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.

Schedule A Test or Quiz

1. Log onto DESP Online Services
2. Enter username: G0 (the number zero) followed by your West Valley ID# (for example: G01234567)
3. Enter password
4. Click on Alternative Testing under My Accommodations on the left sidebar.
5. 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

How to Request DESP Accommodations

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, please 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.

If you think you may have a learning disability, make an appointment with a learning specialist to see if assessment is recommended. For more information, please contact:

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

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

See full course descriptions.

For more information, please contact:

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

Counselors and learning specialists can recommend special courses which will help you with learning strategies, reading, basic math and writing.

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

See full course descriptions.

For more information, please contact:

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

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

• Orientation
• Educational Planning

0 units

This adapted fitness course is designed for students with disabilities. Individualized exercise programs are created that focus on overall cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility training. The programs address the limitations of the individual’s disability. Emphasis is on encouraging independence through the teaching of lifelong fitness skills.

This adapted fitness course is designed for students with disabilities. The course provides an opportunity for students to increase their overall cardiovascular endurance. Individualized programs address the limitations of the student’s disability. Emphasis is on encouraging independence through the teaching of lifelong cardiovascular endurance.

This adapted flexibility course is designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities. This course includes instruction in a variety of stretching exercises to enable a student to attain optimal range of motion. Guided gentle muscle stretching and core stabilizing exercises with an emphasis on proper body alignment, breathing techniques, and relaxation are addressed to encourage independence and develop lifelong fitness skills.

This adapted noncredit physical education course is designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities. This class provides instruction in dynamic water exercises with a focus on the development of cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. Individualized swimming programs and water safety are included. Emphasis is on encouraging independence through the teaching of lifelong fitness skills.

This noncredit adapted weight training course is designed for students with disabilities. Individualized exercise programs are created that focus on basic weight training and strength development principles. The programs address the limitations of the individual’s disability. Emphasis is on encouraging independence through the teaching of lifelong fitness skills.

This noncredit adapted functional fitness course is designed for students with disabilities. ndividualized exercise programs are created that focus on the development of core strength, flexibility, and balance. Information is given regarding alternative equipment used for functional training. The programs address the limitations of the individual’s disability. Emphasis is on encouraging independence through the teaching of lifelong fitness skills.

General DESP Forms

• Authorization for Release of Non-Directory Information (51 KB)
• Disability Verification (37 KB)
• Intake Booklet (89 KB) – for students with learning disabilities

Transition from High School to College Forms

• Process for Incoming High School Students (101 KB)
• Documents Needed for College (14 KB)

Voter Registration

• Student Handbook

• Creating Accessible Course Content Checklist (29 KB)
• Faculty Handbook
• Syllabus Information for Students with Disabilities (37 KB)
• What Constitutes a Fundamental Alteration?

How Faculty Submit Tests to DESP