Disability Support Services

Message from the NOCE DSS Office

Welcome to North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) Disability Support Services (DSS) program! We are happy to have you as a student in our school, which is part of the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD).

Our DSS faculty and staff are here to support you as you work toward your educational, vocational, and personal goals. Disability Support Services (DSS) implements accommodations, academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, services, and instruction as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations that governs Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS, identified as DSS at NOCE).

NOCE’s DSS Department offers services and support that go beyond what the law requires to support student goals. DSS offers several instructional programs, including classes that support the development of basic academic, work, and independent living skills. Our workforce certificate programs are designed to develop pathways into noncredit career certificates, credit programs, and employment.

DSS has developed programs in collaboration with campus and community partners that support the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in higher education and competitive, integrated employment. These services include educational coaching, neurodiversity labs, workforce programs, mobility training, peer mentorship, and the district’s Inclusion Ally program.

We hope you find the following two references helpful:

• White Paper – Best Practices to Include Students with Disabilities in Higher Education as well as Postsecondary Programming Supporting Competitive, Integrated Employment
• Transition, A Conversation with Parents: A Guide for Individuals with Disabilities, their Parents, and the Professionals Dedicated to Serving Them, 1st Edition

Adam Gottdank, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Disability Support Services

Programs and Services

DSS Programs and Services can be categorized into three distinctive areas: Workforce, Inclusive Services, and Educational Assistance Classes. Although their purposes are different, there is some overlap. To learn more, refer to the links below.

Accommodations and Services

• Alternate Media, Assistive Technology, and Adaptive Furniture
• Classroom and Exam Accommodations
• Sign-Language Interpreting
• DSS Counseling
  

“Use of” Policies and Guidelines

• Use of Personal Service Assistant
• Use of Emotional Support Animal
• Use of Service Animal
• Student Guidelines