Disability Belongs Resources

Key Concepts

Access is a shared responsibility that requires every employee to recognize and respond promptly to accessibility needs, protect student privacy, and connect students with appropriate resources. By implementing accommodations and collaborating with Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS), we help ensure all students can fully participate and succeed.

Additional Resources

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II

  U.S. Department of Justice regulations outlining accessibility and nondiscrimination responsibilities for state and local governments.

• ADA Title II Web and Mobile Accessibility Rule

  U.S. Department of Justice information about accessibility requirements for public entities' websites and mobile applications, including applicable compliance timelines.

• Section 504 and Postsecondary Education

  U.S. Department of Education guidance explaining the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities and postsecondary institutions.

• SDCCD Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS)

  San Diego Community College District information about disability-related services, accommodations, specialized support, and campus resources.

Key Concepts

Accessibility removes barriers proactively for everyone, while accommodations provide individualized, reactive support for disability-related needs.

UDL (Universal Design for Learning) builds flexibility into learning by providing multiple ways to engage, access information, and demonstrate learning.

Additional Resources

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

  WCAG is organized around the four principles of Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).

• How to Meet WCAG Guidelines: Quick Reference

  A practical reference for accessibility requirements, techniques, and implementation guidance.

• CAST Universal Design for Learning Guidelines

  Current UDL guidance for designing learning environments that support learner variability and multiple ways of engaging with learning.

• SDCCD Accessibility Resource Hub (ARH)

  Your central resource for creating accessible and inclusive learning and working environments in SharePoint.

  • Canvas Accessibility Guides in the ARH
• Employee Accommodation Process

  Employees can complete the Job Accommodation Process through Employee Relations.

Key Concepts

Ableism and bias can create barriers for people with disabilities, often through assumptions or practices that unintentionally exclude. Recognize individual differences, avoid assumptions, and focus on creating respectful, inclusive environments.

SDCCD Disability Belongs Student Stories

• Mary Mendoza's Story
• John Loewenberg's Story
• Jessica Ramos-Bahena's Story
• Rosalba Sanchez's Story

Disability Culture and Ableism Resources

• Diversability | @diversability on Instagram

  Diversability is a community of people with disabilities (and the people who support us), on a mission to elevate disability pride, together.

• Sins Invalid | @sinsinvalid on Instagram

  Sins Invalid is a disability justice-based movement building and performance project that celebrates disabled people, centering and led by disabled Black, Indigenous, and people of the global majority, and queer, trans, and nonbinary disabled people.

• Affect the Verb | @affecttheverb on Instagram

  A disability-led organization that promotes disability justice, community care, and collective action through education, advocacy, and creative programming.

• Tiffany Yu | @imtiffanyyu on Instagram

  A disability advocate, entrepreneur, and speaker who advances disability inclusion, representation, and leadership through storytelling and community building.

Key Concept

Every employee has a responsibility to recognize potential barriers to student access and take action to connect students with appropriate support. This means responding with care, respecting privacy, and making timely referrals without assumptions or judgments about a student's needs or circumstances.

On Campus Support

• DSPS: Coordinates accommodations and services that provide equal access for students with disabilities, including students in workforce programs.
• Basic Needs: Connect students to resources such as food, housing, childcare, mental health, financial assistance, and transportation.
• Career Services: Helps students explore careers, build job-search skills, and prepare for internships and employment.
• Mental Health: Offers counseling and mental health support for students experiencing personal, emotional, or psychological challenges.
• Student Health: Provides medical care, health education, and wellness services to support students' physical health.
• TimelyCare: Provides students with free 24/7 virtual basic needs support and medical and mental health care from licensed providers.
• Title IX: Supports students impacted by sex- or gender-based discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or relationship violence.

Key Concepts & Reminders

Students engage in an interactive accommodation process to verify eligibility and determine authorized accommodations. Employees and faculty are not responsible for approving, denying, altering, or verifying accommodations.

• DSPS determines and authorizes accommodations.
• Faculty and staff implement approved accommodations.
• SDCCD DSPS Contacts: DSPS and faculty work together to ensure approved accommodations are implemented and to resolve any questions or concerns.

How to Access DSPS Services

• SDCCD DSPS Contacts
• City College DSPS
• Mesa College DSPS
• Miramar College DSPS
• College of Continuing Education DSPS

On each of the college websites, you will find college-specific information about:

• Accommodation Process
• Faculty Responsibilities for Implementing Accommodations
• Testing / Alternative Testing Procedures
• Accessible Media / Alternate Format Procedures
• Interpreting and Captioning Services
• Assistive Technology
• Who to Contact When You Have Questions About an Accommodation