Overview

Cerritos Community College District affirms its programs and activities are available to all qualified persons without regard to disability. The College is also subject to Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The primary objective of the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is to provide accommodations for students with a disability in campus programs and activities to the greatest extent feasible. The ability of each student with a disability to function independently in the collegiate environment is the ultimate goal. Inquiries regarding Student Accessibility Services or the District’s non-discrimination policy relative to Sections 504 and 508 should be directed to the Dean of Student Accessibility and Wellness Services.

Individuals with a disability may receive support services and instruction from Student Accessibility Services upon providing adequate documentation of their disability, unless the disability is one which can be observed and confirmed by a certificated faculty member or the dean in SAS. Students with mobility, visual, hearing, speech, psychological and other health impairments as well as learning and developmental disabilities are served. The student with a disability in attendance at Cerritos College must meet these levels of independence:

1. The ability to negotiate the campus facilities independently (or with the assistance of an attendant);
2. The ability to take care of personal needs (feeding, toileting) unassisted (or with the assistance of an attendant).

Please note: Cerritos College does not provide attendants. Students who need support getting around campus and attending to personal needs must make their own arrangements for a personal attendant to accompany them on campus. If an attendant's support is needed inside the classroom, students should request approval from SAS in advance to ensure the availability of adequate space and/or seating.

Applicants to SAS are provided with an initial interview, counseling, and referrals as needed. Non-classroom related assistance for qualified students includes matriculation support, registration assistance, academic and career counseling, disability management, assistive technology training, specialized educational support courses and liaison with instructors, other campus offices, and outside agencies such as Department of Rehabilitation. 

Class-related disability accommodations available to qualified students include note-taking support, in-class aides, sign language interpreters, real-time captioning, exam accommodations, textbooks in alternate formats, and use of specialized equipment. Eligibility for specific accommodations is determined on an individual basis at the time of the student's SAS intake or any time thereafter. Students are expected to take an active role in identifying potential barriers and requesting the supports needed to participate fully in the college setting.

High Tech Center

The High Tech Center (HTC) located in SAS provides instruction and technology support to students with disabilities. This includes training on the use of assistive technology software. The HTC also houses the Alternate Media Production Center, which produces textbooks and other course materials in alternate formats such as Braille, MP3, and e-text.

Testing Center

The SAS Testing Center is the location in SAS where eligible students with disabilities may arrange to take their exams with accommodations. Advance arrangements are required each time a student wishes to take their exam in the Testing Center to ensure adequate space and time to obtain exams.

For further information regarding any of the above services or to request an initial appointment contact SAS at (562) 860-2451 Ext. 2335; (562) 274-7164/VP; or visit our website at www.cerritos.edu/sas.