Accommodations & Services

• Online Form

• Online Form | Fillable PDF
• Full Process Details

• Online Form

Students, after you have been approved through your DSPS counselor or LD Specialist: 

1.  Student fills out the Online Formfor their classes ideally at least 21 days (3 weeks) before classes start. 
2. The DSPS Specialist will contact the student to discuss whether other options, including devices such as a SmartPen, Sonocent, or another recording device would suffice in lieu of a note-taker or along with a note-taker. 
3. Expectations of note-taking are discussed with a reminder that the note-taker is a volunteer, and they are taking notes for what they feel is relevant to them. Notes provided may not be comprehensive and are intended to be a supplement to the notes the requester is taking in class. 
4. The student will be notified by DSPS through NVC email that they have a note-taker to fill the request. 
5. If a note-taker is not obtained by the second week of class and provided that the student requested a note-taker 21 days (3 weeks) prior to the start of the semester, the student will be provided with interim accommodation(s) such as an audio recording device or instructor-taped lectures, SmartPen, Sonocent, or instructor notes. If the student gets a volunteer note-taker, they will inform the DSPS Specialist. If the note-taker does not meet the student's expectations, they need to contact DSPS immediately to have an alternative note-taker. 
6. The notes will be emailed within 48 hours (2 days) of any class using NVC student designated email along with a delivery receipt. If a student does not receive their notes, it is their responsibility to contact DSPS. 
7. If the DSPS student misses the class, then lecture notes may not be provided. 
8. The DSPS student needs to contact the specialist if they find they need more than notes. If there are issues with the notes, we would prefer you to contact DSPS before dropping the class. 
9. DSPS students are also reminded to look at the instructor’s website or Canvas site as lecture notes are often posted on the instructor’s web page or in Canvas. 
10. If a student needs to withdraw from a class due to the inability to have received a volunteer note-taker, and additional support of accessibility devices did not meet their needs, the student has the right to withdraw a class between the second and fifth week of the semester without the withdrawal being reflected on their record. 

Note: If there is someone in your class you know and you are comfortable asking them to be your note-taker please do so. Please refer them to the DSPS Specialist so they can be given all the information needed. 

As of July 22, 2024, DSPS will not have staff to provide tutoring services. 

Please seek assistance for Math and English tutoring at the Math Success Center and Writing Success Center.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Student Guidelines

I understand that if I am provided with Interpreting Services from Disability Support Programs & Services (DSPS) at Napa Valley College, then I will accept and adhere to the following guidelines and responsibilities:

1. Communication:

• I will check my email regularly for correspondence from Sandy Barros, DSPS Specialist sbarros@napavalley.edu, as this will be the main source of communication in regards to interpreting services.
• I may also receive text messages from the IL or can send the IL text messages at 707-666-5808.

2. Requesting Services:

• I understand that I have priority registration, and that I need to register early. I will make an appointment with Tyler Downie the DSPS Counselor to register for classes each semester and then will request interpreting services through Sandy Barros.
• I understand that if I make my request less than 2 weeks (10 working days) before classes start, then it is likely that I will not have interpreters arranged by the start of class.

3. Absences:

• I will contact Sandy Barros, DSPS Specialist by email, phone, or in person 24 hours in advance of any absences from class.
• If I do not give 24 hours' notice of an absence, I will be considered a "No-Show".
• If I am going to miss a class on Monday, then I will contact the Interpreter Liaison by Friday morning to avoid being considered a "No-Show".

4. Punctuality:

• I realize the importance of being on time for class. I understand that the interpreter will only wait 10 minutes for each hour that the class is scheduled up to a 20 minute maximum. If I do not show up before the end of this waiting period, then I will be considered a "No-Show", and no interpreter will be provided.
• If I contact the Interpreter Liaison to let her know that I am running late, then, if possible, my interpreter will be asked to wait for me until I arrive.

5. Suspension of Services:

• I am allowed only two "No Shows" per class or four "No Shows" overall per semester. I understand that if I am a "No-Show" three times in one class, or five times overall, then my interpreting services may be temporarily suspended. Services may only be reinstated after I meet with the DSPS Counselor.
• Once my services are reinstated, I understand that if I am a "No-Show" again, then my services may be suspended for the rest of the semester until a formal complaint is filed and ruled upon.

6. Changes to Class Schedule:

• I will notify Sandy Barros, DSPS Specialist immediately if there are any changes to my class schedule (if I drop a class, room changes, etc.)

7. Interpreters for Outside of Class:

• If I need class-related interpreting services outside of a scheduled class time, (e.g., teacher conference, field trip, etc.), I will make the request to the Interpreter Liaison using email or text messaging, at least one week (5 working days) in advance.

8. Interpreting Problems:

• If I have complaints about an interpreter, I will first discuss it with the interpreter and then, only if the problem is not resolved; discuss it with Sandy Barros, DSPS Specialist. I will report "Interpreter No Shows" immediately.

9. Exams:

• I will notify Sandy Barros, DSPS Specialist, in advance of all test days. If I take my exam in the Testing Center, then no interpreter will be provided. I will request interpreters for my final exams 2 weeks in advance.

10. Conduct:

• I will not have personal conversations with the interpreter while he/she is interpreting in class. I will not behave in a rude or threatening manner toward the interpreter. I understand that gross misconduct may result in suspension of services.
• I will not exchange personal phone numbers or email addresses with the interpreters. All communications are to be handled by Sandy Barros, DSPS Specialist.