Where we foster excellence in education that challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character, and abilities; to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals; and to be responsive to the greater community.
As a college student you are responsible for your education. As a student with a disability or medical condition entering postsecondary education, you are responsible for knowing your rights and how they are addressed. Please read the following frequently asked questions to better understand the Disability Services policy at Imperial Valley College (IVC).
DSP&S can provide academic accommodation for pregnant students. DSP&S can help students determine what accommodations are appropriate for their situation and act as a liaison between the student and faculty. To request accommodation, students should:
Some examples of accommodation that may be available include frequent bathroom breaks, seating modifications, and permission to eat or drink in class.
Check-in with the DSP&S front desk and they will take you to the lactation room. You may reserve the days and times when you plan to use the room, so let DSP&S know your schedule.
While both Title IX and Section 504 aim to protect against discrimination, Title IX specifically addresses discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy, meaning it directly protects pregnant students from unequal treatment in education, while Section 504 only protects against discrimination based on a "disability," which typically wouldn't include pregnancy unless complications arise that substantially limit major life activities; essentially, Title IX offers broader protection for pregnant students in most situations compared to Section 504.
Title IX – Pregnancy & Related Conditions
Protects students from discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions.
Pregnancy itself does not need to be considered a disability for Title IX protections to apply.
May provide reasonable modifications such as breaks, access to water, seating changes, schedule adjustments, and medically necessary pregnancy-related absences.
Addresses access and protections related to pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery.
Students should contact the college's Title IX office/coordinator regarding pregnancy-related modifications and protections.
DSP&S – Disability Accommodations
Provides accommodation for students with a qualifying disability or medical condition.
Pregnancy alone does not automatically qualify a student for DSPS services.
May provide disability-related accommodations such as extended testing time, ergonomic/furniture accommodations, assistive technology, or other individualized supports, when appropriate.
May apply when a pregnancy-related medical condition results in a disability and the student meets DSPS eligibility requirements.
Students seeking disability accommodation should contact DSPS to discuss eligibility and accommodations.
No. Accessible parking is available in accordance with the California state and federal regulations. Students are required to follow all appropriate regulations and to have a DP Placard permit visible when parked in an accessible or handicapped space while on campus. Violation of these regulations can result in fines and/ or towing of vehicles. Accessible parking is accessed on a first-come, first-served basis. Any student wishing to address accessible parking issues should contact the Parking Control Department at 760-355-6308.
Accommodation is determined individually based on a student’s disability or medical condition and specific needs. Accommodation is intended to provide equal access to educational opportunities and may include extended testing time, a separate or reduced-distraction testing setting, note-taking support, recording devices, sign language interpreters, and assistive technology. Accommodation does not change the essential requirements, content, or standards of a course or exam. IVC is not required to provide accommodations that would fundamentally alter a program or activity or create an undue financial or administrative burden. Postsecondary institutions are also generally not required to provide personal services or devices, such as personal attendants, individually prescribed devices, tutoring, or other services of a personal nature.
It is the student’s responsibility to identify their need for disability-related services, as IVC is not required to automatically identify students with disabilities or assess their accommodation needs.
To get started you will need to:
This process can begin as soon as you have decided to attend classes at IVC, prior to the beginning of the semester, or as early in the semester as possible to ensure that DSP&S has enough time to review your request and provide the appropriate accommodation.
Yes. Students with disabilities may receive reasonable accommodation for placement tests. Students must first establish eligibility for services with DSP&S and be approved for the appropriate testing accommodations. Once accommodation has been approved, students may contact the DSPS Specialist at 760-355-6312 for assistance with coordinating their placement test accommodations.
Yes, you will have to complete the DSPS Online application and provide verifying documentation for example, an IEP, 504 Plan or the eligibility verification form.
If you are an IVC DSP&S student enrolled in a California Virtual Campus (CVC) course taught by another California Community College, you must request accommodation directly from the Disability/Accessibility Services office at the college teaching the course.
Your IVC DSPS accommodation does not automatically transfer to the teaching college. Students are responsible for contacting the teaching college and completing its process for requesting accommodation. We recommend contacting the teaching college as early as possible to allow sufficient time for accommodation to be reviewed and implemented.
If you need accommodation for your CVC exchange course at IVC, contact DSP&S Office.
After submitting the DSPS online application and verifying documentation DSP&S will review your request to help determine appropriate accommodation. It is important to remember that IVC is not required to alter academic requirements as an accommodation for a disability or medical condition. If you have requested specific accommodation, it may be approved, but if not, DSP&S will work with you to identify an appropriate alternative.
Notify DSP&S as soon as possible if your accommodation does not meet your needs or is not being provided as expected. Waiting until the course or activity has ended may limit DSP&S’s ability to address the concern. DSP&S will work with you to review the concern and determine appropriate next steps. If you would like to discuss or update your accommodation, you may schedule an appointment with a DSP&S Counselor.
No. Furthermore, IVC may not charge students with disabilities or medical conditions more for participating in its programs or activities than it charges students without a disability or medical condition.
Students are encouraged to contact DSP&S as soon as possible regarding concerns about disability, accommodation, services, or access. Students may submit the DSP&S Accessibility Concern & Complaint Form or contact the DSP&S Director for assistance.
Students may also contact the Office of Student Affairs regarding the College's Student Complaint process. Additional information and complaint resources are available on the DSP&S Discrimination / Resources webpage.
Students with disabilities or medical conditions are encouraged to understand their rights and responsibilities and take an active role in their education. DSP&S is here to support you in accessing your courses, programs, and college activities.
We encourage students to:
Civil Rights Information
For additional information about the civil rights of students with disabilities in educational settings, contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR):
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
Phone: 1-800-421-3481
https://www.ojp.gov/program/civil-rights-office/filing-civil-rights-complaint
