Learning DisAbilities Services brochure (PDF) - Ohlone College

What is the procedure if I already have
Documentation for a Learning DisAbility?
1. Drop off a copy of your documentation at
the DSPS Office. (Grades K-12 IEP and school
psychologist’s report OR previous testing by a
licensed professional)
2. Your documentation will be reviewed and
evaluated to determine LD eligibility.
3. DSPS will contact you (phone/email)
regarding your eligibility for DSPS services.
4. If eligible, make an appt. with a DSPS
counselor to initiate LD accommodations.
(Please note: All 4 steps can take up to one month to complete.)
What is the procedure if I do not have
documentation for a Learning DisAbility?
Ohlone College offers learning disAbilities (LD)
assessments at no cost to students who
demonstrate a need for this service. LD
assessments are not a mandated service, and
as such, may not be appropriate for all
students. In addition, an LD assessment is not
an immediate process. An assessment may
take up to 10 hours and will include several
appointments with the Learning DisAbilities
Specialist. During peak times, the LD Specialist
is usually booked weeks in advance; therefore,
the sooner you contact the DSPS office to
arrange an informational interview, the
sooner we can evaluate your particular
situation and initiate your LD assessment.
I don't get it - Why am I
different from everyone?
Now I get it - I process
information differently!
What is a Learning DisAbility (LD)?
A learning disAbility is a learning difference that
affects how a person takes in, understands,
remembers, and/or expresses information. A
person with a learning disAbility has average,
above average, or superior intelligence, yet has
significant differences from typical students in the
way he/she processes information. Significant
processing differences create both strengths and
weaknesses for a student. When these differences
impact education negatively, a student usually
meets the criteria for a “learning disAbility”.
When these same differences create a positive
impact, typically in other settings, they are usually
identified as “talent”. Therefore, information
processing differences can create both a talent
and a disability for a student. Hence, the spelling
of LD with a capital A - “learning disAbility”. Also,
LD is referred to in the plural - “disAbilities” - when
speaking about more than one person, since a
learning disAbility is unique to each person.
Who decides the Criteria for LD Eligibility?
The California Community Colleges (CCC)
Chancellor’s Office (not Ohlone) determines the
procedures in community colleges for an LD
assessment and the criteria for LD eligibility.
The procedures and criteria are the same for
all 112 community colleges in CA. Once you
are determined eligible, your LD eligibility is
accepted at all community colleges in CA for
an indefinite period of time. Note, however,
that LD eligibility at a community college does
not guarantee eligibility at universities (such as
UC or CSU) or for high stakes testing (such as the
Nursing Board and GRE exams).
What are the Steps for an LD Assessment?
An LD assessment is an individualized and
confidential process with an LD Specialist. The
steps for an LD assessment include: an
informational interview, a personal history
questionnaire and interview, a preliminary
evaluation plus recommendations prior to
formal testing, diagnostic achievement tests,
and cognitive information-processing tests. At
your last appointment, we will discuss the
results of your LD assessment: your academic
and cognitive strengths and weaknesses,
whether you meet the CCC Chancellor’s Office
criteria for a learning disAbility (plus appropriate
DSPS accommodations), and recommendations
for academic support and educational/career
planning. Your results are 100% private.

Do You Struggle with. . .
Ohlone College
Ohlone Community College District
43600 Mission Boulevard
Fremont, CA 94539
(510) 659-6000
Needing more time for
reading or tests?
For more Information, please contact:
DisAbled Students Programs & Services (DSPS)
Fremont Campus
Student Services Center, Building 7
Second Floor, Room 7217
Passing English or Math?
Listening and taking notes
at the same time?
Some of these can be difficult for
students with a learning disAbility; and
can be “red flags” for an evaluation.
Phone: (510) 659-6456
FAX: (510) 979-7401
Email: dsps@ohlone.edu
Website: http://www.ohlone.edu/org/dsps/
Please let us know if . . .
You are not currently enrolled at Ohlone.
You have a history of Special Education or
Resource help in grades K-12.
You have or are receiving ongoing care by a
doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist for
a current or chronic medical condition.
Printed 9/2012
Learning DisAbilities
Services
at
Ohlone College
“Opening Doors & Creating Access
for Students to Succeed.”
Diane Cheney, MS, NBCC
Learning DisAbilities Specialist (Cert. #01435)
DisAbled Students Programs & Services (DSPS)
Student Services Center, Fremont Campus