Disability Support Services (DSS)

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.

How to Apply for DSS Services

To be eligible to apply, you must:

1. Be a Southwestern College student with a disability that can be verified.

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

     Email your completed, signed, and dated DSS Application to swcdssapplication@swccd.edu 

3. 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: 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 swcdssapplication@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 and email to DSS at swcdssapplication@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 needing to call the office. Login to your MySWC Account and complete the "Request a DSS Appointment" link here if you are currently a DSS student and would like DSS to contact you to schedule an appointment. We will call you the following business day to schedule your appointment.

You can also send an email to dss@swccd.edu to request an appointment.

Requesting Authorized Academic Accommodation forms

Continuing DSS students can use the Request for Authorized Academic Accommodations (PDF).

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.

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 Chat webpage. 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.

Video chat with Disability Support Services Front Staff on Cranium Cafe