The Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) offers and coordinates support services and special classes for a wide range of students with disabilities so that they can fully participate in academic, vocational and specialized programs for which they are otherwise qualified. Services are designed, whenever possible, to remove obstacles to learning caused by a disability and, when they can't be removed, to reduce their limiting effect.

There are over a thousand CCSF students with disabilities who self-identify and use DSPS services. Their disabilities include impairments in mobility, vision, hearing and speech, and less obvious problems such as learning disabilities, psychological disorders and developmental disabilities. There are also individuals who experience other functional limitations as a result of an acquired brain impairment or other health problems such as arthritis, diabetes, seizure disorders, HIV related impairment or cardiac disorders, etc.

Some students with disabilities will identify themselves as such by contacting the Disabled Student Department and/or their instructors before or early in the semester. Others, especially those with 'hidden' disabilities, may not. It may be necessary for you to approach disabled students who have not come forward about needing an accommodation if it is obvious they are having difficulties with the course requirements. Instructors may want to make an announcement at the beginning of the semester inviting students with disabilities to discuss their disability related course needs.

A suggested statement:

"If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. My office location and hours are..."

Instructors are encouraged to include this statement in their syllabus. This encourages students with disabilities to practice self-advocacy.