Cal State Long Beach prides itself in the services that are available for the students. Disabled Student Services or DSS, is just one of the many that are available.
Although only a small fraction of the students make use of this service, it is one of the most important on campus.
- Peter Perbix
According to the 1998 DSS brochure, more than 1,300 students are assisted every semester by the programs available. The brochure also mentioned that since the establishment of DSS in 1975, more than 3,000 students with disabilities have been able to graduate with a four-year degree.
Support Services Coordinator, Peter Perbix, pointed out; "Disabled Student Services has provided many useful programs for the past 28 years, and will continue to do so with the help of an endowment fund from the state of California. Disabled Student Services is the only Service that is required by law to be provided on all University campuses."
For a disabled student to qualify for the programs available, the procedures are simple. Once admitted to the University, any student is eligible for services on campus. To receive benefits from DSS, Perbix said that, "any disability by legal documentation qualifies them" The DSS brochure outlines in greater detail the criteria necessary to receive DSS benefits.,
"Nobody is the same, and nobody has the same disability. That is why we treat everyone on an individual basis," said Perbix.
As listed in the DSS brochure, during their second semester, disabled students receive priority registration and assistance using the Voice Response Registration system. This allows much faster, easier registration and the guarantee of the classes needed.
Perbix and the DSS brochure both pointed out that DSS alleviates a lot of stress faced during exam time by providing services such as readers, writers, monitors, different testing area, or simply more time. DSS will also provide the paperwork needed, and aid in making the necessary arrangements with the instructor.
DSS can be put to work in the classroom. Note takers are available for students who are unable to take proper notes because of their disability. Readers are available for those who are visually impaired or have a learning disadvantage. Books are available on audio cassettes.
- Peter Perbix
For those students that are hearing impaired or deaf, DSS can provide an interpreter to go with the student to class. The interpreter works with the student doing sign language, or transcribing the notes. Perbix feels that whatever works best for the student, DSS will try to accommodate their needs.
Some students that have a severe physical disability require more attention. In these cases the brochure states that DSS can assist the students around campus by providing motorized units to make mobility around campus easier. DSS can also provide the student with educational and adaptive equipment along with tutorial help if the student requires it.
Perbix also stated, "The State of California has regulations of how accessible handicapped facilities should be, and updates them on a regular basis.
Perbix reported, "Disabled Student Services has recently moved into our new office spaces. Here we are more accessible to the students from anywhere on campus."
He added, "In the new offices, we have also received a new high tech computer lab that is designed to accommodate students with various disabilities."
Some of the new features that Perbix pointed out are; raised tables for wheel chairs, large on-screen displays, tutorial help, and audio/video cassettes.
Another service that the brochure and Perbix made reference to was that, DSS acts as a liaison between the students, organizations on campus and within the community. By acting as the middle man, DSS can eliminate or clarify any problems that the student may face.
Perbix also pointed out that DSS has close relations throughout the community which include the California State Department of Rehabilitation and independent living programs. By providing these services it lifts the burden from the student to concentrate on more important issues.
According to Perbix the Stephen Benson Learning Disability Program teams the students up with the Learning Assistance Center for assessments, academic and personal counseling.
In addition to the many services already mentioned, the brochure also said that students who are able to drive, but are in some way physically impaired, are supplied with a sticker for their car. This allows the students to park near the buildings, or in faculty parking.
"One of the more important services is the job placement service," Perbix said.
The Transition Program as stated in the brochure works hand-in-hand with the career center on campus and the California Department of Rehabilitation in the community to notify students of employment and internship opportunities. It also provides disabled alumnus information if they wish to continue use of the services. It will also help the students write their resumes and interviewing techniques.
The Roger Greaves Adapted Fitness and Wellness Center is another important service offered. This service provides an exercise regiment for the students, as well as providing physical therapy to those who need it.
The center will also teach the students the importance of good nutrition and how to maintain it, Perbix said.
If a student is in need of assistance because of disability, the Disabled Student Services is conveniently located in the Administration Building in Room 270. Disabled parking is available, and no appointments are necessary. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
For more information or if you have any questions about the programs available, one may contact DSS by telephone at (562) 985-5401.