History of Program
From the very inception of the state-wide categorical Disabled Students programming, the College of Marin was quick to further establish its institutional commitment to serve diverse populations. The College has steadily grown the Disabled Program which includes: Learning Disability Assessment and remediation, extensive resources to provide accommodations for individual's physical limitations, visual impairments and auditory needs. In addition the College was early to establish a High Tech Computer Center to support specialized student learning. We have maintained a long tradition of providing comprehensive services in the area of Adapted Physical Education.
The counseling faculty of the Disabled Student Program is central to our support efforts for the Psychologically Disabled population. Support groups and extensive, individualized accommodations are provided to address the needs of this group, with an increasingly well documented level of success. Tutoring has been provided in a variety of subjects over the years. Specialized classes have been offered for brain injured students, individuals with developmental disabilities and a number of classes to support independent living skills.
The Disabled Student Program stands ready to respond to the needs of the community. It has continuously been instrumental in maximizing the potential of students to lead independent, productive lives. These services as well as the specialized instruction we offer do not duplicate the regular college services or instruction but is over and above what the college provides. It is an invaluable resource for the 900 to 950 students who take advantage of the offerings each year.
Long-Term Overview and Direction
Not unlike many communities in California, the demographics and needs of the local population are changing dramatically. This is particular true of Marin County, where the increasing age of the residents coupled with the average level of education and individual family income, have created both unique demands on and opportunities for the community college to meet the residents needs. Through community wide research and local focus groups, it is evident that the college will have an increasingly non-traditional demand for services. In view of this, the Disabled Students Program is committed to:
DSPS Goals and Activities, 2006-2007
Goal 1. In collaboration with the Marin Community College District, identify and eliminate architectural barriers on both campuses as part of the Bond modernization project.
Objective 1. Actively participate on appropriate modernization committees to ensure strong advocacy for barriers elimination and increase access. This should include technological improvements as well as barrier removal.
Activities:
1.1 Appoint DSPS staff and faculty to particular committees and monitor progress and address challenges if they arrive.
1.2 Coordinator will work directly with architect and contractors to ensure full compliance with ADA and 504 regulations.
Objective 2. Working with DSPS staff and faculty, determine most appropriate future site for the Program.
Activities:
2.1 Conduct no less than three staff meetings to investigate options and formulate a plan that reflects the best thinking of the staff.
2.2 Conduct research on no less than 5 other campuses to determine what they have learned about locating new DSPS facilities [Cabrillo, Monterey, Grossmont, Cuesta, Mission and other].
Evaluation: This is an on-going requirement and will be regularly reviewed through the Department's Program Review process.
Goal 2. Increase the access to E-Text accommodations for identified Learning Disabled Students.
Objective 1. Refine current system of E-Text production and distribution with the goal of reducing production time to one week.
Activity 1. Conduct research nation-wide to identify best practices and equipment.
Activity 2. Fill position of E-Text Technician with permanent employee.
Objective 2. Establish not less than three formats for the delivery of E-Text to meet the different needs of our students.
Activity 1. Research current and potential technologies and methodologies.
Activity 2.Increase availability of Kurzweil technology on all specialized DSPS computer stations on both campuses.
Activity 3. Develop training procedure for students seeking to use E-Text technology.
Goal 3. Review and improve orientation activities and materials for the Disabled Students Program.
Objective 1. Counseling faculty, Learning Specialist and the Coordinator will meet three times to identify needs, assess current efforts and materials and design additional programs.
Activity 1. Review current high school outreach materials and procedures. Design improvement where needed.
Activity 2. Develop an open access orientation program to better prepare students for college success.
Objective 2. Develop and distribute specialized materials to more effectively inform perspective students and agencies of the various aspects of the Disabled Students Program.
Activity 1. Prepare more in-depth program descriptions for each aspect of the program.
Activity 2. Systematically reach out to all relevant agencies and support programs in the County to better inform them of the college's offerings.
Activity 3. With staff, develop an appropriate prioritized list of actions to address the needs of the community
Goal 4. Develop a three-year growth plan for the Adapted Physical Education component of the Disabled Students Program.
Objective 1. Interview relevant medical professionals in Marin County to identify potential resources for student referral.
Objective 2. Prepare brief video of Adapted Program with supportive publication to offer to professionals and potential students.
