

UC Berkeley is required to ensure that anything posted in public forums (for example, University websites or YouTube Channels) is fully accessible to persons with disabilities and can be accessed using assistive technology ( i.e. screen readers) and also includes video captions. Any information that is posted in your official university capacity that is visible to any member of the public must meet this accessibility standard.

Online courses or websites that are only accessible to registered students must provide accommodations as described in...

As I’m planning my class, is there anything I can do to make my class more accessible so students require fewer accommodations to participate in my class?

We’re so glad you asked! The more accessible your class is for students with disabilities, the fewer accommodations students will require to participate in your class. As an additional benefit, when your class is more accessible for students with disabilities, it will be more accessible for students without disabilities, too!

The paradigm of Universal Design recognizes that disability is just one facet of an individual’s identity and that disability is neither negative nor an inherent barrier to access. Universal Design asks us to consider for...

Can I send an email to all of my DSP students?

Yes, please be sure to use bcc to not violate the privacy of your DSP students.

A DSP student has an accommodation to use a laptop, and I do not allow laptops in my classroom.

Some students use assistive technology on a laptop to assist them with note taking. If a DSP student has an accommodation for the use of a laptop for disability-related reasons, please allow the DSP student to use their laptop. Students should not be told where to sit in the classroom.

In your syllabus, please state that students who need a laptop should contact the instructor to request an exception. In this way, you can avoid specifically singling out students with disabilities.

Can I, instead of offering a make-up exam, require the student to roll the points for the missed exam into future exams?

Faculty may offer this as an option to students. However, if the student has a documented disability-related need for a make-up exam as verified by the Disability Specialist, then the student has a right to take a make-up exam. The exam may be an alternate exam of the same format and difficulty as the original exam. The faculty member may also choose to administer the same exam and have the student sign an academic honesty agreement.

Is it okay for me to give the student a grade of Incomplete and ask them to take the final exam with next semester’s class?

The day of my final exam, a student in my class had a disability-related absence. The student now wants me to provide them with a make-up exam, which their accommodation letter allows for. Is it okay for me to give the student a grade of Incomplete and ask them to take the final exam with next semester’s class?

If the student is in good standing in your class at the time of the missed final, you can offer the student the option of an incomplete grade to allow them to take a make-up exam when they are well enough to do so. However, you cannot require a student to wait a full semester to take the final exam with another class if the student requests to take the exam earlier. In most cases, if a student has missed an exam due to a flare in the impact of their disability, the student will be able to take the exam within days of the flare subsiding. If this is the case, it would not...

A student in my class is requesting an extension on their homework assignment, but their accommodation letter doesn’t say how many additional days I should allow them. How do I know how much additional time to provide?

Guidance on implementing assignment extension accommodations

Allowance for extensions on take-home assignments may be needed to address the impact of some student's disabilities. Students who may need this accommodation include students who take longer to produce assignments because they use assistive technology (for example, speech to text) or students who have periodic flares of illness that may sometimes interfere with meeting deadlines.

Students with an assignment extension accommodation must communicate the need for an extension on each assignment unless otherwise...

The location of my classroom was changed to accommodate a student with a disability. How could a change of classroom location serve as a disability accommodation?

Sometimes a student with disabilities may need to have a classroom location changed in order to have full access to your course. Most frequently, this is because a classroom was not fully accessible for a student who is using a wheelchair for mobility, because the building is in a campus location that the student has significant difficulty physically travelling to and from because of the impact of their disability, or because the classroom lacks the technology needed for real-time captioning. If you have any concerns about the change, please contact a DSP Disability Specialist...

How far in advance must students with disabilities inform an instructor about needed accommodations?

Students who work with DSP are strongly urged to request and send letters of accommodation as soon as they register for a course or become eligible for accommodations. However, the University must make every effort to accommodate students, regardless of the timing of the notice of a student's need for accommodations. DSP may be able to assist with late requests. Please contact the Disability Specialist who sent the student’s accommodation letter if you need assistance.

Are there ways for students to receive approval of or support for academic accommodations other than through DSP?

Yes. Students may request accommodations through other processes and offices, including the Title IX office, Path to Care, and the Center for Support and Intervention. For questions about accommodations for reasons other than disability (for example, Title IX accommodations), please reach out to the referring office with questions. More information is available at Academic Accommodations Hub

What if I object to a recommendation in DSP's letter of accommodation?

Please contact the Disability Specialist who sent the accommodation letter to resolve any logistical or other concerns you may have. The Disability Specialists know that their recommendations can occasionally inadvertently compromise the purposes or standards of a class, and they are ready to discuss such concerns with you. You are not obligated to fundamentally alter the objectives of your course.

When DSP and an instructor disagree regarding the appropriateness of an accommodation for a particular course, the...

Are students required to speak with faculty to initiate accommodations?

We do encourage students to have a conversation with their instructors about their accommodations. These conversations can be helpful for both parties. DSP Disability Specialists can also help facilitate these conversations and assist faculty with setting up an agreement with students about accommodations (for example, Disability Specialists can help instructors and students determine the parameters for acceptable numbers of absences or timelines for assignment extensions). However, we cannot require students to have a conversation about their accommodations with their...

If I receive a late accommodation letter, do I need to accommodate for past weeks in the semester?

Accommodations are not retroactive, so you are not responsible for provision of accommodations prior to the date that the accommodation letter is issued. You do have the discretion to retroactively accommodate a student if you would like to. For instance, if a student becomes active in DSP in the middle of the semester and their accommodation letter requires flexibility with assignment deadlines, you have the discretion to accept their late work from earlier in the semester. However, you are not required to do so. If you have any concerns about the...

Why do we receive late letters of accommodation? Can you set a deadline for students to apply for accommodations each semester?

DSP does not have a deadline by which students can apply for services. Students can be diagnosed with or acquire disabilities at any time, and the process of obtaining disability documentation can also take time. Sometimes students who already have a disability identity will wait to seek services until they have first tried participating at Berkeley without formal accommodations. Students may also find that the impact of their disability has changed during the semester and that they need additional support in accessing their program of study due...

Why doesn’t my student’s accommodation letter state what their disability is? How can I verify that their accommodation request in my class is related to their disability? Can I request medical documentation from a student with DSP accommodations?

Students with disabilities have a right to privacy regarding their medical diagnoses and medical documentation. For this reason, we ask faculty not to request medical documentation from students with disabilities. If you feel that it is necessary to verify that a student’s request is disability related, you can contact the student’s assigned Disability Specialist. The Disability Specialist can review the student’s documentation on file and confirm whether there is a disability-related need for an absence, assignment extension, or other...

How is the decision made that a student needs accommodations? How does a student become eligible for DSP services?

Not every student with a disability attending UC Berkeley is utilizing DSP services. The decision to connect with DSP is an individual choice for students with disabilities. If a student believes that they will require accommodations to have equal access to participate in their program at Berkeley, they need to take the formal step of applying for accommodations.

Students first apply online to create an account with DSP that will allow our office to keep students’ disability records separate from their academic and other campus records....

What if a student says that they have a disability, but I have not received a letter of accommodation from DSP?

We ask faculty to refer students back to DSP rather than provide informal accommodations. Informal accommodations may not meet the student’s disability-related access needs. If a student is not yet active in DSP and has an immediate concern, instructors can provide the same consideration for extenuating circumstances that they would provide for students without disabilities. For instance, if a student breaks their hand the night before your exam and asks you if they can have some extra time because their typing is slower, you have the discretion to allow this adjustment without...

A student with a disability is enrolled in my class. What adjustments or other accommodations must I make?

If the student is being served by DSP, you will receive a letter of accommodation that specifically describes the accommodations to which a student is entitled to ensure their equal access to your course. If a student requests accommodations on the basis of disability and you have not yet received an accommodation letter, then you should ask the student to log in to their DSP account via the DSP website to request that a letter of accommodation from DSP is sent to you. Once you have been sent the electronic copy of the accommodation letter, you are then required to provide...

I have been teaching at Berkeley for some time, and the number of students with disabilities in my classes seems to increase every semester. Are more students with disabilities attending Berkeley? Why do the numbers seem to keep going up?

In 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act was amended, broadening the definition of disability to include more persons with non-apparent disabilities (for example, chronic health conditions and psychological disabilities). In addition, IDEA, the law that governs K-12 services for students with disabilities, has provided greater opportunity for students with disabilities to excel academically, graduate high school, and successfully matriculate to higher education.

Universities nationwide are experiencing unprecedented growth in the numbers of...

Ricardo Flores

TRiO Career Advisor/Career Services Counselor

Ricardo Flores Career Services

Heather Yaden

TRiO Learning Specialist

Rochelle Barnes

DSP TRiO Director

Rochelle Brown earned a bachelor’s in Sociology from Pitzer College and a master’s degree in Counseling from the University of La Verne.

Student Support Workshops

There is one academic study skills course and several workshops offered to students in TRiO DSP throughout the year. If you have any questions about any of the workshops offered, please contact dsp-trio@berkeley.edu. For accommodation requests, please send us an email.

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Cal TRiO DSP Student Support Services Staff

TRiO SSS Director Rochelle Barnes

Rochelle Barnes Cal TRiO DSP SSS Director

Rochelle Barnes earned a bachelor’s in Sociology from Pitzer College and a master’s degree in Counseling from the University of La Verne.

Read...

TRIO DSP SSS - Program Highlights and Statistics

General Statistics

Total Number of Applications Received from 2020 to 2021: 184

Total Number of Students Admitted from 2020 to 2021: 101

Total Number of Graduates (December 2021 & Spring 2022): 49

Average GPA of TRIO graduates: 3.36

Most popular major for graduates: Sociology, B.A. (30%)

Most popular major for continuing...

What Students Are Saying About Cal TRiO DSP SSS

TRiO Students attending an event at the TRiO center

Here are a few comments from current and past students about their experiences participating in our UC Berkeley CAL TRiO DSP SSS program:

The Cal TRiO DSP SSS program is here for you. I am so excited to be able to go to an office and speak with staff members that understand what I am going through. They not only listen to...

Notetaking Policies

Class notes are not intended to substitute for class attendance. The Purpose and Provision of Class notes

A student’s creation of class notes for personal use or study is more than a form of merely recording classroom information for later review and memorization to assist in recalling information presented to the student while attending class. The process of creating class notes assists students in analyzing, synthesizing, and organizing the information and concepts presented in the classroom into a cognitive framework customized to meet the individual student’s unique learning needs....

How do I become an ally for autistic students on campus?

With the projected growing population of neurodiverse students entering 4 year universities in the next decade, it is advantageous for campus communities to design a culture that embraces and showcases neurodiversity acceptance and inclusion. The DSP Autism Services Program, Spectrum Connect, offers a training program for staff, faculty and allies to learn more about autism and best practices for accessibility on campus. We are seeking to build a community of faculty & staff that can act as advocates and educators for neurodivergent students. For more information about...

A student with autism has communicated to our GSI that they are having trouble finding lab partners and working collaboratively in group settings. What can they do to support them?

Autism diagnoses are often characterized by social and communication deficits. These barriers can make it very challenging for students to engage in the process of finding partners and to communicate effectively when working in pairs or small groups. It can be helpful to select student groups ahead of time to avoid the potential challenge of group outreach and matching. Another suggestion would be to meet with the student 1:1 to outline the components of a given lab or project and to identify portions of the assignment that the student can best showcase and contribute their...

A student who has disclosed an autism diagnosis is demonstrating unique behaviors in class. How do I learn more about the nature of these behaviors and initiate an open dialogue with the student about them?

As a general guideline, when communicating with a student with autism, it is important to utilize concise and direct language; try to avoid using figurative language or sarcasm. If a behavior is observed that a faculty or staff member has questions or concerns about, it is recommended to first meet with the student 1:1 to talk about the observed behavior. This meeting should occur before or after class and/or during office hours if accessible. Please keep in mind that observed behaviors could be a general misinterpretation or a result of a specific manifestation of...

What is the best way to communicate with a student who discloses an autism identity?

The student is the best person to answer this question, as every student has their individual communication preferences. In general, direct, written communication has shown to be effective. It is common for students who have autism to identify as visual learners over auditory learners , so providing visual notes, structured outlines, checklists and timelines can be really effective for supportive communication. When meeting 1:1 with a student, writing down key takeaways from your discussion and sharing them with the student can ensure that the student walks away with clear...

How do I know if a student in my class has autism?

Generally speaking, knowing whether or not a student has autism in your class is not necessary in order to implement supportive communication and teaching strategies that could potentially benefit all students in your course. Examples of such strategies can include designing a course syllabus that is structured with explicit information about course objectives, assignment breakdowns, office hours, and further opportunities for progress monitoring support. Offering visual content such as powerpoint presentations to all students and/or recordings of direct instruction can...

Get Involved!

Page under construction

Autism Spectrum Services: For Faculty

Resources and tutorials highlighting best practice for the development of accessible and inclusive teaching practices for all students, including individuals with autism. If you are a faculty or staff member at Cal and are interested in scheduling a training session with the Spectrum Connect team, please complete the Campus Training Interest form on the Autism Spectrum Services homepage.

OAR Students with Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for College Personnel
...

Autism Spectrum Services: For Parents & Allies

Resources that offer guidelines for families and allies of students who identify with disability who are transitioning to the post secondary education setting.

Differences between disability services offered in K-12 & Higher Education
http://depts.washington.edu/uwdrs/differences-between-k-12-and-postsecondary-education/

Cited from: University of Washington...

Autism Spectrum Services: Resources for Students

Christian Yee

Auxiliary Services Supervisor

Picture of Note-Taking Coordinator Christian YeeChristian Yee has been with the Disabled Students' Program since 2014.

Trenna Davis

CART/ASL Supervisor

Picture of CART/ASL Supervisor Trenna DavisTrenna Davis is the Realtime Captioning and ASL Communication Supervisor.......

Resources

A collection of autism centered resources for all members of the UC Berkeley campus community.

Brochure

Martha Velasquez

Associate Director and Manager of Auxiliary Services

Martha VelasquezMartha Velasquez has been the Associate Director since November 2017.

DSP Managers and Supervisors

Organizational Chart

DSP History

A Brief History of Disability Activism and DSP at Cal

UC Berkeley was one of the first campuses in the US to begin accommodating students with disabilities. This happened because of the activism of students who pushed UC Berkeley to provide equal learning opportunities for persons with disabilities. The disability activism of our UC Berkeley students helped ignite a civil rights movement that led to the passage of the ADA and continues to shape policy today.

Student Activists

The Disabled Students’ Program and the disability rights movement were also born out of student...

Accommodations Descriptions

Page is under construction.

Exam Conversion

If you are a faculty member or GSI who needs to convert an exam into an alternative format, please send an email to dspamc@berkeley.edu in which you share with us the following information:

Student name

Student ID

Class name

Professor name

CCN

Exam date

In your email, you can share...

Application Process

Application Process

If you have already had an intake appointment and you are already active in the Disabled Students' Program, you may go directly to Student Login to request letters and services.

All students taking classes at UC Berkeley (including admitted degree students, Summer Sessions students, and students studying abroad at UC Berkeley) are responsible for completing the following steps to request academic accommodations on the basis of disability:...

Stephanie D. LaBarge

Lead Disability Specialist & Supervisor

Picture of Disability Specialist Stephanie FloresHello and welcome to my page! I joined the UC Berkeley DSP team in January 2018.

Alvaro Gomez

Disability Specialist

Picture of Disability Specialist Alvaro GomezBorn and raised in the Bay Area, Alvaro Francisco Gomez has been working in the field of Disability and Higher Education for the past 25 years.

Kurzweil 3000 Resources

Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 is a scan and read software program that students can use to access their reading materials, whether on the web or in digital file formats (PDF, DOCX, and EPUB). Kurzweil uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology to convert inaccessible versions of text into text that students can select and hear read out loud by the program. When reading texts with Kurzweil, students can see the text highlighted and can adjust the size of the text for easier viewing. Kurzweil also offers many annotation features and writing supports that can enhance a student’s...

International Student Note Takers

A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to receive the monetary stipend at the end of the semester. If you do not have an SSN you can still serve as a volunteer notetaker and receive a gift card for up to $75 at the end of the semester.

Please feel free to reach out to us at dspnotes@berkeley.edu if you have any questions.

Julie Greene

Disability Specialist - Graduate Students

Photo of Disability Specialist Julie GreeneWelcome to my DSP page! I joined the Berkeley community in January 2018...

DSP Specialists

DSP Disability Specialists

Our Disability Specialists serve each student individually by conducting intakes, determining accommodations and DSP services, referring students to campus and community resources, and assisting students in working with faculty to carry out accommodations. Each DSP student works with one DSP specialist. The specialist should be the student's first contact when the student experiences any problems or concerns with their accommodations or services or if the student needs to adjust their accommodations. See bios for more information about our specialists. We...

Carolyn Swalina

Lead Disability Specialist & Supervisor

Photo of Lead Disability Specialist Carolyn SwalinaWhen I graduated from high school, I had no idea that I would eventually pursue a career working with college students.

Employment Opportunities

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) is recognized for its commitment to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities at UC Berkeley and helps students to achieve academic success through its programs. DSP provides a wide array of legally mandated services to students with disabilities and consists of approximately 50 FTE, serves over 5500 students, and hires over 400 service providers and student volunteers to provide educational support to this growing population. The unit has an annual operating budget of approximately $3.5 million in...

Annual Report and Data

DSP Annual Report

End of year data for FY 2019-20

Chart A: Students served and Auxiliary Services requests- The University is required by federal law to provide accommodations and services to students with disabilities who register with DSP. This chart is an overall summary of the growth of the number of DSP students over an 8 year period and the growth in requests for mandated services.

Academic Year

2013-14

...

Resources for Parents, Families, and Allies

The transition from high school to college also means a change in student privacy protections and changes in the way students receive accommodations and services. The following resources will aid in the understanding of the high school-college transition.

Autism Spectrum Services

Policies

DSP Policies

DSP has student policies to guide our students on using our services, provide for the fair resolution of complaints and concerns, and establish consistency in our practices. Some of the most important student policies follow below. University and systemwide policies may be found here.

What Are Accommodations?

Accommodations are adjustments to policies, procedures, and practices that serve to remove barriers and allow students with disabilities...

Carolyn Swalina

Lead Disability Specialist

Emily Paulson

collapse my bio expand to read my bio About Me

Hello, and welcome to my DSP webpage. I started my career with the UC Berkeley DSP in January of 2018. I am a licensed Special Education Teacher with 10 years of experience working in the K-12 system supporting students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Over the course of my career, I have had the great opportunity to gain extensive experience working with students on the...

Stephanie LaBarge

About Me

Stephanie Joined the UC Berkeley DSP team in January 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University and a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling with a specialization in College Student Services from Saint Mary’s College of CA. Stephanie uses a student-centered approach when working with students and finds the best solutions for students by using empathy, active listening and holistic approaches.

She brings over 11 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities of all ages both in the...

Julie Greene

About Me:

Welcome to my DSP page! I joined the Berkeley community in January 2018 and bring with me over six years experience working with students with varying disabilities, with over four of those years in higher education. In working with college students, I have adopted a person-centered approach and emphasize the importance of a student’s narrative and the understanding of one’s self and needs.

I graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. After some time spent traveling and teaching...

Alice Wong

Welcome to my DSP page! I joined the UC Berkeley community in January 2018. I worked the previous year as a Disability Specialist. Prior to that I was an Alternate Format Production Facilities and Assistive Technology Manager for 13 years at Stanford University. I have 20+ years of experience working at the college level with students with disabilities.

My approach to working with students with disabilities is to thoughtfully listen to them and confirm that I understand their academic needs. I want to provide students with resources to level the academic playing field and deliver...

Laurica Brown

About Me: I'm excited to work with all of you. Check back for updates soon!

The Loop Golf Cart

The Loop is a golf cart that provides intra-campus rides for eligible faculty, staff, and students with disabilities on a first-come, first-served basis. This service was created to assist persons with mobility disabilities (including temporary disability as a result of injury) and visual impairments. The Loop only operates on the core campus.

Eligibility for the Loop

All riders must demonstrate a disability-related need to receive approval to use the Loop. Campus Access Services receives...

Cal TRiO DSP Student Support Services

Drop-In Appointment Procedures Change

This page is obsolete and can be deleted.

No Specialists Available 11/17/16 from 12 noon - 1:30

Specialists will be in a training during that time. Our apologies for any inconveniences.

11/17/16 No Specialists available from 12-1:30

Specialists will be in a training session at this time. We apologogize for any inconveniences.

Accessibility Responsibilities

We all share a concern about reducing the high cost of course materials and ensuring those materials are accessible by our students. Please see below for information regarding instructors’ responsibilities and important upcoming deadlines for submitting assigned course books and readers.

Accessibility:

Each faculty has the responsibility* to identify instructional materials for his or her courses far enough in advance of the semester that the Disabled Students Program has adequate time to convert them into an accessible format, e.g., Braille, large print, digital/electronic. Timely...

Become TRiO!

Expectations

The Federal TRiO programs have proven to be helpful in increasing retention, good academic standing, and graduation rates of students. To benefit from TRiO’s history of success, TRiO DSP SSS students must comply with the following expectations:

Create a Student Success Plan Complete the Financial Literacy/Financial Advising Courses Complete the Career Exploration/Readiness Assessments Meet with TRiO DSP SSS Coordinator and/or Learning Specialist twice a semester Attend at least one Academic Workshop,...

What is TRiO?

What is TRiO?

Cal TRiO DSP SSS is one of nine Federal TRiO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education that supports eligible students to excel throughout their academic career--from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. TRiO began with demands for greater access to higher education in the 1960s. It was the first national college access and retention program to address the severe social and cultural barriers to higher education in America.

The nine TRiO...

DSP Process for Class Notes

The Purpose and Provision of Class Notes

Class notes are not intended to substitute for class attendance by the student with a disability.

A student’s creation of class notes for personal use or study is more than a form of merely recording classroom information for later review and memorization to assist in recalling information presented to the student while attending class. The process of creating class notes assists students in analyzing, synthesizing and organizing the information and concepts presented in the classroom into a cognitive framework customized to...

Letters of Accommodation

Letters of Accommodation (LOA’s)

When students give you Letters of Accommodation (LOA’s) from DSP, you:

Are responsible for providing the accommodations listed. Are not required to compromise the academic integrity of your course by giving passing grades to students who have failed to demonstrate the required level of understanding or performance competency. Contact the DSP specialist (not the student) immediately with any concerns. Are not responsible for providing retroactive accommodations. Accommodations become your responsibility only after a DSP student has submitted a request to...

Classroom Accessibility

At UC Berkeley, the vast majority of classrooms are accessible to people with all manners of disabilities. With only a few exceptions our classrooms are wheelchair accessible, and many of the largest lecture halls also contain accessible classroom furniture. Some students require additional furniture accommodations that allow them to fully participate in their courses and, despite the general accessibility of classrooms, some rooms present access barriers to students with other access needs. To support all students in participating in their courses, DSP Auxiliary Services...

About

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) provides services to meet the unique educational needs of regularly enrolled students with permanent or temporary disabilities. Our staff includes disability specialists, service providers, and accessibility experts who serve our students with disabilities throughout their educational career.

DSP is under the umbrella of the Equity and Inclusion division, as disability is a part of the diversity fabric. While the primary focus and mission of DSP is to serve documented disabled students, DSP staff also work closely with faculty...

Self-Scan Lab

Hours of Operation: Day Time Monday - Friday

9AM-12PM

1PM-4:30PM

For a 15-20 minute tutorial on self-scanning, please send an e-mail to the Alt Media Liaison.

Scan Station Software

Each scan station is equipped with the following software:

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) Kurzweil 3000...

Documentation for DSP

Students applying for DSP accommodations should provide DSP with the preferred disability documentation listed below in order to determine eligibility for DSP services. If the documents listed are not available to you, please submit any documentation you have and complete your DSP application.

The University Health Services Care Manager can speak with students about their needs and help them navigate services at the Tang Center. Assistance includes making appointments for DSP documentation, coordinating care with Counseling and Psychological...

Admission to UC Berkeley

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is your best resource for information about applying for admission to Berkeley if you have a disability.

If you are interested in accessibility at Berkeley, one of the best sources of information about physical access on the Berkeley campus is Disability Access & Compliance. It has maps that outline physical access to buildings on campus and the slope of campus paths, links to transportation options in the local area...

Transitioning to UC Berkeley

From the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Website

Section 504 and Title II of the ADA protect elementary, secondary, and postsecondary students from discrimination. Nevertheless, several of the requirements that apply through high school are different from the requirements that apply beyond high school.

An individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan, if you have one, may help identify services that have been effective for you. This is generally...

Temporary Conditions

DSP may provide academic accommodations for students with temporary or unexpected conditions that limit their ability to fully participate in academic programing without having accommodations. Some examples of temporary conditions that may require accommodations include:

Pregnant students experiencing pregnancy-related functional limitations (pregnant students not experiencing pregnancy-related functional limitations can seek pregnancy accommodations through the campus Title IX Office). Students with recently aquired injuries,...

Campus TTY

The following campus offices can be contacted directly by TTY:

Admissions: Graduate
(510) 642-7405

Admissions: Undergraduate & Relations with Schools
(510) 642-8396

The Campus ADA/504 Compliance Office
(510) 643-5116

Campus Operator
(510) 642-9900

Career & Graduate School Services
(510) 642-0592

Disabled Students' & Alumni Placement Program
(510) 642-0592

Disabled Students' Program
(510) 642-6376...

Proctoring with DSP - What to Expect the Day of Your Exam

All students taking exams with DSP Proctoring will be held to the same standard as all students as outlined in the Berkeley Campus Code of Student Conduct(link is external) and the Academic Honor Code, which includes the following: “As a member of the UC Berkeley community, I act with honesty, integrity, and respect for others.” Proctoring with DSP...

With Your Department

Accommodation Terms

Here is a list of terms that may be on accommodation letters for students and suggestions on how to appropriatly meet those accommodations. If you have any questions please email proctoring@berkeley.edu.

Reduced Distraction

The Student should be placed in a room that is quiet, with minimal movement or distractions both inside and outside the room, such as frequent opening and closing of doors, loud foot traffic outside the room, or construction noises outside the window.

The room should not...

Other Services

Contact Information

Christian Yee, Auxiliary Services Supervisor

260 Chavez Student Center

Berkeley, CA 94720

Email: dspnotes@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)

Phone: (510)-642-0518

Wheelchair Repair

Vendors List Grandmar

15079 Wicks Blvd, San Leandro
(510) 895-0441
Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; appointments recommended

Only provides service and repairs for equipment that has been purchased directly from Grandmar. Accepts MediCal & Medi-Care, Medi-Medi, (private insurance, cash & credit cards) Limited transportation, equipment only Repairs all chairs, scooters, chargers, & hoyer lifts Repairs most hospital beds and rents beds & commodes Sells DME (Durable Medical Equipment) and bathroom supplies Seating and alignments, (side supports, belts, cushions, etc.) Rents...

Auxiliary In-Class Assistance/Readers

Students may require additional assistance in the classroom environment. Students may be assigned an assistant based on their individual needs.

Lab Assistance

A lab assistant can be provided to assist with laboratory classes. Tasks that the auxiliary assistants provide in a lab class include but are not limited to, physical manipulation of lab materials as needed by the student, adjusting and moving lab equipment as described by the student, taking dictation for lab recording of data, and completion of worksheets during lab....

Note Taking: Steps for Obtaining Notes

The following steps are designed to assist DSP in accommodating you with timely and effective note-taking services through cooperation, good communication, and advance notice. Failure to follow these steps may result in a delay in receiving note-taking services.

DSP Note Taking Request Process Utilize priority enrollment to sign up for classes

As a DSP student, you receive priority enrollment so that you are able to predict your class schedule in advance, and in turn, you are able to provide DSP with advance notice of your need for note-taking services.

Log into your DSP Account...

Who We Serve

DSP serves currently enrolled UC Berkeley students with documented disabilities seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additionally, DSP staff collaborates with UC Berkeley faculty, staff, departments, and other campus partners to ensure that all students with disabilities have inclusive and equally accessible educational opportunities at UC Berkeley.

Who We Are

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) supports students with disabilities in achieving academic success at the world’s top-ranked public higher education institution. Our staff includes disability specialists, service providers, and accessibility experts who serve our students with disabilities throughout their educational career. Get to know our staff better here through our staff profiles. We look forward to meeting you!

Exam Accommodations

Applying for Accommodations

Apply early. If you think you will need an accommodation for a standardized exam, begin the application process well ahead of time. You will need to submit your "request for accommodations" with your other application materials. (Never submit the request for accommodations separately from the other materials.) If you submit the entire packet early, there may be time for you to submit additional materials if you are asked for them. If you are denied accommodations, there may be time to appeal.

Review all direction for test-takers...

Financial Aid

On-Campus Resources Financial Aid Office

Cal Student Central
120 Sproul Hall
Phone: (510) 664-9181
Fax: (510) 643-2015

Mailing Address:
Financial Aid and Scholarships Office
UC Berkeley
201 Sproul Hall #1960
Berkeley, CA 94720-1960

Financial Aid drop-in hours

The Financial Aid Office offers drop-in office hours for DSP. Contact your specialist for more information.

Understanding Student Billing (CARS) Statements

The...

Preparing for Graduation

Discuss your post-graduation plans with the TRIO Coordinator or DSP Specialist

Consider how your disability may affect you in grad school, pre-professional school, or your chosen career. Before graduation, what plans can you make to maximize your assets and minimize your limitations?

See your TRIO Specialist for information and referral for resources for applying to and financing graduate school. You may also be eligible for accomodations on the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and other pre-grad and pre-professional school exams. Details are available through the...

Peer Support

Peer Advisor and Career Coach (PACC) program

Seasoned Cal students are available to answer questions, provide advice, coordinate activities, and help you navigate the campus successfully. PACC 's also faciliate topic-specific discussions to provide oppotuntiies to develop and enhance personal, social and career preparation.

Join a student group

Cal has over 500 student groups. Get involved.

Transfer, Re-entry, and Student Parent Center (TRSP)

The...

Achieving Academic Goals

Academic Tips Check out the resources of the Student Learning Center (SLC)

The SLC offers credit-bearing classes linked to lecture courses, as well as tutoring, study groups, problem sessions, exam reviews, and mini-lectures—all designed to improve students' mastery of course material.

Seek regular academic advising and assistance from your DSP Specialist

Individual consultations are also available on assistance with: major selection, college requirements, and coursework to prepare for graduate school; test anxiety...

Financial Literacy

Learn skills to increase your financial independence and manage your money

TRIO students are expected to complete at least one of our short, interactive Financial Literacy online modules (FL 101) each year. The modules are designed to give you the skills necessary to manage your money and increase your financial independence.

All students on financial aid are encouraged to complete the short module Using Financial Aid to Pay for College (Course number 188). This module describes the basics of financial...

Application

There is a saying, a long journey begins with the first step. The first step to be a TRIO participant is to complete the application process. Stay tuned, as the application will soon be posted on this page. Application

In Progress

Follow the bSpace and Facebook pages

After you have applied, and been accepted, read DSP e-mails, as well as follow us on bSpace and Facebook for the latest with academic deadlines; disability-related events on campus and in the local community; and deadlines for scholarships, fellowships...

Staff

DSP Staff

Martha Velasquez
Associate Director, DSP
Manager, Auxiliary Services

Laronda Chambers
HR & Business Manager

Disability Specialists

Carolyn Swalina
Lead Disability Specialist

Auxiliary Services Supervisors

Vacant - Alternative Media Services
...

Prospective Note Takers

Are you interested in becoming a student volunteer notetaker? Would you like to earn a monetary stipend for sharing the notes that you are already taking for yourself in class? Apply as a DSP notetaker today!

As a DSP notetaker, your responsibility will be to take neat, well-organized notes and upload them to our Accessible Information Management (AIM) system within 36 hours after each class. We welcome both typed and handwritten notes.

Eligibility

You must be currently enrolled as a student in the course in which you are willing to share notes.

...

Accommodations

Berkeley Campus Plan for Accommodating the Academic Needs of Students with Disabilities

This policy describes the roles of various units and individuals at the University of California, Berkeley in ensuring that students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations in their instructional activities, as mandated by Federal and State law and by University policy.

The fundamental principles of nondiscrimination and accommodation in academic programs were set forth in Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title II;...

Teaching and Inclusive Design

General Suggestions on Teaching Students with Disabilities

We encourage you to start with the DSP Online Course: DISABILITY, ACCOMMODATION, AND ACCESS IN THE UC CLASSROOM

Faculty control the curriculum in the classroom and determine how curriculum is taught and how it is assessed. Students whose learning style differs from the instructor's teaching style struggle....

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

University of California Practices for the Documentation and Academic Accommodation of Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder1

Federal and State law2 and University of California policies3 require the University to provide reasonable accommodation in its academic programs to qualified4 students with disabilities, including students with psychological disabilities.

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations appropriate to the nature...

Psychological Disabilities

University of California Practices for the Documentation and Academic Accommodation of Students with Psychological Disabilities1

Federal and State law2 and University of California policies3 require the University to provide reasonable accommodation in its academic programs to qualified4 students with disabilities, including students with psychological disabilities.

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations appropriate to the nature and severity of...

Learning Disabilities

University of California Practices for the Documentation and Accommodation of Students with Learning Disabilities—Revised1

Federal and State law2 and University of California policies3 require the University to provide reasonable accommodation in its academic programs to qualified4 students with disabilities, including students with learning disabilities.

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations appropriate to the nature and severity of the...

Study Abroad

At Cal Improving Program Access

Campus Disability Access Services: The Disability Access Specialist can help answer any question you may have about making your program more accessible and welcoming to individuals with disabilities.

Web Accessibility

Campus Access Guide

...

Financial Assistance

Students are often concerned about finances. Having a disability can produce even more financial burdens: part-time employment isn’t always an option, and often there are a number of extra disability-related expenses. Below are some sources of assistance that may be helpful to students with disabilities.

Campus Financial Aid

Financial aid is offered to students, with and without disabilities, who may qualify by showing that their income, resources, and in some cases, parents’ income and resources, are not adequate to meet the cost of the student’s education.

The situations...

Accessible Off-Campus Events

Faculty and other instructors who develop courses that include off-campus field trips or activities are encouraged to make students aware of the off-campus activity in the course description and at the start of classes.

As soon as possible, students should discuss anticipated disability-related off-campus needs with their assigned DSP Disability Specialist and, as appropriate, with the instructor (or GSI), so that there is an opportunity to identify and resolve in advance any accessibility challenges posed by the off-campus activity. DSP may need to provide academic accommodations...

DSP Complaint Resolution Process

Disabled Students’ Program Complaint Resolution Process

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and UC Non-Discrimination Policy require a process for the resolution of complaints related to disability discrimination or the failure to reasonably accommodate disability-related academic needs.

The following process may be used by students with disabilities to resolve complaints about these matters: Denial of academic accommodations, decisions regarding eligibility for academic accommodations, determinations of...

Policies & Guidelines

DSP Student Handbook DSP Complaint Resolution Process Other Disability-related policies UC Systemwide Guidelines Applying to Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability—

The University of California’s Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students...

E-books

There are many databases and inventories of electronic books and materials (some in an accessible format, others not). You may be able to locate an existing electronic copy of the book you need by yourself.

If the electronic copy you locate via these databases requires additional editing or conversion to hard copy Braille or Large Print, DSP will do such further editing or conversion provided a) it is a required or recommended course reading, b) an alt media request form is submitted, and c) the electronic document is not technically "locked" so as to preclude further editing or...

Print Access

Get Accessible Print, Fast!

Course Materials, e.g., Textbooks, Course Readers

Library Materials, e.g., from printed book to e-book

Self-Help Resources Scan It Yourself Alternative Media Center...

Alternative Media Guidelines

Upon request DSP provides alternative media for required and recommended course reading assignments including course textbooks, readers, handouts, materials posted to bCourse and specifically required or recommended library materials. Please note there are also Library services for students with print disabilities.

The following guidelines are designed to assist the Disabled Students' Program (DSP) in providing you with timely and...

Accommodations: Requesting Letters of Accommodation

As soon as you register for a class, you should request your accommodation letter for that class to insure faculty compliance with disability accommodations for the semester. Students who become newly eligible for DSP accommodations during the semester must request their LOAs as soon as they are active in DSP. If LOAs are not requested in a timely manner, it may not be possible to provide accommodations in a timely manner. For example, some exam accommodations including scribes may require two or more weeks to arrange. Faculty responsibility for...

Community Partners

Community Resources

Active Minds

Active Minds is the nation's premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for students.

Axis Dance Company

AXIS Dance Company, one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities, will change the way you think about dance and the possibilities of the human body forever. Founded in 1987, AXIS has become a jewel of...

Vocational Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for individuals with disabilities.

Their services include:

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialized Services Rehabilitation Resources Directory Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) Client Assistance Program (CAP) Mobility Evaluation Program (MEP) Disability Access Services (DAS) American Sign Language Bilingual Fluency Evaluations for State Employees Independent Living Assistive...

Technology Grants

Student Tech Grant referrals will be submitted on a rolling basis.

Completed applications will be approved for an October or March disbursement.

Any referrals received after the stated deadlines will be considered for review during the next grant cycle.

IF INTERESTED, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES CAREFULLY.

Purpose

Only DSP enrolled...

Note-Taking

DSP’s Note-Taking Services office provides accommodations to help you succeed in your academics.

For Students: We provide 2 types of notetaking accommodations.

In-class note-taking services

Assistive Technology for note-taking

DSP offers Sonocent Audio Note-taker which will help you take better notes...

Campus Partners

Overview

The Disabled Students' Program (DSP) at UC Berkeley provides a wide range of services, including federal and state legally mandated services and accommodations for eligible students with verified disabilities, non-mandated services, and exam proctoring services for faculty.

Services for students are individually designed, and are based on students' individual needs as identified by their Disability Specialist.

Academic Advising Academic Accommodations ...

Student Resources

Find links for many campus and community resources for students below.

New Students

Welcome to UC Berkeley, and congratulations for joining the Cal family! We always look forward to welcoming new students to our DSP Program. We are here to help you to successfully transition to UC Berkeley and to connect you with the accommodations and services that will give you full access to all of Berkeley's academic environments.

Our Disability Specialists can answer your questions every step of the way: before you apply to Cal, after admission, before you begin classes, and ongoing throughout your time at Cal. We are here to help.

Start here to connect with DSP for...

Creating Accessible Content

In an effort to make academic participation as easy as possible for our students, DSP requests that you take a few simple steps to support us in creating accessible alternative media. As instructors, by choosing class materials which require the least amount of extra effort to convert into accessible formats, you support our mandate to make all of our courses welcoming to the broadest range of students possible. Please keep in mind the following steps as you build your syllabi and assign readings for your classes. In so doing, you are reaffirming UC Berkeley’s commitment to creating an...

Proctoring

The Berkeley campus uses a shared model for test accommodations and proctoring services. While academic departments and faculty members are primarily responsible for providing testing accommodations to students with disabilities, Proctoring Services may provide support (proctors and space) if the department or faculty do not have the requisite resources to provide these accommodations. The DSP Proctoring Center, in collaboration with students and faculty, seeks to ensure an equitable and sustainable testing environment.

The Disabled Students' Program

"Physically" was dropped from the Physically Disabled Students' Program's name in 1982, in recognition of the services provided for students with learning disabilities. In 1988, Susan O'Hara became Director of the Disabled Students' Program, and Bill Blanchard succeeded her as Coordinator of the Residence Program. Susan retired in 1992 and Lynn Bailiff became the Disabled Students' Program's Director. Lynn Retired in 1997 and Ed Rogers became DSP's manager in 1998.

Residence Program

Also in 1975, Susan O'Hara became Coordinator of the Residence Program. Recognizing the needless stigma attached to students housed in a campus hospital, the University moved the Residence Program to the Unit II residence halls. It is now housed in the fully accessible Unit I residence halls, two blocks closer to campus.

For the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Residence Program in 1987, a survey was taken of 157 former Residence Program participants. It found the average salary of those employed to be $32,224. Career fields include law, architecture, psychotherapy, counseling,...

California Department of Rehabilitation

In 1975 the California Department of Rehabilitation established a contract with the University. Renewed annually, it covers a full-time Coordinator of the Residence Program as well as Special Assistants, who help students enhance their independent living skills. That year, Ed Roberts was appointed Director of the California Department of Rehabilitation by Governor Jerry Brown. Roberts named Hessler his Deputy in Sacramento. Donald Lorence, another of the 60's Cowell residents, was named Director of the Physically Disabled Students' Program.

Physically Disabled Students' Program

In 1970, the students received a grant of $80,000 from the Federal Department of Education. The Physically Disabled Students' Program was established in a office behind the eatery Top Dog at 2532 Durant Avenue. Its first Director was John Hessler. Hessler hired three counselors: Mike Fuss, Zona Roberts, and Chuck Grimes. In those days, everyone at the office was a "generalist." They did whatever was needed, inventing if necessary, as they went along. Mike was the Assistant Director, Chuck was largely in charge of wheelchair maintenance, and Zona worked on the essential services of...

Disabled Students' Union

Like other groups in the 1960's, the students organized themselves to better deal with bureaucracies and to voice their concerns. The "Rolling Quads" was formed in 1969 (renamed the "Disabled Students' Union" in 1973). They proposed the formal establishment of services for the disabled students at Cal.

Off-Campus Apartments

By 1969, the first adventurous students moved from the hospital to apartments on the south side of the Berkeley campus. This was a revolutionary step away from the conventional idea that disabled individuals needed to be sheltered and protected by medical professionals.

Cowell Hospital

By the end of the 1960's, a dozen students lived in the third-floor wing of Cowell Hospital. They found and hired people to do personal care (to be known as "attendants"), discovered a largely unused law which entitled disabled individuals money to pay for their personal care (now known as "In-Home Support Services"), and bought motorized wheelchairs. Registered nurse Eleanor Smith, (and later Edna Brean), served as liaison, assistant, and resource for students. Part-time orderlies helped with meals and back-up personal care.

John Hessler

Newspaper accounts of Roberts' admission at Cal caught the attention of a physical therapist at Contra Costa Hospital. She showed them to a twenty-two year old patient, John Hessler. John had broken his neck six years earlier in a diving accident and expected to live out his life in the hospital. Instead, he applied for academic admission at Cal and, in 1963, became the second student to move into Cowell.

Ed Roberts

In 1962, Ed Roberts wanted to attend UC Berkeley. Like most Cal students, he was bright and ambitious, but in one respect he was not a "stock model." He'd had polio when he was fourteen. Now he used a wheelchair by day and respirator by night. Meetings were held among Dean of Students Arleigh Williams, Director of Student Health Services Dr. Henry Bruyn, Ed's mother Zona Roberts, and Ed himself. This led to Ed's having a room, not in the residence halls, but in the on-campus health facility, Cowell Hospital.

Campus Access

Please Note:

This page has moved. Please visit Campus Access Services at access.berkeley.edu.

If you are not redirected properly to the new access.berkeley.edu website, please try clearing your browser cache. The following links contain browser-specific instructions on how to clear cache:

Chrome...

Contact Us

Where can I get more information about disability accommodations?

The Disabled Students' Program has an online manual for faculty, "Teaching Students with Disabilities." For more general information, consult the Disabled Students' Program website.

Can I arrange proctoring online?

Yes. Please visit our online request page for information on the online submission process.

What if I have questions about the accommodation letter?

Letters of accommodation are online; there is a faculty login page that will give you access to the information. Please contact the Disabled Students' Program Specialist, 642-0518, who signed the letter or check the DSP FAQ. The main Berkeley policy addressing academic accommodations is the Campus Policy for Accommodating the Academic Needs of Students with Disabilities.

What advice can I give my students about their responsibility in the process?

The responsibility of students with disabilities in the exam accommodation process is outlined in "Exam Preparation Tips for Students with Disabilities Using the Campus Proctoring Service". It explains their role in planning for accommodations, securing assistants and equipment they may need, and how the centralized campus proctoring program works.

How far ahead must I request proctoring assistance?

Requests for midterms should be made two weeks prior to the regularly scheduled exam. For final exams requests should be made before our fall and spring deadline. Our set Final exam deadlines are: Nov. 1 for Fall Semester and April 2 for Spring Semester.

Will someone from the campus proctoring service pick up and drop off the exam?

No. Exams need to be delivered to and picked up from 260 Chavez by you or a person you designate. It may be possible to make alternate arrangements for testing site, pickup, and delivery by calling 643-4691.

My department doesn't have resources to provide proctoring. What do I do next?

You (not the student) may contact the Campus Proctoring Service (643-4691, proctoring@berkeley.edu) or make an online request, to arrange for centralized proctoring and space for administering the exam. You inform the student where and when to report.

What are the drop-in hours for this semester?

DSP Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists hold daily tabling just outside the front of the DSP office for students on their caseloads. Drop-in hours can be found below.

DSP Specialist Drop-In Calendar

Will you discuss my progress at Cal with my parents or answer their questions if they write or phone?

We encourage you to keep in close personal contact with your family throughout your years at Cal. However, DSP cannot normally discuss any information about students' progress at Berkeley with a third party, including parents, guardians, partners, and children. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the University policy regarding the release and disclosure of student information generally prohibit DSP from disclosing confidential information to anyone but the student.

What is...

What are my responsibilities for ensuring that I receive the accommodations I am entitled to?

Students have multiple responsibilities in ensuring that they receive their accommodations.

The individual assessment and accommodation process is an ongoing and interactive one. Participate actively in your intake appointment. If the nature or impact of your disability changes, or if your accommodations no longer seem sufficient to provide you with equal access to your courses, let your assigned Disability Specialist know. You can meet with your Disability Specialist to review your current documentation, schedule, and accommodations.

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Why is there a difference between the services I was offered in high school and those I am eligible to receive at Berkeley?

The laws that address students' access to K-12 education and to postsecondary education offer different protections to students and result in different accommodations.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act covers public school students with disabilities in the United States from elementary school through high school and focuses on student success. Students with disabilities are provided with the curriculum and accomodations they require to be successful in meeting their individualized goals. In some cases, this means that students with disabilities are meeting...

Why did you request that I submit to more learning disability testing?

Additional or updated testing is normally requested when the existing testing does not give us enough information to determine appropriate services for you. You may review the specific criteria for the diagnosis of learning disabilities and the determination of appropriate service.

If I was eligible for disability services in high school, will I automatically be eligible for similar services at Cal?

IEP's and 504 Plans are not binding on the University of California or any organizations outside of the schools in which they were developed. Accordingly, you will not automatically be eligible for specific services or accommodations simply because you present your high school Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.

To determine whether you are eligible for our services, one of our Disability Specialists will conduct a comprehensive assessment and evaluation process that is consistent with established University of California systemwide practices. The assessment and evaluation...

What do I have to do in order to prove that I have a disability?

Disability documentation must verify two things: (1) the presence of a diagnosed disability or medical condition and (2) the current impact of the diagnosed disability or medical condition. For detailed information about documentation requirements and for forms that you can give to your medical providers to fill out, see Documentation.

If you have already sent us documentation but we conclude that it either is not sufficient to support a disability diagnosis or does not give us the...

Will I automatically receive services from DSP if I submit a "certification of disability" during the admissions application process?

No. Services are not provided by DSP automatically. All students seeking services through DSP must complete an application. If you are unable to complete the online application process, you can also request assistance in person from the receptionist at the DSP office.

If you have any difficulty accessing AIM, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.  Please send an email to dssonline_help@berkeley.edu, and a DSP staff member will respond to your inquiry and assist you with obtaining the information you need.