Disability and Educational Support Program (DESP)

Accommodations are provided to meet your individual needs. Eligibility for specific services is based on the recommendation of a DESP counselor or learning specialist. Services may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Test Taking Accommodations
• Note Takers
• Sign Language Interpreters and Real-Time Captioners
• Equipment Loan
• Alternate media services (including Braille, e-text, large print, and closed captioning)
• Special Equipment
• Adaptive Computers/Software
• Text Reader
• Text Enlarger
• FM Loop
• Braille Keyboard Readout Device
• Digital Recorder
• Smart Pens

Request and implement approved accommodations through DESP Online Services.

Watch a video on how to request accommodations.

Schedule A Test or Quiz

1. Log onto DESP Online Services
• Enter username: G0 (the number zero) followed by your West Valley ID# (for example: G01234567)
• Enter password
2. Click on Alternative Testing under My Accommodations on the left sidebar.
3. Follow instructions to select your class from the dropdown menu and schedule your exam. Then, click Add Exam Request.

For more information, please contact:

Mike Scaletta (408) 741-2453 / TTY (408) 741-2658

Whether you need help with planning classes, transferring to a university, or dealing with a disability-related issue, call, email or make an appointment to talk to one of our counselors. We offer many different kinds of assistance:

Academic Counseling

• Career Programs
• AA/AS/ADT Degrees
• Transfer Admission Agreements
• Transfer Requirements for University of California, California State Universities, and Private Universities

Personal Counseling

• Disability Management
• Crisis Intervention
• Liaison with California Department of Rehabilitation
• Liaison with various community programs

Career Counseling

• Referrals to COUN 012, Career and Lifestyles classes
• Individual counseling to facilitate career decision making

For more information, please contact:

• Jean Finch (408) 741-4034
• Erika Llantero (408) 741-4027

Complete your California Student Success Act Requirements with DESP

• Assessment
• Orientation
• Educational Planning

Call (408) 741-2010 or stop by the DESP office

If you think you may have a learning disability, make an appointment with a learning specialist to see if assessment is recommended. Counselors and learning specialists can recommend special courses which will help you with learning strategies, reading, basic math and writing.

Support Labs

• LS 931B Effective Learning: Math Lab – Application of math strategies for algebraic and other mathematical course work. Taken concurrently with a designated Math Department course.
• LS 943 A Writing Support – Application of writing strategies for English course work. Taken concurrently with designated English Department courses.

Classes

• LS 001 Learning Strategies for College and Life – Study skills, goal setting, time management, memory, test taking strategies, note taking, and learning styles.
• LS 944 Effective Learning: Math Processing – Basic math and algebra concepts.
• LS 945 Beginning Algebra Concepts
• LS 941B Effective Sentence & Paragraph Writing – Paragraph development, organization, basic grammar and mechanics.
• LS 941C Effective Essay Writing – Essay development and organization.

For More Information, Contact:

• Jessica Jaurequi (408) 741-2450
• Susan Sherrill (408) 741- 2452

Computer Lab

The DESP Computer Lab can provide you with an evaluation and training in the use of computer technology. The Lab offers specialized software as well as adaptive technology, including:

• Adapted Computer Access Evaluations: assesses ability to access screen, keyboard or programs.
• Text Reader: turns text into high quality speech for learning disabled and visually impaired students.
• Screen enlargers: enlarges the computer screen for low vision students.
• Alternate Media: provides access to course materials in an alternate format including e–text.
• Training: shows student how to use text-to-speech software, including Kurzweil.

Make an appointment at the front desk if you want to be assessed for adapted computer or alternate media needs.

E–Text

Start here if you qualify for and would like your textbook in a digital format.

1. Login to DESP Online Services.
   • Enter Username: G0 (the number zero) followed by your West Valley ID# (for example G01234567)
   • Enter Password.
2. Click on 'Alternative Formats' under 'My Accommodations' on the left sidebar.
3. Follow instructions to select your class from the dropdown menu and fill out the book information.
4. Click 'Submit Request'
5. Bring your textbooks to DESP.

For More Information, Contact:

Chris Jackson (408) 741-2063

E-text Delivery Timelines

Standard Production Times:

Producing edited alternate media (e-text) for most textbooks is 10 business days from the time permission has been obtained from the publisher and for most course readers is 17 business days (whether hard or electronic).

Specialized Text Production Times:

Some e-texts(depending on subject, format or quality of source material), may have a longer timeline. DESP will make its best reasonable efforts to provide e-text as soon as possible. Specialized text may include:

1. Subject: STEM subjects, World languages, etc.
2. Format: Braille, large print, reformatting, and/or repagination, etc.
3. Scan Conversion: Marked-up materials or illegible document reproductions requiring extensive text input by keyboard.

Rolling Basis Production:

When a shorter timeline is required, a student may choose to receive portions of their textbook or course reader as needed on a 'rolling basis'. Rolling Basis Production is expected to take at least 5 business days from the time permission is obtained from the publisher and 8 business days for portions of a course reader. DESP will provide the alternate media to the student on a 'rolling basis' 24 hours prior to each upcoming due date.

In order to receive a Rolling Basis Production, the Student must identify the date the assignment is due (e.g., by submitting the course syllabus). If a due date is not shown on syllabus, written documentation of due date from instructor is sufficient. The completed e-text will be provided as soon as reasonable.

Recommended Reading Assignments:

Upon request, instructor recommended reading assignments will be converted into e-text. The standard production time will not apply. DESP will provide an estimated date of completion.

• Student Handbook

How to Submit Tests and Instructions

Faculty Handbook

See the Faculty Handbook