Faculty & Staff Resources

 

Department/Service	Phone	Email
Student Health Center	(760)355- 6310	shcfrontdesk@imperial.edu
Human Resources	(760) 355-6295	athena.chavez@imperial.edu
DSPS	(760) 355-6434	dsps@imperial.edu
Campus Safety	(760) 355-6436	valerie.hudson@imperial.edu
EOPS	(760) 355-6407	Ivc.eops@imperial.edu
Financial Aid	(760) 355-6266	contact.finaid@imperial.edu
Student Equity & Achievement – Housing	(760) 355-6247	equity@imperial.edu

The Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP) is developed for each student registered with the Disability Support Program & Services (DSPS) at Imperial Valley College. It is the result of an interactive process between the student and a DSPS Counselor or certificated staff member. The AAP outlines the academic accommodation, auxiliary aids, services, and/or instructional support a student needs to ensure equal access to their education. 

Accommodation is individualized and based on verified documentation of a student’s disability and the resulting educational limitations. 

Examples of Approved Academic Accommodations 

• Assistive Technology 
• Adaptive Computer Equipment – Loaned devices to support students’ access needs 
• Adaptive Software – Tools like Kurzweil 3000, JAWS, and ZoomText 
• Alternative Media 
• Alternative Formats – Course materials in Braille, large print, and electronic text (E-text) 
• Testing Accommodations 
• Extended Time on Exams 
• Reduced Distraction Testing Environment 
• Use of Readers, Scribes, or Magnifiers 
• Screen Readers 
• Lecture & Note-taking Support 
• Audio Recorders – Available for checkout 
• Note Taking Assistance – Peer notes copy, transcription from captioning, OtterAI, or Smart Pen loans 
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services 
• Sign Language Interpreters 
• Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) 
• Real-Time Captioning 
• Closed Captioning for Media 
• Classroom Environment Accommodations 
• Preferential Seating – Strategic seating placement for disability-related needs 
• Self-Directed Breaks – Short, non-disruptive breaks during class 
• Ergonomic Furniture or Seating Supports -Some students may bring in or be provided with special seating or back support for comfort and focus. 
• Transportation Assistance – On-campus transportation support 

Other Accommodations 

Additional accommodation may be available based on a student’s verified disability and individual needs. All accommodation is determined through documentation review and an interactive discussion with a DSPS Counselor. 

DSPS uses the Starfish platform to notify instructors when a student has been approved for academic accommodation. These notifications are an essential part of ensuring students receive timely and appropriate support in the classroom. 

What to Expect 

• Faculty will receive an email from notices@starfishsolutions.com. 
• The subject line will read: Faculty Notification of Accommodation. 
• The email will prompt you to login to Starfish, where faculty can view accommodation details for each student. 
• How to View Student Accommodation 

How to Access Student Accommodations 

Instructors may access accommodation information by: 

• Clicking the link provided in the Starfish email notification, or 
• Logging in through the IVC Single Sign-On Portal and selecting the Starfish tab. 

Once logged in, instructors can: 

• View a list of students enrolled in their courses who have approved accommodation. 
• Review the specific accommodation approved for each student. 

Types of Accommodations You May See 

Some examples of accommodations that may appear in Starfish include: 

• Online Extended Time (1.5x) for quizzes, and exams.  
• Test Proctoring (1.5x or other time adjustments) – separate email will follow with upload instructions.  
• OtterAI (Speech-to-Text Software) – provided by DSPS 
• Kurzweil 3000 (Text-to-Speech Software) – provided by DSPS 
• Furniture Accommodation – specialized seating requested 

Instructor Responsibilities 

• Review accommodation notifications promptly. 
• Implement accommodation in a timely manner. 
• Contact DSPS with any questions or concerns about implementing students’ accommodations. 

Need Help? 

If you need assistance viewing the accommodation notifications in Starfish or have questions about implementing specific accommodation, please contact the DSPS office: 

📞 Phone: (760) 355-6312    📧 Email: dsps@imperial.edu 

Faculty will receive a Test Proctoring (TP) Notification if a student has requested to take their exam with DSPS as part of their approved accommodations. Please upload exams as soon as possible to ensure proper coordination. 

When will you be notified?  

You will only receive a TP Notification if: 

• The student has test proctoring accommodations, and 
• The student has submitted a test proctoring request form to DSPS 

 

How to Upload the Exam 

You may upload the exam using any of the following methods: 

1. Via the Email Notification Link 
   • Click the secure link in the test proctoring email you received from noreply@imperial.edu 
   • This link directs you to the DSPS Test Upload form 
2. Via the DSPS Website 
   • Visit: www.imperial.edu/dsps 
   • Click on the “Instructor Test Upload” button located on the DSPS homepage 
3. Via TeamDynamix 
   • Log in to the IVC TeamDynamix Portal 
   • Navigate to: DSPS → Instructor Test Upload 

 

Important Reminders 

• Please include exam instructions directly in the upload form (e.g., time limit, allowed materials), rather than sending them in a separate email. 
• Upload one file per student if exam versions vary. 
• If your exam is handwritten or not in digital format, you can drop off a copy at DSPS Office, Bldg. 2900.  
• Contact Alt Media Specialist if you need help converting the exam into an accessible format. Phone: (760) 355-6406, Email: jeremy.wyatt@imperial.edu 

To support equal access for students with disabilities, DSPS provides a variety of assistive technologies that may be used in the classroom. These tools are approved based on the students documented disability-related needs and are listed in their Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP). 

Below are examples of DSPS-supported technology you may observe in your class: 

Assistive Technology Commonly Used by DSPS Students 

 OtterAI (Speech-to-Text) 

• A speech recognition tool that transcribes spoken words into real-time text. 
• Students may use their personal device or phone to record and view transcripts. 

 Smart Pens (e.g., Livescribe) 

• Records audio as students write notes. 
• Allow students to replay lectures by tapping on their notes. 

Kurzweil 3000 (Text-to-Speech Software) 

• Reads digital and scanned materials aloud. 
• Used on personal laptops or DSPS loaner devices. 

 FM Systems or Personal Microphones 

• For students who are hard of hearing, the instructor may be asked to wear a small microphone connected to the student’s hearing device. 

Recording Devices 

• Digital or phone-based recorders approved for lecture capture. 
• Used for personal study and review (not for sharing). 

Mobile Devices and Laptops 

• Students may use these to access assistive software, take notes, or read using screen readers or magnification tools. 

 

Instructor Tips 

• These tools are approved accommodations and are not optional for students who qualify. 
• You are not responsible for operating the devices—students are trained by DSPS. 
• If you have questions or concerns about the use of technology in your classroom, please contact DSPS directly. 

 

Creating an inclusive classroom benefits all students, including those with disabilities. At Imperial Valley College, we encourage faculty to implement universal design principles and inclusive strategies to support student success and accessibility. 

What Is an Inclusive Classroom? 

An inclusive classroom is one where: 

• All students feel welcomed, respected, and valued 

• Course materials, teaching methods, and assessments are accessible to a diverse range of learners 

• Flexibility is built into the design of instruction to accommodate different learning needs 

 

Inclusive Practices for Faculty 

Here are practical ways to foster an inclusive and accessible learning environment: 

1. Design Accessible Course Materials
   • Use clear fonts, high color contrast, and alt text for all images 
   • Ensure PDFs and documents are screen-reader friendly 
   • Caption all videos and provide transcripts when possible 

2. Encourage Clear Communication
   • Provide a detailed syllabus with course expectations and due dates 
   • Clearly state office hours and preferred contact methods 
   • Repeat key points verbally and in writing 

3. Use Multiple Teaching Methods

• Combine lectures, visual aids, discussions, and hands-on activities 
• Record lectures or provide outlines when possible 
• Allow for varied ways to demonstrate understanding (e.g., presentations, written work, projects) 

4. Be Flexible When Appropriate

• Understand that disability-related issues may occasionally impact attendance or deadlines 
• Incomplete or late withdrawals in the event of prolonged illness or mid-semester hospitalization 

5. Promote a Supportive Environment

• Avoid singling out students with accommodations 
• Normalize the use of support services and accommodations 
• Encourage students to reach out early for help or clarification

Faculty plays a vital role in implementing accommodation and promoting equity in the classroom.  

DSPS is here to support you with: 

• Guidance on how to apply accommodations 
• Resources for accessible instructional materials 

Referring Students to DSPS 

Faculty and staff play a vital role in connecting students with the support they need to succeed. If you believe a student may benefit from accommodation or support due to a disability, we encourage you to refer them to the Disability Support Program & Services (DSPS) at Imperial Valley College. 

 

When to Refer a Student 

Consider referring a student to DSPS if they: 

• Disclose a physical, psychological, or learning disability 
• Appear to be struggling due to health condition, trauma, or mental health concern 
• Having difficulty with reading, writing, memory, or processing information 
• Frequently missing class due to medical or mental health reasons 
• Use assistive devices (e.g., hearing aids, wheelchairs, screen readers) and may need accommodations 
• Ask for classroom modifications, extended time, or note-taking assistance 

 

How to Refer a Student 

1. Talk to the Student Privately
   • Express your concern in a respectful and supportive way 
   • Let them know that IVC has resources to help them succeed
2. Provide DSPS Contact Information
   • You may say:“I want to make sure you’re aware of the DSPS office. They support students with temporary or permanent disabilities and can help you access accommodations and resources.” 
3. Share Our Contact Info and Website 
   •  Email: dsps@imperial.edu 
   •  Phone: (760) 355-6434 
   • Office Location: Building 2900 
4. Submit a Starfish Referral 
   • You can use the Starfish referral system to flag a student for DSPS support. 
   • Choose the “DSPS Referral” reason under the available tracking items. 
   • A DSPS staff member will follow up with the student directly. 

 

Important Notes 

• DSPS is a voluntary program. A student must initiate services by completing an application and providing documentation. 
• Do not ask students about their diagnosis. Simply encourage them to explore available support. 
• Referrals should be made in a private, nonjudgmental, and supportive manner. 

 

We are here to help!  

If you have questions about referring a student, need to consult on a situation, or would like outreach materials for your classroom or department, please contact us. 

Email: dsps@imperial.edu    Phone: (760) 355-6434  

 

Contact the Student Health Center- Mental Health Services or  if you have noticed a student’s change in behavior, increased absences you can submit a Student of Concern form and a Mental Health Counselor will reach out to the student.  

• Who to Contact for Support: 
  • Your division’s DSPS Faculty Liaisons  
  • DSPS Office for referrals and guidance 

• [Apply for DSPS Services] 
• [Schedule a DSPS Counseling Appointment] 
• [Report Discrimination or Harassment] 
• [Local and Community Resources]