Disability Support Services (DSS) is dedicated to helping students with disabilities reach their personal, academic, and career goals. We strive to help remove barriers that limit opportunities, and provide equal access to everything that the College of Southern Maryland has to offer.
The Role of Disability Support Services
Provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students based on documented disabilities
Maintain and protect the confidentiality of student records as required by law
Assist the entire College community to understand the ADA and the enhancement to diversity that students with disabilities provide
Provide training for and use of assistive technology
Act as a liaison to external agencies, such as Division of Rehabilitative Services (DORS) and local schools
The College of Southern Maryland and Disability Support Services are committed to providing academic accommodations to individuals with disabilities, and strive to help them become full participants in the College's programs, services, and activities in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and all other state laws.
Q&A for Disability Support Services during Remote Operations
Yes, you can. The DSS staff can complete the intake process online and provide accommodations to new students and students who have previously received accommodations.
If you are a current student who has received accommodations previously from Disability Support Services at CSM, please complete the Request for Accommodations form and identify yourself as a returning student.
New students should visit the DSS website for guidance on the procedures to request accommodations. New students can also contact the Disability Support Services staff member at their campus for more information.
Documentation is required to determine your disability. Documentation guidelines can be found on the DSS website. However, given the impact of COVID-19, we will work with you to determine what can be used as documentation until additional information can be obtained.
The DSS office will provide appropriate accommodations based on a student’s disability and documentation. Examples of accommodations that a student may be eligible for include extended time or textbooks in an alternate format. DSS staff will collaborate with the student and faculty to ensure that accommodations are being met.
The DSS staff is currently teleworking and is available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can send an email to schedule an online appointment. We are also retrieving voicemails daily during our work schedule.
If you are a current CSM student requesting accommodations for the current semester, please complete the Request for Accommodations form and email it to the DSS staff. A staff member will set up an appointment with you to review the information and address your accommodations needs.
Some assistive technology is still available to you, including Kurzweil 3000/Firefly. We can also assist you in identifying free apps that you can use on your phone or tablet such as Evernote, PhotoMath, or Brightspace Pulse. If you are interested Kurzweil/Firefly, please contact your DSS staff member.
Let your instructor know immediately. If you are unable to contact your instructor, please contact the DSS office. You may also contact the IT Help Desk at help@csmd.edu for additional assistance if needed.
You will be able to find the most current information on the CSM Ready website.
If you need classroom material in larger font (such as tests or handouts) and you are unable to use the magnifier on your computer, let your professor know. For technical assistance, you can reach out to the IT Help Desk. If you are still experiencing issues, you can contact your DSS Coordinator.
As a student, you can contact CSM Counseling Center. They are providing both individual and group sessions via a telehealth model using Zoom.
In the transition to an online format for courses, you may need to remind your faculty that you receive extended time for tests and quizzes. If you have any concerns, please contact your DSS Coordinator.
To request text in an alternate format, please contact the DSS office. You will need to complete the form for Requesting Alternate text. If your textbook has been included in the costs of your class, please let us know.
Please let the faculty know that due to your disability you will need extra time to respond either verbally or by typing.
If you are unable to hear and fully participate in the Zoom sessions, you should let your professor know immediately. Please contact your DSS Coordinator as soon as possible.
Tutoring is currently being offered in an online format. For the most up to date information, please visit the CSM Tutoring website.
Yes. All CSM students participating in credit or non-credit (Continuing Education) courses are eligible for services. The DSS staff can complete the intake process online and provide accommodations to new students and to students who have previously received accommodations.
If you are a current student that has previously received accommodations from Disability Support Services at CSM, please complete the Request for Accommodations form and identify yourself as a returning student.
New students should visit the DSS website for guidance on the procedures to request accommodations. New students can also contact the Disability Support Services staff member at their campus for more information.
Yes, you can. The DSS staff can complete the intake process online and provide accommodations to new students and students who have previously received accommodations.
New students should visit the DSS website for guidance on the procedures to request accommodations. New students can also contact the Disability Support Services staff member at their campus for more information.
Yes, you are. The DSS staff can complete the intake process online and provide accommodations to new students and students who have previously received accommodations.
New students should visit the DSS website for guidance on the procedures to request accommodations. New students can also contact the Disability Support Services staff member at their campus for more information.