Troops to College

Welcome to Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Cerritos College SAS is proud to serve our veterans as part of a comprehensive program of services designed to assist students with disabilities who seek a fulfilling post secondary education.  We recognize the often unique needs of our veteran student population and offer individualized services and referrals to minimize the impact of disability on educational goals.  SAS services may be helpful to veterans in the process of post-war readjustment to civilian life, but participation in SAS is completely voluntary.  There are no charges to students who receive SAS services or accommodations.  SAS staff members respect the privacy of all veterans and no information you give us will be released to any person or agency without your written consent, except in circumstance averting a crisis.

While physical disabilities such as loss of limbs, hearing, and eyesight are obvious types of disabling conditions that can result from war-time activities, we are aware that there are increased numbers of “hidden” difficulties expressed in soldiers returning from war. These conditions include general and severe anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), and major depression.  Similarly, a significant number of soldiers are returning from overseas military actions with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) - a type of disability that is highly individual in scope and severity.  As you enter Cerritos College for retraining, education for job advancement and post-war re-socialization, SAS staff is here to help you face these new challenges.

For further information, please visit the SAS Central Intake and Services (CIS) department in the Santa Barbara Building or call (562) 860-2451, ext. 2333.  You will also find additional information about our programs and services online at www.cerritos.edu/SAS

Additionally, the College Student Health Center provides personal counseling for students who feel they need therapeutic support for these challenges.  You may contact the Student Health Center at (562) 860-2451, ext. 2321, or visit them on the web at www.cerritos.edu/shs

What Services are Available?

SAS Services

How can I enroll with DSP&S?

Veterans who wish to receive Disabled Student Programs and Services (SAS) support should contact Central Intake and Services (CIS) in the Santa Barbara Building or you may call us at (562) 860-2451, ext. 2333.  All veterans new to the college will be provided with an initial interview, advisement, disability verification assistance and referrals.

Services available through CIS include campus orientation, placement test accommodations, priority registration assistance, elevator access, parking permit assistance, disability management, referral to special classes and liaison to other offices and organizations. 

Veterans who indicate a need for in-class support services will receive further referral to the SAS Centers where such assistance is available. 

How do I know if I qualify?

SAS Services are available to all Veterans who enroll in college classes and have a verifiable disability which results in one or more functional limitations in the educational environment.  Examples of qualifying disabilities include mobility impairment, vision loss, acquired brain injury, psychological disability, learning disability, hearing loss, speech or language disorder, developmental disability and other health impairments. 

Disabilities are most often verified by a review of records from outside sources provided by the veteran.  When such records are not available, attempts are made to verify disabilities by referral to Student Health Services, SAS Assessment for learning disabilities or referral to the Department of Rehabilitation for services which include medical and psychological evaluation.  In certain cases, disabilities may be verified by visual observation by college SAS staff. 

For more information regarding our services please see the Student Accessibility Services homepage.