How to Apply for and Receive DSS Services

◊ Who is Eligible

◊ Steps for New or Returning Students

◊ Steps for Continuing Students

Who Is Eligible to Use Disability Support Services?

1. Have a qualified disability verified by an approved professional
2. Have a disability that results in an educational limitation
3. Be enrolled in classes at De Anza College
4. Be able to benefit from the college programs and services
5. Meet with a DSS counselor to establish a Student Educational Contract

Students who have learning disabilities are served by the Educational Diagnostic Center and should follow the application process described there.

What are the Steps to Apply for New and Returning Students?

Before you start with Step 1, see Definition of Terms for information about who is considered a "new" or a "returning" student in Disability Support Services.

Six Steps for New and Returning Students

1. Submit Disability Verification Form.
2. Schedule a DSS Intake-Registration appointment.
3. Complete college application on-line.
4. Take  placement tests, if applicable.
5. Attend the Intake-Registration appointment & complete paperwork.
6. Pay college enrollment fees at Registration appointment.

Step 1

Submit Disability Verification Form.

New Students

• Download and print the De Anza Disability Verification Packet
  
  • includes Disability Verification form.
    
    
• If necessary, the packet will be mailed on request. Call the Disability Support Services (DSS) at (408) 864-8753.

Returning Students (away from De Anza for one year or more)

• Contact the DSS Secretary for instructions to
  • update any disability verification documentation, if needed.
  • make an appointment with a counselor to review and update the Student Educational Contract.

Both new and returning students

• The Disability Verification Form must be completed and signed by a physician, or other professional qualified to diagnose and treat the condition.
• Submit the completed Disability Verification form in person or by mail to:

Disability Support Services
Student and Community Services Bldg.
21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014

or transmit by FAX to (408) 864-5492

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Step 2

Schedule a DSS Intake-Registration Appointment.

• After the Verification form is received, a DSS staff member will call to schedule an Intake-Registration appointment.
• This appointment is with a DSS counselor and lasts about one hour.

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Step 3

Complete College Application On-Line.

Both new and returning students

• must submit a college application.
  • The application can be completed on-line at home and submitted to the Admissions and Records Office.
  • The application can be completed at the DSS Intake Appointment, if assistance is required.
• Students cannot take the Placement Tests until  a college application is on file and the student has an ID number.
• New students will be given a De Anza College Student ID number to use in place of their Social Security Number.

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Step 4

Take De Anza College Placement Tests, if applicable.

• See Placement Testing for DSS/EDC Students for information about
  • who needs placement tests
  • where, how and when to take them
  • arranging accommodations, if necessary
    
• See the Assessment Center website for information about
  • Drop-In placement testing in basic English, ESL and Math
    • specific days and times
    • no appointment necessary
  • Advanced level placement tests in Math and Chemistry
• Placement tests should be completed three weeks prior to the Intake-Registration Appointment.

If you are unsure about whether you should take Placement Tests or if you will need accommodations to do so, discuss this at the Intake- Appointment with your DSS counselor.
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Step 5

Attend Intake-Registration Appointment & Complete Paperwork.

At the Intake Appointment, the student and counselor will

• Discuss the following and complete the Student Educational Contract
  
  • student goals
  • recommendations for programs and classes, taking into account goals and educational limitations
  • recommendations for accommodations and services
    
• Complete the college application, if necessary.
• Select courses and register for the next quarter, or schedule another appointment to complete registration, if necessary.

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Step 6

Pay College Enrollment Fees at Registration Appointment.

Fees must be paid for course enrollment to be completed.

• Class registration will be submitted only if fee payment accompanies the registration paperwork.
  
  • Fees need to be paid by check or credit card at the time of the registration appointment.
• Students on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other low income students may qualify for the BOG-W Fee Waiver program. 
  
  
  • The DSS counselor can explain and assist with the application process.
  • The BOG-W program reduces, but does not eliminate fees.
  • Proof of Benefits must be provided.
  • The college will refund applicable quarter fees if a student qualifies for financial aid afterwards during the given quarter.
  
  
  IMPORTANT

To be officially enrolled De Anza classes, all students must

• Complete all required college and Disability Support Services paperwork
  
  
• Pay  enrollment fees

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How do currently enrolled, continuing DSS students at De Anza get services?

See Definition of Terms for information about who is considered a "continuing" DSS student.

Continuing Students--Follow These Instructions

1. Discuss services with the DSS counselor at the quarterly Priority Registration appointment.

2. To request an additional service during the quarter,

   • Schedule an appointment with a DSS counselor.
   • Some services require a signed authorization form.  These include:
     • Test Accommodation
     • Alternate Media Services
     • Note-taking Service
     • Book Scholarships
3. Deaf and hard of hearing students who request interpreting or captioning services for classes must
   • complete a pink "Request for Interpreting/Captioning" form  available from Deaf Services,
   • turn it in to the Deaf Services office.
   • meet with the Deaf Services Supervisor.
4. Review and update the Student Educational Contract with the DSS Counselor.
   
   • Once a year this is required in order to continue receiving services.
5. Students who want to add an Adapted PE class class and have not taken one in the past should make an appointment with their DSS counselor.

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