Disabled Students Programs and Services

Special Programs

Counseling Component

Our counseling philosophy is to empower students to be successful in obtaining their educational goals.  We at Disabled Student Services believe by providing necessary support to students with their academic course work and facilitating the effective use of tools to manage personal problems that students will be successful in attaining their academic, vocational and personal goals at Cabrillo. Counseling services include:

• Accommodation for equal access
• Advocacy with faculty for special learning needs
• AA/AS/Certificate degree information
• Anxiety, stress and time management
• Adjustment to disability
• Career/educational planning
• Development of clear and specific education plans incorporating needs of disability and use of accommodations
• Personal problem solving
• Self-esteem
• Support classes/groups
• Transition to College
• Liaison with Community Agencies
• Referrals to Community Resources

Learning Skills Program

The Learning Skills Program is designed to serve students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder.  These challenges can affect classroom performance, making it difficult for these students to succeed without classroom accommodations specific compensatory techniques, specialized instruction, and/or support services.

For more information, including self-screening tools and office hours, please see the Learning Skills Home Page.

Adaptive Physical Education

Adaptive P.E. is a comprehensive program designed to identify and ameliorate problems within the psychomotor domain.  Special attention is given to individual activity programs suited to the interests and functional capacities of students who may not safely or successfully engage in the activities or regular P.E. or sports program.  Swimming, bowling, weight lifting, tennis and aerobic classes are offered. Upon completion of Adaptive Physical Education courses and evaluation of activity level, mainstreaming is available and encouraged.

Cabrillo's Adaptive Physical Education program also offers an Introduction to Disabilities class for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, education, or rehabilitation therapies. It is a three unit transferable course, with opportunities for practical application and experience in the activity classes on campus.

Stroke Center

The Stroke Center is a unique educational program designed for people with physical disabilities who want to learn the skills necessary to regain and / or maintain their independence and re-enter the mainstream of our community. The program includes medical, educational and social components in an educational setting designed to enhance the lifestyle of students with disabilities. Services include courses in remedial fitness, independent living skills and speech / language, as well as counseling and assistance in community placement.

The target group is composed of adults with physical disabilities who can benefit from the above mentioned classes. While originally limited to stroke survivors, the center is now available to people with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, brain injuries and other acquired disabling conditions. A physician's referral is required for admission. Students are assigned to classes following an evaluation by the staff and the development of an individualized educational plan (IEP).

Acquired Brain Injured program (ABI)
Traumatic Brain Injured Program (TBI)

Cabrillo College offers outpatient rehabilitation programs for people with physical limitations. Students may attend the Stroke Center, located off campus.  Instruction is available in exercises, activities of daily living, speech and language development, and counseling.  Those enrolled have the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques needed to resume active lives in their homes and communities, and to attain degrees.  

Deaf and Hearing Impaired Program

The program for deaf and hearing impaired is designed to provide maximum accommodations for each student to ensure access to mainstream educational and extracurricular opportunities.  Services include interpreters, notetakers, tutors, small group instruction, community liaison and counseling.  Sign Language and Deaf Culture classes are taught at the college.

Visually Impaired Program

The program for the visually impaired offers services to students.  Readers, notetakers and adaptive equipment are provided in the academic setting.

Assistive Technology Program

The Assistive Technology Program offers classes and services to students. Classes range from introductory overviews of how to use a PC and assistive technology, to courses in one topic, from speech recognition to Kurzweil 3000. An advanced course is also offered. Services include the following: individualized assistance in selecting and using assistive technology, instruction in use of assistive technology in the place the student is using it (i.e. how to use Kurzweil 3000 in the library), informal ergonomic and AT assessments, and instruction in using electronic text materials, including test taking. Appointments are required for most services, and can be made by calling 477-5262. For more information, visit the Assistive Technology site .

Alternate Media

Students with certain disabilities may qualify for course materials in alternate format. Such formats may include electronic text, enlarged text, mp3 audio, audio books, Braille, tactile graphics, or closed captioning. For more information, call 477-5638, e-mail jehancoc at cabrillo.edu, or visit the Alternate Media web page.

The College Connection Program

The College Connection program aims to assist mental health consumers in achieving their educational goals. We build on an individual's strengths and abilities by providing encouragement, stability coaching network building and self-management skills, as well as information, referrals and guidance.  Full participation in our program requires affiliation with the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, but our peer support meetings on campus are open to all students concerned with mental health.  For more information telephone (831) 479-6512.