DSPS FAQs

Please contact DSPS by phone (661) 395-4334 or via email dspsdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu to get more information on how to provide your documentation. The DSPS office has transitioned to an online environment and this means all documentation will need to be provided electronically.

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All counseling and advising meetings have moved to a virtual environment. ConferZoom links will be emailed to you after your appointment has been confirmed by a DSPS staff member. Your virtual appointment can be completed through video or with audio only.

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You will receive a copy of your accommodation's checklist in your ConferZoom meeting with your counselor. If you need another copy at a later time, you can contact the DSPS front desk office at (661) 395-4334 or visit the DSPS Virtual Lobby.

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After reviewing the DSPS website and this FAQ, if you have additional questions please contact the DSPS staff at (661) 395-4334, email the DSPS office at dspsdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu, or visit the DSPS Virtual Lobby via zoom

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If you have a tape recorder checked out for the semester, please hold onto the equipment during the transition to a virtual environment. When we transition back to a face-to-face environment, please bring it into the DSPS front office. Any students who have not returned equipment that has not been returned within the two weeks will begin to receive phone calls reminding them to return the equipment or complete paperwork to check it out for another semester.

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If you are a student encountering accessibility issues, please contact Frank Lizarde by phone at (661) 395-4590 or email altmedia@bakersfieldcollege.edu. If you are faculty and have questions on how to create an accessible virtual classroom, please contact Academic Technology.

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Accommodations such as alternate media, scribes, extra tutoring time, and accommodated testing will still be available in a virtual environment. To access each accommodation, please contact the necessary department. You can refer to the DSPS Website for contact information.

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All videos must be closed-captioned and captions should be accurate. Automatic captions need to be reviewed and edited for accuracy. Course materials need to be accessible for students with disabilities. If faculty need assistance with this, please contact Academic Technology. Zoom meeting invite links need to be sent to mbegendi@bakersfieldcollege.edu for students who are Deaf or to dspsdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu for students using scribe services.

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To apply for services, you must complete DSPS Packet Request Form. The BC DSPS New Student Packet will be sent to you automatically via email. In the email you will click the blue BC DSPS New Student Packet link and begin typing in your information, this packet does not need to be printed. Once you have completed all the requested fields, at the bottom of the page, you will be asked to provide your email address. Go and check your email, you will receive a message from Adobe Sign, in that email, there will be a Confirm your signature link. You must click that link to confirm your signature and have your electronic packet sent back to DSPS. The DSPS will then review your packet and request verifying documentation of your disability. Examples of verifying documentation will be provided in an email along with instructions on how to submit your document via Kern File Express. If you have additional questions please contact the DSPS staff at (661) 395-4334, email dspsdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu, or visit the DSPS Virtual Lobby via zoom.

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DSPS applications are electronic and will be sent back to the DSPS office after you have confirmed your signature via email. During the office's transition to a virtual environment, please allow up to two (2) business days to receive a phone call or email from the DSPS staff regarding your application.

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Once your emailed documentation has been received and reviewed, you will receive a phone call from the DSPS staff to schedule an appointment. Please allow two (2) business days to receive this phone call.

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Once you have spoken to a DSPS staff member and made an appointment with a DSPS counselor, you will receive an email link with an invitation to a ConferZoom meeting or a phone appointment. The day before your DSPS counselor meeting you will receive a call to confirm you have received this invitation.

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On the day of your appointment, it is suggested you access your ConferZoom meeting at least five minutes before your scheduled appointment. The DSPS Office will continue to enforce the 15-minute rule. If you have not logged into your ConferZoom meeting within 15 minutes of your scheduled appointment time, the DSPS counselor will end your meeting. You will then need to contact the DSPS staff by phone or email to reschedule your appointment.

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Once you have completed your appointment with your DSPS counselor and received your accommodations, you will contact the following individuals as needed.

For Alternate Media (e-text and/or audio) questions:

Frank Lizarde, Alternative Media Specialist
Phone: (661) 395-4590
Email: francisco.lizarde@bakersfieldcollege.edu

For Scribe or Assistive Technology questions:

Disabled Student Programs and Services
Phone: (661) 395-4219
Email: dspsdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu

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If you are a new student to DSPS and are using alt media services for the first time, you must complete an intake appointment. To schedule your intake appointment, you will contact Frank Lizarde at (661) 395-4590 or altmedia@bakersfieldcollege.edu. This appointment can be completed through a ConferZoom meeting or over the phone.

If you are a returning student and have not already received an Alternate Media Request form through email, please contact the Alternative Media Specialist at (661) 395-4590 or francisco.lizarde@bakersfieldcollege.edu to request a form. You can print this form and complete by hand and scan or you can complete it online. To return your form, please attach your document to an email and send it to altmedia@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

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An in-office intake appointment is typically 30 minutes; however, this time varies by student. In supporting students from a distance, the 30-minute schedule will continue to be used. If additional time is needed, an additional appointment will be scheduled.

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If you have chosen to complete your intake appointment by ConferZoom meeting, you will receive the link the day before the appointment. It is advised you login to the ConferZoom meeting on the day of your appointment at least 5 minutes early. The alt media office will continue to enforce a 10-minute rule. If you have not logged into your ConferZoom meeting within 10 minutes of your appointment, your meeting will be ended, and you will need to reschedule your appointment. Missing an appointment will delay your alternate media requests.

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On the day of your appointment, you will be contacted by phone or through ConferZoom meeting. By email you will receive two (2) documents, the Alternate Media Policies & Procedures (P&P) document and the Alternate Media Request form. During your appointment we will review the Alternate Media P&P document, we will review your alternate media options and we will end the meeting with you agreeing to complete the Alternate Media Request form and submitting it back to us through email.

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Once you have submitted your Alternate Media Request form, the alternate media office will begin processing your requests. We will continue to work on a first come, first served basis, giving priority to blind and low vision students. During the campus transition to a virtual environment, the alternate media office cannot promise rapid turnaround. However, we will make every effort to keep the 10-business day rule like we do on campus. The alternate media office will continue to require proof of purchase to receive your requests. If you have any questions about this, contact the Alternative Media Specialist.

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During the transition to a virtual environment, the TAPC staff will continue to develop ways to support students from a distance. However, please understand it will be your responsibility to control your environment and ensure there are no distractions at the location which you choose to take your exam.

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Instructors will now be responsible for providing extra testing time in an online format. You will need to be sure to email your professor your accommodations checklist so they can provide you with the correct amount of time. If you are having any problems or concerns with extended time, contact the DSPS office at (661) 395-4334.

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Be sure to keep in close contact with the Alternative Media Specialist to use alternative media for online exams. Your Kurzweil account will be used to read these exams. However, there will be an extra step. Your specialist can provide you instructions on how to use the Kurzweil Read the Web feature.

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See the Writing Center page for getting writing help and the BC tutoring page for direction getting help for various classes.

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If you still require the scribe to do the notes for you, then yes. You will be able to obtain the notes from the scribe. However, the notes will all be given in electronic format due to communication being strictly online. If you have a certain format that you would like your notes in, please communicate that to the scribe and/or the Accommodations Specialist.

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You will contact your scribe just as you have been contacting them throughout the semester. You are to keep in contact through texting and/or email. If either one is unable to reach the other, the Accommodations Specialist will help with the communication. If you have any further contact issues, please contact the Accommodations Specialist at scribes@bakersfieldcollege.edu or at (661) 395-4334.

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If you have questions about getting a job, please email the Workability staff:

Denise Crawford, Program Manager: dcrawfor@bakersfieldcollege.edu

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If you have questions about applying for DOR services, visit DOR website (dor.ca.gov) or email Rudy Gutierrez at rugutier@bakersfieldcollege.edu or Denise Crawford at dcrawfor@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

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The Deaf Services Video Phone, Email, and voice phone are still great ways to contact Deaf Services. They will all work, even if in-person or on campus meetings are not available. In addition, a new text message number has been established. ConferZoom office hours and meeting rooms will also be available. Contact Deaf Services to schedule a Confer Zoom meeting.

Video Phone: (661) 369-8826

Email: mbegendi@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Text: (661) 379-0288

Voice Phone: (661) 395-4296

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Contact the main DSPS office by phone at (661) 395-4334 or email at dspsdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu. They will be able to assist you and have access to ASL/English interpreters.

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Your instructor will be able to give you specific information about how your class will continue. At a minimum you should know how to access your Canvas. Many classes will also be utilizing ConferZoom. Deaf Services will be sending out some information videos in ASL as well as some quick tutorials to show you some useful tools in ConferZoom. Be sure to check your BC Email and contact Michelle Begendik in Deaf Services if you need assistance.

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Yes, if you need an interpreter you will still have an interpreter. BC is working to ensure accommodations remain in place and are effective. Interpreters will be able to join classes in ConferZoom and interpret for the instructor and you just as they do during in-person courses.

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It's really simple. An interpreter will join the ConferZoom class meeting and you can pin their video to the screen and adjust the size. Deaf Services is working on a tutorial video to show a few useful tips that Deaf students might find useful. You can also contact Deaf Services to schedule a ConferZoom meeting to discuss some tips and tricks.

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Yes, Interpreters will be available through email and ConferZoom to provide ASL interpretation of any writing prompts of assignment instruction that you need. Contact Deaf Services to make an appointment with an interpreter.

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Contact the Deaf Services office to discuss your interpreting needs and they will assist you in making arrangements.

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Your instructor can assign extended time on tests and quizzes that you take online. If your accommodations include extended time be sure to inform your teacher prior to the exam. Give faculty advanced notice to ensure they make the changes in Canvas. If needed you can also contact the Deaf Services Coordinator for assistance.

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Visit the BC Tutoring page under the tab Online Tutoring. Deaf Services can arrange for an interpreter for your appointments. Contact Deaf Services to make arrangements for an interpreter.

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You can speak with your teacher regarding your accommodations checklist or reach out to the Deaf Services Coordinator for assistance.

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Deaf Services will be available to assist you with registration. Michelle Begendik can meet with you remotely to complete required paperwork and assist with registration. Using technology like the videophone, ConferZoom and email, we are able to provide services in ASL, spoken English or written English.

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