FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) for
Families
Entering college can sometimes be an
overwhelming and confusing experience for many students. The Disabled
Students Programs and Services (DSPS) is committed to making the
transition from high school to college as easy as possible.
We receive many
questions around some common themes from families who have college
students with disabilities, and from students themselves. We have
collected the most commonly asked questions and answered them,
referencing Cabrillo's policies, procedures and practices, as well as
federal law. We hope this clears up some questions before issues may
arise. If not, please contact us at the numbers listed below.
Question:
Are the services my
child received in high school, on his or her 504 or Individual
Education Plan (IEP) automatically guaranteed in college?
Answer: College services are not automatic. Each college
(following relevant federal, state and local law) determines a
student's eligibility for accommodations, including which auxiliary
aids are appropriate. For detailed information about auxiliary aids and
services, we recommend the U.S. Department of Education publication, Auxiliary
Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities.
Question: What is the
difference between IDEA, which mandated IEPs for my child in the K-12
system, and the laws relevant for adults with disabilities in a college
environment?
Answer: Under IDEA, a child with a disability in the K-12
system is entitled to a free, appropriate public education in the least
restrictive environment, which is detailed in the IEP or 504 plan. This
standard does not apply to
adults in a college environment. A post-secondary institution serving
adults is required to follow Title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and
other relevant laws. ADA requires that an "otherwise qualified
individual with a disability" not be discriminated against in a public
setting on the basis of their disability. The focus shifts, therefore,
from creating a unique learning environment in the K-12 system, to
providing accommodations in the college environment.
For more detailed information, we recommend reading the U.S. Department
of Education publication, Students
with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your
Rights and Responsibilities.
Question: Can a parent
advocate for her/his adult child now that s/he is a college student?
Answer: In
college, students formally advocate for themselves, as they are adults.
DSPS staff will meet with students to hear their concerns and help them
identify what actions they, the students, may decide to take.
Question: Can a parent or school district provide
documentation of a disability for a student enrolling in college?
Answer:
We are happy to accept previous documentation. In college, the student,
alone, is responsible for providing the documentation to DSPS.
Question: Can students expect, as part of their
accommodations in college, that fundamental alterations to any
particular program or course of study will be permitted, as was the
case in K-12?
Answer:
In college, an accommodation will not alter the fundamental nature of,
or requirements for, any course or program.
Question:
Who takes responsibility that all appropriate services are delivered to
my child now that s/he is in college?
Answer:
While the college provides many types of information about college
services for students with disabilities, ultimately it is the student's
responsibility to seek out services.
Question: As a concerned parent, whom might I hold
responsible for my child's progress or lack of progress?
Answer:
The student alone is responsible for his or her progress.
Question: Is it the college's responsibility to make contact
with the student's parents on a regular basis or as a result of any
situation (i.e. disciplinary) that may arise?
Answer:
The college will not initiate contacts with parents. When students
enroll in college they are considered to be, and are treated as,
responsible adults by both faculty and staff. If a parent calls for
information about their child's status, the parent will be encouraged
to speak directly with the student.
Question: If I believe my son or daughter's disability will
have an impact on his/her attendance in classes, will DSPS be able to
give an appropriate accommodation for this?
Answer:
DSPS has no authority to decide on matters which are part of the
instructor's domain such as attendance, class assignments, or timelines.
Question: Is the college responsible for providing classroom
or one-on-one aides for my child, as was done in high school?
Answer:
The college is not responsible for providing classroom or one-on-one
aides to any student enrolled at the college. Prior to registering for
classes, it is important for any aides provided by parents or outside
agencies who accompany students in the classroom to meet with the
counselors in DSPS. This provides an opportunity for all to fully
understand the aide's role and responsibilities.
We hope these questions
and answers have been helpful and informative. We encourage you to
contact the Disabled Students Programs and Services for further
information.
Office
Numbers:
(831) 479-6379 or (831)
479-6370
(831) 479-6421 (TTY for hearing impaired)
Office Hours:
Spring and Fall semesters:
Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Fridays from 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Summer and Intersession: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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