Accessing Your Authorized Accommodations

Fall 2026 Exam Scheduling

All exams, including Final Exams, for the Fall 2026 semester must be scheduled by Friday, November 27th, 2026. You may access the portal at: https://pike.accessiblelearning.com/Saddleback/.

Alternative Testing Center (ATC) Fall Proctoring Hours

• Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Exams must be scheduled at least 7 days in advance.

Before taking your first exam with the ATC, it is recommended that you call the ATC at (949) 582-4424 or email scatc@saddleback.edu to set up an orientation appointment.

ATC Policies

General Information

1. You must provide a copy of your Accommodation Notification to each of your instructors, prior to requesting accommodations for any exams.
2. You must schedule your exam at least 7 days in advance in the Alternative Testing portal at https://pike.accessiblelearning.com/Saddleback/.
3. DSPS will only proctor exams on the same day and time as your class. If you are requesting to take your exam on a different day/time, you must provide instructor approval and email it directly to scatc@saddleback.edu.
4. During peak periods such as midterms and finals, DSPS proctors exams in multiple locations on-campus. Due to space, you may not be taking your exam in DSPS, but will still be provided with your authorized accommodations.
5. DSPS has cameras and ability to see/record the computer screens in each exam room. These cameras are used to remotely proctor exams, strengthen academic integrity, and improve student safety in our testing spaces. NOTE: If requested, DSPS will provide camera footage to instructors and/or for the Student Conduct process.
6. Students may not bring others into the testing environment, including Personal Service Attendants (PSAs) or aides. If a student has an approved accommodation for a scribe or reader, DSPS will provide staff to support that accommodation.
7. Students at Saddleback College are responsible for following the Student Code of Conduct and may be disciplined for academic dishonesty. Please see the Student Code of Conduct for detailed information on these policies.

Exam Check-in

1. Your exam time begins at your scheduled time. It is recommended you arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow yourself enough time to complete the check-in process, put your belongings into a locker, etc.
2. Please bring a Photo ID at check-in for all exams.
3. DSPS staff will verify that all personal electronics are turned off and placed in a locker. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, phones, smartwatches, and smart eyewear. 
4. Food and drinks are not allowed in DSPS testing locations, unless it is an approved accommodation. Students may bring in a water bottle. DSPS staff may ask you to open your water bottle.
5. Please come prepared! It is your responsibility to bring all testing materials (i.e. scantrons, calculators, etc.) that will be needed for your exam.
6. If you arrive late to a scheduled exam, the elapsed time will automatically be deducted from your total exam time. DSPS will not give time back for being late. For example, if you arrive 15 min late for your exam, DSPS will deduct 15 min from your total exam time. This means that the scheduled end time will remain the same and DSPS will not adjust or extend it.

During the Exam

1. It is your responsibility to inform DSPS staff if there are any issues with your exam or the exam environment- while you are testing or before you leave. Once your exam is complete, DSPS will not re-open or allow you to go back to your exam.
2. If you leave your exam room without prior approval, your exam will be considered complete. If you need to use the restroom during your exam, you will need to notify DSPS staff prior to leaving.
3. All materials used during the test(s) (i.e. scratch paper, etc.) will be collected and returned to your instructor.
4. If DSPS staff suspect that you are cheating during your exam, we will stop an take your exam. We will provide the information about the incident to your instructor and submit a Student Code of Conduct Incident Report.
5. Refusal to stop and surrender an exam or quiz when informed by a proctor that the allotted time has ended, is considered an act of misconduct and will be reported through the Student Conduct process.

After the Exam

When the exam has been completed, DSPS staff will return your exam to your instructor.

Orientation Appointment

Please email scaltmedia@saddleback.edu to request an appointment. During the appointment, DSPS staff will discuss appropriate accommodations and/or services.

Request a Textbook or Instructional Material in Alternate Formats

Students may request the following materials in alternate formats:

• Required and recommended textbooks which you have purchased or rented.
  •  Proof of purchase is required and may include:
    • Your receipt or rental agreement (it does not matter where you purchased or rented the book)
• Instructional material for a class in the form of ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost), handouts, and other class materials.

To request alternate formats of your textbooks and other materials, please use the following form after your orientation meeting and have this information ready:

• Alternate Media Textbook Request Form
• Your first and last name and student number
• The full title of your textbook and its 13 digit ISBN number
• Class Name and Ticket #

Alternative media services include textbooks, instructional materials, and other printed information being converted to another format such as Braille, large print, or electronic text. The United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has held that the three basic components of effective communication include: "timeliness of delivery, accuracy of the translation, and provision in a manner and medium appropriate to the significance of the message and the abilities of the individual with the disability.”

Alternative Media Services and Assistive Technology Accommodations

• Audiobooks 
• Note-Taking Apps
• Recording Apps 
• Text-to-Speech
• Dictation (Voice-to-Text)
• Magnification Devices
• Braille or Electronic Braille
• Assistive Technology
• Adaptive Equipment
• Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

Alternative Media Services Policies

Saddleback College will make available, upon request, in alternate media, any publication it offers to the general public such as the college catalog, announcements about cultural or recreational events sponsored by the college, job announcements, etc.  Nevertheless, since most requests are likely to come from students, the primary focus in these guidelines will be to provide instructional materials in accessible formats.

Laws and Guidelines

According to the Chancellor's Office, web pages must satisfy Priority One checkpoints of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and conform to the standards for accessibility under Section 508 of the Rehabilitative Act of 1973.

Both state and federal law require community colleges to operate all programs and activities in a manner which is accessible to students with disabilities. Accordingly, as the system develops its capacity for creation of technology based instructional resources and the delivery of distance learning; it must proceed with the needs of all students in mind, including the unique needs of students with disabilities.

Distance Education: Access Guidelines for Students with Disabilities, August 1999 Chancellor's Office California Community Colleges

• Section 508
• WAI Guidelines
• Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) General Information

From the Chancellor's Office

• Alternate Media Access Guidelines
• Distance Education Access Guidelines

Kurzweil Reading Program

• Reads text aloud, highlighting words and sentences as they're spoken to help students follow along
• Natural Text-to-Speech voices in 13 languages and 18 additional native dialects.
• Customizable reading rate and presentation.
• Improve readability with OpenDyslexic font, text magnification (installed desktop only) and zoom

Kurzweil Training Videos

• Watch the "Study Skills with Kurzweil 3000" video.
• Watch the "Writing Tools with Kurzweil 3000" video.

Kurzweil Reading tool for Canvas Classes

If you would to have your canvas class read out loud to help with understanding the material you can use a free tool called “Kurzweil Read the Web Chrome Extension.” It will read out loud any webpage, online textbook or web resource that your class is using. Please follow the directions below to install and activate the free tool.

Install Kurzweil Read the Web Chrome Extension

• Watch the "Installing and Using Kurzweil Read the Web Tool" video.
• Watch the "Kurzweil Read the Web Tool Bar" video.
• Watch the "Kurzweil Read the Web Highlight and Extract" video.

Orbit Note

• Watch the "OrbitNote in 1" video.

Note-Taking Apps

Genio

• Record class lectures and create personalized notes and study guides.
• Watch the "Unlocking Success: Elevate Your Note-Taking Game with Glean and Otter.ai!" video.

Otter AI

• Record class lectures and create personalized notes and study guides.
• Watch the "Unlocking Success: Elevate Your Note-Taking Game with Glean and Otter.ai!" video.

Notability 

•  Note-taking app with hand-written or typed notes that are synchronized to recordings.

Equatio

• Watch the "Introduction to Equatio" video.

Technology designed for inclusion, built for impact!

• Supervised open lab: your space to study, connect, and learn
• Priority for students with disabilities, but all are welcome
• Bring your device or borrow one to explore assistive technologies
• Explore apps and strategies including text-to-speech, dictation, and Kurzweil 3000
• Workshops and trainings to enhance your educational support

Our mission at the DSPS Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) Lab is to empower individuals of all abilities by providing innovative and inclusive technology solutions. We are committed to fostering an accessible learning environment where every student can thrive. Through collaborative partnerships and cutting-edge technology, we strive to break down barriers to education and promote equal opportunities for all learners. At the CAT Lab, we believe in the transformative power of technology to enhance accessibility, support diversity, and create a more inclusive society.

The CAT Lab is located in Gateway 281.

CAT Lab Hours for Fall 2026:

• Monday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Friday: CLOSED

Special Event

Alternate Media Essentials Drop-In Event, hosted by Saddleback College DSPS Alternate Media Services.

The Alternate Media Team will be on hand to help you receive your accommodations, find training, and access essential tools, including Note-taking and Recording Apps, Kurzweil 3000 Audiobooks, and Student Accommodation Letters for faculty. No appointment is necessary!

Event Details

• Who: New and Returning DSPS Students
• Dates: Monday - Thursday, August 17th - August 28th
• Time: 9: a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Location: The Center for Assistive Technology (“The CAT Lab”), The Gateway Building, Room 281

Wednesday Workshops

Coming Fall 2026.

The shuttle bus operates Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. continuously throughout the day and is a free service for all students, faculty, and staff.

View All Shuttle Stops on the Campus Digital Map

Update to Accommodated Cart Transportation

With the introduction of the campus shuttle, we encourage students who are able to do so to begin using the shuttle as their primary means of transportation around campus. Moving forward, accommodated cart transportation with low-speed vehicles will be provided only on a limited, as-needed basis, reserved for situations where the shuttle does not reasonably meet a student’s accessibility needs. If you are unsure whether the shuttle will meet your needs, or if you believe you require continued cart transportation due to a disability-related limitation, please contact DSPS at scdsps@saddleback.edu.

This service is:

• For students that have been authorized for the accommodation only. If you are unsure if the accommodation has been authorized/approved for you, please contact DSPS at (949) 582-4885 or email scdsps@saddleback.edu.
• To provide rides to campus locations at Saddleback College only. 

This service is NOT:

• An on-demand service. We plan ahead based on the schedule and staff available, so we are unable to pick up students without advanced notice.
• A “door to door” service. We will drop off students outside of buildings, not classrooms. DSPS is not responsible for walking students to classes. If you are needing assistance beyond the ride, please speak with a DSPS Counselor/LD Specialist about a Personal Service Attendant (PSA).
• For errands or other non-educational purposes.

Policies

1. Requests for on campus accommodated transportation should be requested at least 7 days in advance.
2. DSPS understands that you may need a last minute, non-scheduled ride. We will do our best to accommodate for these requests, however, DSPS staff may not be available and we may not be able to fulfill the request.
3. If you have edits to your scheduled rides for the semester, please contact DSPS at (949) 582-4885 or email scdsps@saddleback.edu as soon as possible.
4. DSPS staff will wait for 5 min after your scheduled ride time. If you do not arrive within 5 min, DSPS staff will leave.
5. If you “no show” for 3 rides in a semester, without notifying DSPS, this may result in the suspension of this service.
6. If you need to cancel a scheduled ride, please contact DSPS at (949) 582-4885 or email scdsps@saddleback.edu as soon as possible.
7. There may be circumstances beyond DSPS (Ex. cart breakdown, flat tires and emergency situations) that may cause rides to be late.

To request accessible furniture, students must:

• Submit a Furniture Request Form to DSPS.
• Submit at least 2 weeks before the start of the term (Fall, Spring, or Summer).

NOTES:

• Requests made after the semester begins can take up to 14 business days to fulfill.
• If special furniture needs to be ordered, processing time may be longer.

DSPS works directly with Facilities Maintenance and Operations to arrange for accessible furniture, including adjustable tables and chairs, to be placed in classrooms without accessible seating.

Accessible classroom furniture is only provided to eligible students who are authorized for the accommodation.