Welcome to the Educational Assistance Center (EAC)

The Educational Assistance Center is dedicated to supporting students with disabilities as they transition into college and community life. Our goal is to ensure equal access to education by providing services that promote self-advocacy, academic confidence, personal growth, and student success. We are committed to fostering student independence within the post-secondary learning environment, while also recognizing and valuing the cultural wealth and support systems that each student brings to our campus.

The EAC embraces diversity and is committed to student retention and awareness through high-quality services and courses designed for students with disabilities. As a campus resource, the EAC provides guidance on compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments. We also offer consultation and support on topics such as Section 508 compliance, distance education accessibility, Universal Design, and overall campus accessibility.

The EAC works to meet both federal and state accessibility requirements required by law related to students with disabilities. Disabilities include impairments in mobility, vision, hearing, and speech; and less obvious such as learning disabilities, psychological disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual disabilities. There are also individuals who experience other functional limitations because of an acquired brain injury or other health problems such as arthritis, diabetes, seizures, cardiac disorders, to mention a few.

The Educational Assistance Center (EAC) provides eligible students with disabilities access to a wide range of specialized support services and assistive technology, including adaptive software and equipment—all delivered in a timely and effective manner. These services are designed to support students in full participating in college programs and activities. In addition, the EAC offers Learning Skills classes that help students build a strong foundation in areas such as math, English, reading, and memory, supporting their successful transition into mainstream coursework.

To qualify for EAC services, students must provide documentation such as an IEP, 504 Plan, or a letter from a licensed professional or agency verifying their disability. Through the EAC, eligible students will learn about the accommodations available to them and develop self-advocacy skills. Services may include counseling, tutoring, adaptive technology, alternative media formats, and more—empowering students to request the support they need to succeed.

The EAC ensures compliance with federal and state accessibility laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. We support students with a wide range of disabilities, including but not limited to:

• Mobility, vision, hearing, and speech impairments
• Learning disabilities
• Psychological disorders
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Intellectual disabilities
• Acquired brain injuries
• Chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, epilepsy, and cardiac disorders

The Educational Assistance Center (EAC) is committed to supporting student success by providing a variety of services, including early registration, tutoring referrals, notetakers, audiobooks, interpreters for deaf students, mobility assistance, and adaptive equipment. Our goal is to empower students with disabilities to achieve independence and full integration, promoting maximum participation in both college and community life. The EAC also serves as a vital link between students with disabilities, college faculty, administrators, and community agencies.

The EAC functions as a collaborative partnership between students and our dedicated staff. Our team includes a coordinator, counselors, teaching faculty, learning disability specialists, technology and media experts, interpreters, and professional office staff—all committed to student success.

Our coordinator and counselors have specialized expertise in disabilities and understand the educational limitations and accommodation needs of our students. Accommodations are carefully designed to provide equal access to the college environment and may include extended testing time, quiet testing spaces, audiobooks, notetakers, and tutoring support.

The coordinator is responsible for verifying a student’s disability, while counselors recommend appropriate accommodations and assist students in identifying their academic and career goals. They also help students develop effective coping strategies for success.

For more information, please contact us at (805) 678-5830.

For students experiencing academic challenges, a Learning Disability (LD) Assessment may offer valuable insight. The Educational Assistance Center (EAC) provides initial screenings to determine whether a full assessment is appropriate. If so, a counselor will refer the student to our Learning Disability Specialist for further evaluation.

Following the assessment, results are used to determine eligibility for accommodations that support equal access to education. Common accommodations may include:

• Extended testing time
• Note-taking assistance
• Audiobooks
• American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters
• Use of the EAC Proctoring Room for exams

These accommodations are designed to help students overcome barriers and fully participate in their academic experience alongside their peers.