
Student DSS Resources
Mission Statement
Disability Support Services (DSS) values the diversity of students with disabilities at Cypress College and is committed to providing equitable access to classes, programs, services, and activities. Using a comprehensive approach, we promote success and facilitate learning by collaborating with students to develop accommodation plans that meet their individual needs and respect their life experiences and abilities. We work in partnership with faculty and staff to design inclusive learning environments and opportunities while championing student independence and self-advocacy. We strive to impact positive change in the Cypress College and surrounding communities.
Announcements
Homework Assistance and Tutoring
Homework assistance and tutoring are available to currently registered DSS students. Visit the Student DSS Resources page and click on the Homework Assistance and Tutoring buttons for available days/times.
Request Your Accommodation Letters
Remember to send your accommodation letters to your instructors after you enroll in your courses. Use your Charger Access Student Portal to request them.
DSS Canvas Website
Enroll in the DSS Canvas website to find out what’s happening across campus and to learn about campus resources.
Charger Lift
Need a lift? Campus Safety provides free on-campus transportation for students with permanent or temporary physical disabilities. Call Campus Safety for a ride at (714) 484-7387.
LD Assessment Screening
To be assessed for a learning disability, students must first complete the LD Screening form. Please do not complete this form if you are a current DSS student or have another disability, disorder, syndrome, or disease that may qualify for your services. Eligibility for LD assessment is determined by the LD Specialist.
Student Health and Wellness Resources
Charger Assessment Team (ChAT)
Are you concerned about your well-being or that of another Cypress College student?
If you know someone in distress and in need of assistance with anxiety, depression, food/housing insecurity, or overall mental health, submit a referral to ChAT. Click on “Concerning Behavior” and complete the referral form.
The Health Center provides physical and mental health services and offers an array of health resources. Visit the Health Center or call (714) 484-7361 to access services or for more information.
Crisis hotline, Local Hotlines, National Hotlines, and Mental Health Low-Cost Counseling
If you are struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988.
In a life-threatening emergency or urgent need for assistance, call 911 or Campus Safety at (714) 484-7387.
DSS Voter Registration
Under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1992, DSS is an agency-based registration site. DSS provides students with voter registration applications and the opportunity to become registered voters. Register to vote now.
Guides, Handbooks, and Forms
Procedures and Guidelines
- DSS Complaint Resolution Procedures
- DSS Remote Testing Procedure for Students
- Guidelines for Service Animals
- How to Register for Classes
Academic Support
DSS Homework and Study Assistance
Fall 2024
Homework and study help (1/2 hour sessions) is available to currently-registered DSS students.
Day | Time | Location |
Mondays through Thursdays | 11 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. | DSS Computer Lab |
DSS Tutoring
Spring 2024
Math and English tutoring sessions (1/2 hour) are available to currently registered DSS students.
Subject | Day and Time | Location |
Math (stats, algebra, calculus) | Tuesdays, 2:30 –5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 12–3 p.m. Thursdays, 1:30–5:30 p.m. | DSS Computer Lab |
English | Mondays, 2–5:45 p.m. Tuesdays, 2–5:45 p.m. Wednesdays, 2–5 p.m. Thursdays, 2–5:45 p.m. | DSS Computer Lab |
Cypress College Learning Resource Center (LRC)
California Students — Online Tutoring and Homework Help
Online Tutoring
Free 24/7 online tutoring and homework help for California students.
Alternate Media, Inclusive Technology, and High Tech Center
Alternate Media Applications
Title | Platform | Description | Price |
Fusion | Windows | JAWS and ZoomText combo | Free to Cypress College students registered with DSS and taking classes. |
Kurzweil 3000 / 1000 | Windows/MAC Standalone and web versions | E-text reader, comprehensive study tool (Scan, Read, Write) | Free to Cypress College students registered with DSS and taking classes. |
JAWS | Windows | Screen reader | On-site license. Free to Cypress College students registered with DSS and taking classes. |
ZoomText | Windows | Magnification | On-site license free to Cypress College students registered with DSS and taking classes. |
Inclusive Technology
Mobile Apps
Title | Platform | Description | Price |
Seeing AI | iPhone/iPad | Reads text from camera, identifies product barcodes Recognizes currency | Free |
Be My Eyes | iOS/Android | Allows blind/low vision individuals to receive assistance through someone via a video call | Free |
Voice Dream Reader | iPhone/iPad | Can read and highlight text from various file types (DOCS,PDF,TXT) Can also scan in documents with optional Scanner app. | Paid |
BlindSquare | iOS | Helps users navigate areas and identify points of interest | $39.99 |
Talkback | Android | Screen Reader built into Android phone | Built in accessibility feature |
VoiceOver | iOS | Screen Reader built into iPhone | Built in accessibility feature |
Web/Mobile App Resources
Title | Platform | Description | Price |
Natural Reader | Windows/MAC/iOS/Google | Reads content from the web | Free/paid for advanced features |
Equatio | Windows/MAC/iOS/Android | Math equation creator | Paid |
Read Aloud | Google Chrome | Web based text reader | Free |
Accessible Periodic Table | Windows | Works with screen reading software | Free |
Otter Web Based Notaking | Windows/iOS Compatible with MAC, must use Chrome browser | Record lecture, auto-generates text transcription of lecture, insert comments/pictures into notes | Free(300 min per month), Paid (6,000 min per month) |
Glean Notetaking App | Windows/iOS Compatible with MAC, Chrome browser recommended | Record lecture, transcription available after recording, insert Power Point slides (web only), | Various pricing/plan options |
Notability | iOS and Mac OS | Record lectures, allows for annotation of PDF’s | Free to Paid options |
Helperbird | Chrome extension & iOS app | Helps to make web content more accessible. Includes fonts for Dyslexia | Free to Paid options |
Cypress College High Tech Center in DSS
All students who are registered with DSS have access to our High Tech computer lab during normal business hours. All computers are equipped with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Reader. Adaptive software/hardware is also available. This includes:
- Zoomtext Screen Magnification
- JAWS Screen Reading
- Kurzweil 1000
- Kurzweil 3000 (student account login)
- Scanners
- Mini-Keyboards
- CCTV