FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

AAC/ DSPS (Disabled Student Program & Services) provides educational support for eligible Pierce students with disabilities to help them stay on path & achieve their academic goals. Students with physical, psychological, or learning disabilities are offered a wide range of services including priority registration, special parking, counseling, and testing/classroom accommodations. The AAC counselor determines reasonable accommodation(s) on a case-by-case basis by reviewing the verification of disability (VOD) document(s) and completing the interactive process with the student.

Students may qualify for services from the AAC if any of the following apply:

• Disabilities that limit one or more major life activities which cause educational limitations. Major life activities include caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. Educational limitations describe how the disability makes learning difficult.
• Examples of disabilities include, but are not limited to, learning, visual, hearing, medical (such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, or asthma), former alcohol or drug addiction, environmental illness, ADD/ADHD, and psychological disorders.
• Any of the AAC counselors can verify a student with a visible disability (for example, wheelchair or amputee).
• Students with a temporary disability may qualify for services if their condition lasts for 45 days or longer. These students must also bring in written verification of their condition.

If the student is in or coming from high school, we can accept an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan as verification of a disability. All other students must provide proof of their disability by submitting documentation describing the disability signed by a professional qualified to certify that disability; verification forms can be found under the “Forms” section. In these cases, the student is responsible for obtaining the documentation and for any costs related to securing their verification.

Yes. Your disability documentation is kept in our office and your diagnosis is never stated in your accommodation letter. The only time we share information about a student's disability, or the services provided, is when we get a court order, or when the student gives us written permission. Additionally, no record of participation in the AAC will appear on any permanent record from Pierce including transcripts.

An accommodation is anything "reasonable" to provide students with disabilities equal access to the programs and services of the college without altering the fundamental requirements of the class. Students must request accommodation by contacting the AAC.

Contact the AAC to speak to a counselor about the situation. Instructors must provide the accommodations set forth by the AAC. NOTE: Although it is not required, it is advisable for students to discuss their accommodations with their instructors. This will help the instructors better understand the student's needs and situation.

No. The College is prohibited by law (section 504 and AB 803 and Title V regulations) from providing personal care to any student. This care includes, but is not limited to, assistance in pushing a student's wheelchair, toileting, eating, administering drugs or any other health or medical needs. Each student is responsible for hiring and paying for personal attendant care. (See "Personal Attendant Policy" in Student Handbook)

No, we do not currently have a learning disability tester here at Pierce College.

Pierce College does not provide transportation to or from the campus. Students can take public transportation or use a service called City Ride which provides door-to-door service to Pierce and other destinations. The MTA offers discounted TAP passes for disabled students, please email AAC for more information (see the Community Resource section of the handbook).

High school special education programs are legally required to provide any services, accommodations, or modifications necessary for the student to be successful. In college, students with disabilities are mainstream with non-disabled students and are required to do the same work and held to the same grading standards. Access is provided through "reasonable" accommodations.