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Transitioning into Cal
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260 César Chávez Student Center #4250
Berkeley, CA 94720-4250
Phone: (510) 642-0518
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Transitioning into Cal: A Guide for New Students
> Managing Your Disability
Achieving Academic Goals
Get Peer Support

Stay in touch with your DSP Specialist

You can communicate with your DSP Specialist by email or you can make an appointment; call (510) 642-0518, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. You can also "drop in" to see your Specialist. The Reception Desk will give you a list of DSP Specialists' drop-in hours.

Connie Chiba : cchiba@berkeley.edu
Aaron Cohen: acohen@berkeley.edu
Jim Gammon: jgammon@berkeley.edu
Haydee Gomez: hrgomez@berkeley.edu
Cathy Jay: cxjdsp@berkeley.edu
Randy Jordan: rjordan@berkeley.edu
Abby Tilden: atilden@berkeley.edu

Request accommodation letters

  1. Early in the term (or even before it begins) go online (dsp.berkeley.edu) to request your accommodation letters.
  2. Email messages will advise your instructors that we are requesting accommodations for you, and instructors will be able to read the full text of accommodation letters online. (You may also choose to hand-deliver your accommodation letters.)
  3. You should meet with your instructors during their office hours to discuss your accommodations and other disability-related needs.
  4. Check with instructors shortly before exams to be sure that accommodations will be provided.
  5. Consult your DSP Specialist immediately if you experience any problems with your accommodations.

Request auxiliary services

When you apply for your accommodation letters, don't forget to request needed auxiliary services that have been authorized for you. Use your note-takers, lab assistants, and other auxiliary services throughout the semester. Let us know if you have trouble finding an auxiliary services provider; we have a special student assistant who will help you.

Request a reduced course load

If you need to take fewer courses for disability-related reasons, you can request a "reduced course load letter" when you request your accommodation letters and auxiliary services. Take the letter to your college advisor. If you are on financial aid, leave an online note asking your Specialist to notify the Financial Aid Office about your reduced course load.

Explore assistive technology

The term "assistive technology" refers to ways of using technology (computer hardware and software, and other devices) to offset the effects of disabilities. DSP's Assistive Technology Specialist, can assess your assistive technology needs. She will demonstrate the hardware and software in the Assistive Technology Center (aka "The Cave") in Moffitt Library. She can also make recommendations about your purchase or adaptation of computer equipment for your private use.

Discuss your financial aid needs with the TRIO financial aid specialist

You may be eligible for disability-related funding, extension of semesters to receive financial aid, TRIO grant-in-aid for Pell grant recipients, or support from the Department of Rehabilitation.