OSS at LACC Introduction

Summary

This video showcases the commitment of Los Angeles City College (LACC) to providing inclusive education and support for students with disabilities. It highlights the range of services offered by the Office of Special Services (OSS), from personalized academic accommodations to assistive technology. The video emphasizes the importance of equal opportunity, featuring students who have overcome challenges with the help of OSS, and how the college fosters success through tailored support. LACC's dedication to ensuring that all students, regardless of their needs, have the chance to succeed both academically and in life is central to its mission.

Takeaways

• 😀 Equality of opportunity must be pursued, even though equality of individual ability doesn't exist.
• 😀 Education should be accessible to anyone who wants to learn, and their success is the goal, both in college and in life.
• 😀 Los Angeles City College (LACC) is a diverse institution that strives for inclusion, particularly through the Office of Special Services (OSS).
• 😀 The OSS provides dedicated services for students with disabilities, ensuring that they have the tools to succeed academically and in life.
• 😀 There are various types of disabilities that LACC supports, including learning disabilities, speech and language disorders, physical disabilities, and attention deficit disorders.
• 😀 Many disabilities, especially learning disabilities, are invisible, making it crucial to provide accommodations to help affected students thrive.
• 😀 Accommodations at LACC may include extra time on tests, alternative seating arrangements, or assistive technologies, like audio recordings or larger text.
• 😀 The process of verifying a disability and arranging accommodations involves an intake process, including documentation from medical professionals.
• 😀 Universal design in education is key to accessibility, aiming to provide equal access to all students, regardless of their disabilities.
• 😀 Assistive technology, such as screen readers, magnification software, and braille conversion, plays a vital role in helping students with visual or other impairments succeed.
• 😀 With the right accommodations and support, students at LACC have been able to achieve academic success, including transfers to universities and professional careers.

Q & A

What is the main goal of Los Angeles City College (LACC) for its students?

The main goal of LACC is to provide education to anyone who wants to attend, ensuring equality of opportunity for all students and supporting their success not only in college but also in life.

What kind of diversity is emphasized at Los Angeles City College?

LACC is known for its diversity, particularly in serving students with disabilities, and strives towards academic excellence and inclusion for all students.

What role does the Office of Special Services (OSS) play at LACC?

The OSS is dedicated to serving students with disabilities, offering support to empower them to succeed academically and achieve their career or transfer goals.

What types of disabilities does the Office of Special Services cater to?

OSS serves students with a wide range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, speech and language disorders, physical disabilities, hearing impairments, blindness, attention deficit disorder, and more.

How does LACC support students with invisible disabilities?

LACC recognizes that invisible disabilities, such as learning disabilities or anxiety, may not be immediately apparent. The institution encourages students to seek help, providing tailored support to address their individual needs.

What are some common academic accommodations provided to students?

Accommodations include extra time for exams, quiet environments, priority seating, the use of assistive technology, and more, tailored to the specific needs of each student.

How does LACC ensure equal access for all students?

LACC follows the principles of universal design, which focuses on making resources and physical spaces accessible to all, ensuring that every student can participate fully, whether they have a disability or not.

What is the High Tech Center and how does it support students?

The High Tech Center provides assistive technology, including software and specialized equipment, to help students with disabilities navigate their academic tasks, such as reading, writing, and accessing digital content.

Can LACC students access textbooks in alternative formats?

Yes, LACC provides alternative formats for textbooks, such as Braille or e-texts, and even offers audio formats to make learning materials more accessible for students with visual impairments or other disabilities.

How does LACC help students who are struggling academically?

LACC provides personalized support through tutoring, specialized programs, and accommodations that enable students to grasp difficult subjects, increase their confidence, and succeed academically.

How does LACC measure success for students with disabilities?

Success is measured by the students' academic achievements, such as improved grades and successful transfers to universities. LACC has seen students overcome challenges and excel in their studies, including achieving high grades and pursuing careers after graduation.