As of February 22, what was formerly known as IVC’s Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) is now named Disability Support Programs for Students. The name change has been in the works since 2017 as discussions throughout the state proposed having a person-first naming convention versus disability focused.
In a survey of students in 2017, the college found that the majority of students do not view the words “disabled” or “disability” negatively and in fact consider the term something they proudly identify with. Students also expressed a desire to use a naming convention that clearly describes what the program is.
As such, IVC’s DSPS department suggested the title, Disability Support Programs for Students. The name change proposal received support through the college governance process and was officially approved by College Council on February 22. Learn More about DSPS »