Disability/Access Services

Providing access to a diverse student population is embedded in the philosophy of California College of the Arts. We recognize disability as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and to the campus community.

Accordingly, CCA's Access and Wellness Services collaborates with students, faculty, staff, and community members to create usable, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments. The college promotes and facilitates awareness and access through training, partnerships, innovative programs, and accommodations.

Who Is Eligible for Services?

The following supports and services are available through Access and Wellness Services to eligible students who encounter barriers to full access or participation in the physical, curricular or informational environments within the college.

• Note-Taking Assistance
• Permission to Record Lectures
• Extended Time on Exams
• Alternate Testing Design or Location
• Physical Accommodations for Access
• Access to Text on Alternate Formats
• Sign Language Interpreting — ASL Interpreting or Transliteration for Academic and Extracurricular Activities

Note: Coaching and tutoring services are available through the Learning Resources Center. Call 510.594.3756 or email vjardim@cca.edu, or drop by Irwin Hall, Room 207.

How to Access Support & Services

Students who want to use any of the support and services offered by Access and Wellness Services should follow the steps outlined below:

• Contact Suzanne Raffeld, Director of Access and Wellness Services, at 510.594.3775, or sraffeld@cca.edu, to schedule an appointment.
• Take with you any paperwork or documentation of disability that addresses the potential difficulties either campus poses. (If no paperwork or documentation exists, meet with the director to discuss what options exist for assessing potential academic difficulties.)
• Discuss the kind of support needed with Suzanne in the initial appointment.
• Complete the respective forms and follow procedures for the services requested.
• Follow up with Suzanne if you have any questions or concerns about the services.

Responsibilities of Students

• You are responsible for your own success in higher education and to meet the academic standards required of all students.
• Talk with your instructors and let them know of any accommodations you may need during the term in a timely manner. (Access and Wellness Services will provide you with a notification letter to be presented to instructors.)
• Please notify your instructors or Access and Wellness Services immediately if you encounter barriers or are experiencing difficulty in your classes.
• If you have delayed notification, instructors are neither required to offer make-up exams, nor obligated to provide retroactive accommodations.

What Are Your Rights?

Information regarding a student's disability is considered confidential and only exchanged on a need-to-know basis.

If you believe the Director of Access and Wellness Services has not identified or provided reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids, you may seek review of the Director's actions by contacting the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Inquiries & Appeals

Inquiries and appeals beyond the institutional level may be directed to the following:

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
50 Beale Street, Suite 7200
San Francisco CA 94105
Phone: 415.486.5555
Fax: 415.486.5570
TDD: 877.521.2172
ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov

ADA Technical Assistance Program
U.S. Department of Justice
Phone: 800.514.0301
TTY: 800.514.0383
www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada

Other Resources

Wondering if you might have a disability? Do you suspect you have a learning disability and want an assessment of your learning style? Want to know more about dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADD), or nonverbal learning disorder (NLD)? The Learning Resource Center can help, refer you to local clinics and professionals, or both.

Additional answers to your questions may be found at the following websites:

• LD Online — Learning Disabilities Online
• CHADD — Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• AHEAD — Association on Higher Education and Disability
• Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education

Other Services

The following free-of-charge services are available to all current students regardless of their disability status:

• counseling
• study skills workshops
• academic coaching

See Counseling and Learning Resources for more information.