College Success |
Students who attend public colleges and universities are protected against disability discrimination by Title II under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Many campuses are equipped with offices and services for college students with disabilities. The goal of these offices and services is to address accessibility, accommodation, and assistive technology for a diverse range of needs.
To begin receiving accommodations you must first register as a student with disabilities, this is done with the disabilities service office in your school. Disabilities offices have instructions for how to register for services on their website. Remember the name of the office does not necessarily need to have the word “disability” in its name, you can also look for words such as access, equity, or accommodations. You also need to provide evidence of a disability to get accommodations but remember that disclosing your disability to your school is completely optional.
Examples of disabilities are, but are not limited to:
- Neurological conditions
- Sense organ impairments
- Musculoskeletal impairments
- Emotional or mental illness
- Respiratory conditions
- Digestive ailments
- Learning disabilities
- Organic brain syndrome
However, you will need to disclose this information if you wish to receive academic adjustments. All colleges receiving federal funding must ensure equal access to students with disabilities, meaning they have to provide “reasonable” accommodations.
Here are some typical academic adjustments institutions provide:
- Sound amplification aids
- Speech to text software
- Accessible testing locations
- Note-taking services
- Priority class registration
- Sign language interpretation
- Course substitutions
Sources:
https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/students-with-disabilities/
https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/college-planning-with-learning-disabilities/
https://www.understood.org/articles/en/7-things-to-know-about-college-disability-services
College Success |
As a college student, you may feel completely fine one day. The next day, you may feel overwhelmed when it comes to calculating various college costs and fees. Fortunately, there are statewide programs that can help students like yourself with course materials, textbooks, and much more. Student success programs such as EOP, EOPS, and TRIO were developed to streamline a supportive pathway with additional resources. Here’s a breakdown of the programs and the services they provide:
What is EOP?
The Educational Opportunity Program was created to assist students, in order for them to receive support services to ensure academic success. Support services include but are not limited to tutoring, financial assistance, personal counseling, academic advising, graduate school prep, and more.
Who is eligible for EOP?
Undergraduate students who are:
- A California resident
- A First-generation college student(Neither of your parents has received a bachelor’s degree)
- Academically disadvantaged and/or come from a low-income background
- Enrolled full-time(Part-time students need to request approval)
Why is EOP important?
- EOP provides grants to students who participate
- Access to extensive workshops for academic and personal success
- Networking opportunities for community events
What is EOPS?
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services is a support program that is offered to community college students to encourage college completion. EOPS offers similar benefits to EOP, such as tutoring, individualized counseling, and financial support.
Who is eligible for EOPS?
Community college students who are:
- A California resident
- Eligible for California College Promise Grant Fee Waiver
- Enrolled full-time (12 units of more)
- Have completed less than 70 degree-applicable units
- Academically disadvantaged
- Pursuing an Associate’s degree
Why is EOPS important?
- EOPS provides financial assistance for textbooks, reduced student bus pass/parking permits and meal vouchers
- Participants receive priority registration for classes
- Opportunities for professional development and networking
What is TRIO?
TRIO is also a statewide program that aims to directly support students throughout college. This program was created to promote social, academic, personal and professional development.
Who is eligible for TRIO?
An undergraduate student that is:
- A US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or a U.S National
- A first-generation college student
- Able to provide proof of physical or learning disability
- Low-income
Why is TRIO important?
- TRIO can offer graduate school advising and exam prep, career counseling, and professional development skills
- Students are able to receive priority registration
- Students also have the opportunity to receive a peer mentor for navigating student life on campus
These programs collectively provide various ways for students to be successful throughout college. To apply for the TRIO program in any college system, you can contact the student services department at your campus for program eligibility, forms, and deadlines. If you or a colleague is interested in applying for EOP, click the following links below.
To apply for a EOPS at a community college, click here
To apply for CSU EOP, click here
To apply for UC EOP, click here
