Disability Support Services (DSS)

Virtual Chat

We are here to support each of our student’s needs. Chat live on Cranium Café by finding an online staff member below. To learn more, visit the Virtual Welcome Center. Our student service specialists have their hours of availability listed on their profile cards. If a team member's hours are not reflective of their availability, they are likely supporting another student. We give each of our students the individual attention and time they deserve. Thank you for your patience.

Enter DSS Lobby

Using DSS Services

What is DSS

Disability Support Services (DSS) provides the support services for students with disabilities at Southwestern College mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990 are civil rights legislation implemented to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Operating under these mandates, DSS provides students who qualify with specialized services to support maximum participation in Southwestern College programs and activities.

DSS Mission

Our mission is to provide you with an inclusive, fully accessible, and engaging educational environment that empowers student success through innovative accommodations, programs, services, training and partnerships with students, educators, and the community.

DSS Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Our SLOs are statements that clearly identify what DSS wants our students to be able to do, or be able to demonstrate, upon completion of a course, an appointment or a service. "Requesting Accommodations" are the DSS SLO's which student's will master if they:
- Students talk to his/her professors and use academic accommodations and services in their classes.
- Students develop and use skills to solve problems.
How to Apply for DSS Services

To be eligible to apply, you must:
- Be a Southwestern College student with a disability that can be verified.
- Log into your My SWC Account to complete the Southwestern College DSS Application (English); DSS Application (Spanish)
- If you do not have a My SWC Account, you may complete a PDF version of the Southwestern College DSS Application (PDF - English); DSS Application (PDF - Spanish).
  Email your completed, signed, and dated DSS Application to dss@swccd.edu
- Provide disability documentation to DSS. Your disability documentation may come from your high school or from a health care practitioner or agency.
Recent High School Graduates - Disability Verification Includes:
- A copy of your IEP and Psychological Report; OR
- A copy of your 504 Plan.
Other Applicants: Disablity Verification can be submitted by having a health care professional or agency complete and sign Part "C" of the Disability Verification Form (PDF - English); Disability Verification Form (PDF - Spanish).

Submitting Verification Documents to DSS

If you have a Southwestern College student ID number you can submit documents to DSS via the Document Dropbox for Students, a secure application available through your MySWC Account.

Login to your MySWC Account to electronically submit documents to DSS Student Dropbox (http://go.swccd.edu/dropbox). This link also includes detailed instructions on how to use the dropbox. You can also view instructions in this Student Dropbox instructional video.

When DSS has received your DSS application and disability documentation we will contact you to schedule an appointment with a DSS Specialist. We will discuss appropriate accommodations, support services, and academic programs through an interactive process with you at this appointment.

DSS Can Help You Obtain Your Disability Verification

If you would like, DSS can help you obtain your disability verification.

High School Students: Complete, sign and email the High School Consent to Release Confidential Information Form (PDF) to DSS at dss@swccd.edu. DSS will send your release form to your high school and will follow up on the request until your documentation is received.

Other Applicants: If you would like DSS to facilitate the process of obtaining verification from your health care practitioner, complete Parts "A" and "B" of the Disability Verification Form (PDF - English); Disability Verification Form (PDF - Spanish); and email to DSS at dss@swccd.edu. DSS will fax your health care practitioner and follow up with them until your documentation is received.
Request a DSS Appointment

Students already in the DSS program can request an appointment online without having to call the office. Login to your MySWC Account and complete the "Request a DSS Appointment" if you are currently a DSS student and would like DSS to contact you to schedule an appointment. We will call you in one business day or less to schedule your appointment.
Requesting Authorized Academic Accommodation Forms

Continuing DSS students can use this Request for Authorized Academic Accommodations form. Follow the instructions on the form to have your accommodations emailed to you.
Requesting DSS Records

No information will be released from Southwestern College Disability Support Services (DSS) without a signed Consent to Release Confidential Information form on file. Students must complete this form and submit the form to the DSS office at dss@swccd.edu with a current valid photo ID. This release form pertains only to records originated by the Southwestern College Disability Support Services (DSS) office.

Records originated from health care providers, social service agencies and other educational institutions will not be released. We recommend you request these records from their original source.

To obtain disability verification records from an agency or health care practitioner for Southwestern College DSS Services, you must complete and sign the DSS Verification Form (PDF - English); DSS Verification Form (PDF - Spanish).

To obtain records from another educational institution or previous school you must complete and sign the High School Consent to Release Confidential Information Form (PDF).

Submit these release forms to the DSS Office and we will fax them and follow up with the agencies or institutions you indicate.
DSS Forms

Services Provided by DSS

High Tech Center

Disability, Academic & Personal Counseling

Educational Assistance Courses

Learning Disability Assessments

Test Proctoring

Interpreting/Real Time Captioning

Other Student Support Services

Resources

In addition to DSS services, a variety of supportive programs, activities, and resources are available through the Southwestern College Disability Support Services (DSS) Office.

Additional resources made available through DSS richly enhances the educational experience of students in the program and prepares students for life after college.

Click on any of the below links for more information:

A.B.L.E. Club

The DSS office is proud to be associated with the Abilities Beyond Limitation through Education (ABLE) Club. This student led club brings awareness to students, staff, faculty and the campus wide community about students with disabilities. The purpose of the club is to bring together students who want to be involved on campus, sharing their compassion to understand and do more for students with disabilities. It is open to everyone regardless of ability or disabilities.

Membership

ABLE Club is open to all students, staff and faculty who want to make a positive impact on disability awareness on campus.

Our Objectives
- To unify students at Southwestern College and to connect, interact and talk about new ideas and personal experiences with other students and faculty
- To offer students a chance to take a more ACTIVE role on issues pertaining to students with disabilities
- To provide DSS (Disability Support Services) and Campus information to all students
- To fund raise for disability equipment, scholarships, and club activities.
Past Events
- Disability Awareness Month Celebration
- Air Cooled Fiesta 1- VI (VW Car Show Fundraiser)
- Access Awards
- New Student Welcome Workshop
- Club Fair
- End of Semester Gathering
- Weekly Meetings
Club Advisors
- Allen Chu
- Robert Valerio
Club Leadership

Co-Club Presidents:
- Rachel Shinkle
- Donald Cunningham
Contact Information
- Email
  
  ableclubswc10@yahoo.com or ableclubswc@gmail.com
- Phone
  
  (619) 482-6512 or VP (619) 207-4480
Meeting Schedule
- Day: Tuesdays
- Time: 12 pm - 1 pm
- Room: TBA
Access Awards

STUDENT AWARD NOMINATIONS

The SWC Student Access Award recognizes a student who has made a significant difference to life on campus for students with disabilities through involvement and advocacy for access and Universal Design.

The student must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current SWC student
- Minimum 2.0 grade point average
- Letter of recommendation from an SWC faculty or staff member.
SWC FACULTY/STAFF/ADMINISTRATOR AWARD NOMINATION

The SWC Diane Branman Access Award recognizes a SWC faculty, staff, or administrator, outside of Disability Support Services (DSS), who is distinguished by their especially significant contribution to the education of persons with disabilities through Universal Design principles. This award is named for Diane Branman, who was the first DSS counselor at SWC and recently retired after more than thirty years of service devoted to students with disabilities.

Open to all current SWC faculty, staff or administrators outside of the DSS Office.
Any Southwestern College District stakeholder may submit a nomination. The nominator must submit a nomination form and a letter of recommendation describing how the student has made a significant difference to life on campus for students with disabilities through involvement and advocacy.

2020 Access Awards Nomination Forms

Thank you to local businesses and organizations who have made donations to the Annual Access Awards:
- SWC Foundation
- A.B.L.E. Club
- San Diego Padres
- USS Midway Museum
- Hornblower Cruises and Events
- San Diego Museum of Man
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Filippi's Pizza Grotto
- Coronado Beauty Salon
- La Jolla Playhouse
- Fleet Science Center
- San Diego REPertory Theatre
Policies & Procedures

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSIBLE USE OF DSS SERVICES
- Service Suspension: I understand that if I am absent from a scheduled appointment or service two (2) times in one semester without contacting DSS at least 24 hours in advance to cancel the service, my services will be suspended until I meet with my DSS Specialist and explain my absences. Contact DSS by phone (Voice) (619) 482-6512, VP (619) 207-4480, or by email dss@swccd.edu
- I will make contact or meet at least once per semester with a DSS professional to review my progress.
- I understand that DSS specialists may need to discuss my education and use of academic accommodations with others who have an educational need to know.
- Denial of accommodation: If an accommodation is denied, immediately contact your DSS Specialist per SWC procedure
  (5140 – (AP) Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities). You may also, contact the 504 Compliance Officer, the Dean of Student Services, located at the Cesar Chavez Student Services Center, Room 68-109.
- I must follow the Standards of Student Conduct in class and public areas of Southwestern College.
I understand that I must fulfill the above requirements for participation in the DSS program. I have received a copy of this policy on suspension of DSS services, and I understand the consequences of failing to comply with the rules for responsible use of DSS services. I understand I will be notified in writing after the first absence.

SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT POLICIES & PROCEDURES

BP=Board Policy
AP=Administrative Procedure
Resources for Faculty
WorkAbility III

About Us

WorkAbility III (WAIII) at Southwestern College was established in 2014 and is a collaborative program between the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and Southwestern College (SWC). WorkAbility III is a part of a larger program established to assist students who are attending classes within specific California Community Colleges. The program provides comprehensive career counseling services for students with disabilities and assists them with acquiring the necessary tools to obtain successful employment. Our goal is to teach students the skills that will assist them to develop meaningful careers throughout their lives.

WorkAbility III at Southwestern College

Eligibility Requirements

In order to receive services through WAIII, you must be:
- A client of the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) or eligible for DOR services
- A student attending classes with the Southwestern Community College District
If you are a student and you are not yet a client of the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), please contact an office near you to schedule an appointment with an intake counselor. To apply online or for more information, visit the DOR website.

Services

Career Exploration

For individuals who are uncertain of their employment goal, there are personal development and non-credit courses offered through Southwestern College. Students may also explore various careers and interests with the WorkAbility III Staff in order to determine their employment goal.

Vocational Counseling

Counselors will explore and evaluate education, work history, interests, skills, and personality as well as utilize their understanding of the local labor market to assist in finding the best employment for each student. Through counseling the objective is to identify marketable skills to obtain employment and achieve your goals.

Employment Preparation

We provide students with the necessary tools for them to become successful in their job search. These tools include the creation of a "Master Application", resume writing, cover letter development, job search skills, online resources, job leads, job fairs, mock interviews, interview practice, disability rights, interview attire, goal setting, networking, and employer outreach.

Vocational Training Support

Students who are pursuing their training within SWC are highly encouraged to combine education and work experience. The WA III staff will assist students in securing unpaid or paid internships related to their training to increase marketability upon graduation.

Worksite Monitoring

WA III counselors monitor student progress once students have become employed. WA III counselors focus on teaching job retention strategies and remain available to assist students after they have been hired.

Accommodations

Each staff member is highly trained in accommodation recommendations in the workplace. Before and after the student is employed, the WA III counselor can advocate for the student to receive the necessary accommodations required to perform essential functions of their job.

Resources

The below sites represent several resources for individuals seeking employment and support resources.

Employment Websites

Snag a Job
Let's go Jobing
Craigs List San Diego

Employment Websites Specific to Disability

Getting Hired
Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
Hire Disability Solutions

Information on Job Accomodations and Disability in Employment

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
O*NET Online Help Job Accommodation

Choosing a Career

Employment Development Department
Live Career
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Open Education Database

Internship Websites

WayUp
San Diego County Human Resource

Volunteer Websites

Volunteer Match
San Diego Volunteer Program

Get In Touch with WorkAbility III at Southwestern College

Jenny Nominni, M.S., CRCC

jnominni@swccd.edu
Cesar Chavez Building
Room 68-207A
900 Otay Lakes Rd
Chula Vista, CA 91910

Voice Phone:
(619) 421-6700 x 5492

Video Phone:
(619) 207-4480
Disability Support Services (DSS) Frequently Asked Questions

General DSS Questions

1. How can I schedule an appointment with my DSS counselor?

There are several ways to contact DSS to schedule an appointment:

·       Call DSS at (619) 482-6512 or, for hearing impaired Video Phone (619) 207-4480

·       Complete the "Request a DSS Appointment" form at the top of this page.

·       Contact the virtual DSS Office and click the "Enter DSS Lobby" button. Wait there for a DSS staff person to assist you.

DSS monitors each of these on M-Th from 8 am to 6:30 pm and Friday 8 am to 3 pm.

2. How do I get the form that shows my accommodations? How do I send this to my instructors?

Use the "Request DSS Authorized Academic Accommodation Form" button:

1. Go to the DSS Office website and complete the Request for Authorized Accomodations Form You must be logged into MY SWC to access the link.

Once you are emailed your Authorized Academic Accommodations Form from DSS, you need to email the form to your instructors

3. Can DSS send my accommodations to my instructors?

No. You must request your accommodations from DSS and then email the accommodators to your instructors. DSS does not send accommodations directly to instructors to protect student confidentiality and privacy.

4. How do I change my accommodations?

In order to change accommodations, you need to schedule an appointment with your DSS counselor.

5. Can you send copies of my DSS paperwork to me, or another college, or my doctor, etc?

In order to send any DSS or disability-related documents to an outside agency, you need to sign the Consent to Release Confidential Records form and email it to DSS at dss@swccd.edu

6. Can you help me pick my classes for next semester? OR I don’t know which classes to sign up for OR I am having trouble with my classes. What can I do?

Let’s make an appointment for you to meet with your DSS counselor. See Question 1 above for ways to connect with DSS to request an appointment.

7. How Do I Apply to the DSS Program?

First, you must have completed a SWC college application.
Next, follow these steps:

1. Complete a Southwestern College DSS Application (PDF - English); DSS Application (PDF - Spanish).

2. Provide disability documentation to DSS. Your disability documentation may come from your high school or from a health care practitioner or agency.
- Recent High School Graduates: disability verification includes: (1) A copy of your IEP and Psychological Report; OR, (2) A copy of your 504 Plan.
- Other Applicants: Disability Verification can be submitted by having a health care professional or agency complete and sign Part "C" of the Disability Verification Form (PDF - English); Disability Verification Form (PDF - Spanish).
3. Submit your disability documentation to DSS at dss@swccd.edu.
- If you have a Southwestern College student ID number you can submit documents to DSS via the Document Dropbox for Students. Login to your MySWC Account to electronically submit documents to DSS Student Dropbox.
When DSS has received your DSS application and disability documentation we will contact you to schedule an appointment with a DSS Specialist. We will discuss appropriate accommodations, support services, and academic programs through an interactive process with you at this appointment.

Detailed instructions are available on the DSS Website at www.swccd.edu/DSS

DSS Test Proctoring Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I still eligible to receive test accommodations while the college is in remote operations?

Yes, your testing accommodations transfer to the online environment. Be sure to email your Authorized Academic Accommodations (AAA) form to your instructors so that they can extend your online exam time accordingly. If you require additional assistance, please email dssproctor@swccd.edu.

2. I need a reader or writer for my tests. How can I arrange that for an online exam?

Please email dssproctor@swccd.edu to work out these accommodations.

3. What can I show my instructors to say that I am a DSS student? Where do I get my Authorized Academic Accommodations (AAA) Form for this semester?

You need to request an updated Authorized Academic Accommodations (AAA) Form every semester. You can request the AAA form by using the Request for Authorized Accmodations Form on the DSS Website at www.swccd.edu/DSS. After you submit this form to DSS, you will receive an email from rvalerio with your AAA form. You need to email this to your instructors.