Saddleback College offers various accommodations to support student needs.

Services

Saddleback College offers reasonable test accommodations to students with documented disabilities who are registered through the Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) office.

To receive accommodated testing, you must first apply to Saddleback College’s DSPS office and also meet with a DSPS counselor to help determine eligibility. Eligibility for accommodations is based upon the nature of the disability and the course curriculum.

New and Returning Students

  • Before scheduling your test, make sure you give your instructor a copy of your signed Academic Accommodation Plan and inform them you will be utilizing the Accommodated Testing center for tests.
  • All tests must be submitted 7 days in advance.
  • Make sure you are scheduling your test for the same date/time your class is taking it, otherwise your test request may result in a denial. Refer to the Accommodated Testing Center Policies and Procedures for what is expected of you.
  • For Online classes, reach out to your instructor to give them a copy of your signed Academic Accommodation Plan and discuss the accommodations you would like to have for class.
  • To schedule your tests, log-in to the Accommodated Testing Portal using your school email and password.

 

Accommodation Testing Portal

Success Tips

  • If this is your first time using the Accommodated Testing Center, we recommend you schedule an orientation appointment with our DSPS Specialist, Cori Allen. You can schedule your 30-minute orientation by calling (949) 582-4424, emailing scatc@saddleback.edu, or walking in person to our DSPS office located at Gateway 161.
  • Remember to give your instructor a copy of your signed Academic Accommodation Plan and discuss your testing accommodations with them prior to scheduling exams on the Accommodated Testing Portal.
  • At the beginning of the semester, sign-in to the Accommodated Testing Portal and use your class syllabus to schedule all your tests for the entire semester.
  • If you have questions regarding accommodations or your eligibility for them, contact the DSPS Office at (949) 582-4885. 
     

Available Accommodations

If determined eligible, you may qualify for one or more of the following accommodations:

  • Sign Language Interpreter
  • Extended time for testing
  • A reader for the test
  • A scribe service
  • Alternate answering of questions; typing or taping, use of a word processor or oral response
  • Modification of test format
  • Oral test
  • Size of print
  • Size of space allowed for response
  • Specially lined paper
  • Alternatives to computer-scored answer sheet
  • Adapted equipment

Forms and Information

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.”

Accommodation Services Offered

We are dedicated to supporting DSPS students by offering a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance their academic experience including but not limited to: 

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

Orientation Appointments for Alternate Media Services

Appointments will take place over Zoom. Special consideration for in-person appointments for students requesting will be given. Please email scaltmedia@saddleback.edu to request an appointment with Mike Sauter. During the appointment we will discuss your specific accommodations.

The DSPS Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) Lab

Our mission at the 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 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 GW 281.

Please note that this lab is not a substitute for your orientation appointment, requests for new assistive technology, or detailed inquiries.

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:

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.

Accessible Topics and Resources

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

From the Chancellor's Office

Saddleback College offers on campus cart transportation for students who have been approved for these services as a part of their DSPS official accommodation.

NOTE: This service is only for classes that are held on campus at Saddleback College and must be planned in advance. This is not an on-demand service.

To submit a request, please fill out the DSPS Student Guidelines for Accommodated Transportation form.

Please do not submit more than one form per semester. If you have edits, cancellations, or changes to a schedule, please email scdsps@saddleback.edu.

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 registered with DSPS and are authorized for the accommodation.

To request accessible furniture, students must submit a Furniture Request Form to the DSPS at least 2 weeks before the beginning of each term (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Any furniture requests made after the start of the semester can take up to 14 business days for the accessible furniture to be placed in the classroom. If ordering is required, the request will take longer.

Contacts

Alternative Media Services Staff