Overview
Students with disabilities, permanent or temporary, are eligible to receive services through the Center for Students with Disabilities. CSD counselors recommend specific support services according to the disability.
Students with disabilities do not automatically receive services when they enroll at El Paso Community College. In order to access services, they must meet with a CSD counselor. The CSD counselor will clarify the process for enrolling as a student at El Paso Community College and for registering with the Center for Students with Disabilities. The CSD counselor will clarify what documentation students need and will guide them in how to obtain this documentation.
The first step in the process for requesting services is to schedule an intake interview with a CSD counselor. During this interview, the counselors give students information about services which will promote success in college. Students have an opportunity to discuss the implications of their disabilities. ALL VERIFICATION INFORMATION ABOUT STUDENTS' DISABILITIES IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.
Students receive an overview of class advising and accommodations. CSD counselors will discuss Federal Student Financial Aid and other possible funding alternatives, admissions, and testing. This initial visit with a counselor also provides an opportunity to discuss their college major and future career plans.
Mission
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The Center for Students with Disabilities provides students, regardless of disability, if otherwise qualified, an equal opportunity to complete their educational goal through the provision of accommodations based upon their individual disability.
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Philosophy
In keeping with the open-door philosophy of the El Paso Community College District, the Center for Students with Disabilities believes that all students, regardless of disability, should have the opportunity for and full access to personal, educational, and career development. The Center is committed to the provision of a continuum of services that assists students to reach their fullest potential. Full access to El Paso Community College programs and services is facilitated by providing support services to students with a wide range of disabilities.
The Center for Students with Disabilities serves as a focal point for integrating students with disabilities into the college community. The Center assists prospective students in choosing post secondary goals and planning strategies that will assist them in attaining these goals. Students with disabilities gain an enhanced measure of independence through developing new vocational skills and social competencies in the educational environment.
History
The Center for Students with Disabilities was established in 1979, in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A personalized case management model was established to provide counseling services to students who are registered with the Center for Students with Disabilities. CSD now serves students with disabilities at five campus sites: Valle Verde, Transmountain, Rio Grande, Northwest, and Mission del Paso. Each campus has an office where students can receive services and meet with their counselor.