Academic Accommodations

The Special Programs and Services for Students with Disabilities (DSPS) office provides a range of academic accommodations that are individually tailored to address the specific needs of students with documented disabilities. These accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis through an interactive process between the student and a DSPS counselor.  Academic accommodations are designed to provide equal access to instruction and campus activities by addressing barriers related to a student’s disability, while at the same time maintaining the integrity of academic programs without changing core academic or campus standards. Students with disabilities are expected to meet the same requirements as their peers. Requests that would lower academic standards are unlikely to be approved. DSPS may consult with faculty or others to find reasonable solutions, which could include accommodations, course adjustments, or inclusive design. Every request goes through a structured review, and students can appeal decisions if needed. 

Below you will find more information regarding: 

• An overview of the types of accommodations that may be approved based on individual needs and documentation. 

• The role of third-party documentation in determining reasonable accommodations. 

• The process for appealing accommodations decisions. 

Apply for Services

• Classroom Accommodations
  • Note-taking: Students who are unable to effectively take notes due to a documented disability may be eligible for note-taking support. Students approved for this accommodation are encouraged to continue taking their own notes and use the provided notes as a supplemental tool for review and improvement. 

  • Audio recording of lectures: Permission to record lectures using a digital device or approved application to support students who benefit from repeated exposure to course content due to processing or memory-related challenges. 

  • Preferred seating: Reserved seating in the classroom (front of class, near exit row) based on sensory, psychological, attention, and/or medical needs. 

  • Accessible furniture: Arranging for alternative chairs/desks based on physical and/or medical needs. 
• Testing Accommodations
  • Extended time: Additional time for quizzes, tests, and exams based on documented need. This supports students who need more time due to physical limitations, medical challenges, slower reading/writing speeds, cognitive processing difficulties, and/or psychiatric conditions. 

  • Distraction-reduced environment: Support for students whose disabilities impact concentration and focus by minimizing environmental stimuli present in the standard classroom setting.  Students who require fewer environmental distractions have the ability to take their exam in a quieter location outside the classroom to minimize distractions. This setting supports students with disabilities that impact concentration and focus. 

  • Proctored exams: For students who require a distraction-reduced environment, we offer proctored testing sessions coordinated through our office to ensure exam integrity while meeting accommodation needs. Live-proctoring is available both on-campus and virtually depending on the course format and student circumstances. 

  • Assistive Technology: Use of screen readers, text-to-speech software, or other approved technology during exams. These tools support access to exam content. 

  • Scribe/reader services: A trained staff member (Exam Proctor) may be available to read exam content aloud or to write down student responses verbatim when the student is unable to do so due to a disability. 
• Course Material Accessibility
  Conversion of textbooks and instructional materials into accessible formats such as digital text, large print, braille, audio. These formats support students with disabilities that make traditional print inaccessible. 
• Assistive Technology
  • Screen readers: Converts digital text into synthesized speech, which assists students with visual impairments. We offer JAWS as a screen reading tool to students. 

  • Text-to-speech: Converts digital text into synthesized speech/spoken words, which assists students with reading, attention, and other cognitive processing challenges. We offer Kurzweil 3000 as a text-to-speech program.  

  • Speech-to-text: Converts spoken words into written text, which assists students who have disability-related writing limitations. We offer Dragon and Otter.AI as speech-to-text programs. 

  • Note-taking: Tools that allow students to record and transcribe audio while taking notes. We offer Otter.AI and Notability as note-taking programs. 

  • Alternative Input Devices: Includes adaptive keyboards or mice, trackballs, joysticks, or switches for students who cannot use standard computer hardware due to mobility/physical impairments. 
• Communication Access
  • American Sign Language Interpreting: Professional sign language interpreters assist with facilitating communication in real-time for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing during lectures, labs, discussions, and campus events.  

  • Real-time captioning: Live captioning service for lectures or events. Captions are displayed on a screen for the student to read during class. 
• Other Accommodations
  • Priority registration: Early enrollment to help ensure access to accessible course materials. 

  • Breaks during class or exams: Flexibility for students who require periodic breaks due to various disability-related limitations. 

  • Reduced course load: A reduced course load may be appropriate for students whose disability impacts their ability to manage a full academic schedule due to medical, cognitive, physical, or psychological factors. This means that students with this accommodation are allowed to take fewer units per semester than typically required without it negatively impacting their eligibility for certain campus services or programs.  

What is the role of third-party documentation in determining reasonable accommodations? 

Having documentation from a doctor or provider can help confirm a disability, but it does not guarantee specific accommodations. DSPS reviews all information as part of a broader process. DSPS is not required to implement a provider’s recommendations, as these recommendations often do not consider the broader higher education landscape regarding disability accommodations. Coastline College only approves accommodations that ensure equal access and opportunity, not those meant for the purpose of enhancing academic success, therapeutic benefit, or personal preference. When recommendations are beyond access, DSPS may refer students to other campus resources for support. 

Appealing Accommodations Decisions 

Students registered with the DSPS office have the right to request reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to the educational programs, activities, and courses offered through Coastline College. If a student disagrees with a decision regarding their accommodations, they may initiate the following accommodations appeal process. 

Informal Resolution 

Prior to submitting a formal appeal, students are encouraged to discuss their concerns directly with their DSPS Counselor, as many issues can be resolved through further dialogue or clarification. Students should schedule a meeting with their DSPS Counselor within 5 business days of the disputed decision or action. If the issue remains unresolved, students can move to the formal resolution process. 

Formal Resolution 

Students who are unsatisfied with the outcome of the informal resolution process may proceed to the formal resolution process. To initiate a formal appeal, the student must submit a written appeal to the DSPS Director within 5 business days of the decision or concerning event. The appeal should include a description of the disputed accommodation decision, the reason for the appeal along with any relevant documentation, and the desired resolution. The DSPS Director will review the appeal and provide a written decision within 5 business days of receiving the formal appeal.  

Further Appeal 

If a student disagrees with the DSPS Director’s decision, they may appeal to the College’s designated 504 Coordinator. Within 5 business days of receiving the DSPS Director’s decision, students must submit a written request outlining the continued disagreement and any new or additional information. The final review will result in a written response from the 504 Coordinator within 5 business days. This decision is final.