DSS Remote Operations

To request accommodations for the first time, students identify with DSS by completing the online intake form. The DSS office will contact you via phone to arrange an initial intake with a DSS Counselor. Your appointment will be conducted through one or more of the following options:

• Video appointments:  This video option will allow the DSS Counselor to visually share information. Prior to your appointment, you will receive an email that will provide a link to your scheduled appointment. It is important that you have reliable internet service. This is a great option if you would prefer a visual experience.
• Phone appointments: On the day of your appointment, your assigned DSS counselor will contact you at the phone number your provided in the appointment scheduling process.
• In-person appointments: Are available on a limited basis by appointment only and must adhere to safety protocols:
  • If it is necessary to bring a family member, aide, or other assistant please inform us when scheduling the appointment.
  • Face coverings (masks) that cover your mouth and nose are encouraged for all individuals who visit DSS.  Counselors may request that you wear a mask if meeting with them in person.
  • Before coming to DSS, assess your own health for new symptoms: fever (100.4 F or higher), chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.  If you feel unwell, please do not come to our office.  Please contact us to reschedule the appointment.
  • Remember to monitor your MC email in case we need to contact you before your appointment.

If you need an accommodation during your appointment with us (i.e., sign language interpreter, documents in braille or large print) please let us know when you schedule your appointment.

Your assigned DSS counselor will assist you with initial academic planning, identify access barriers and concerns, and discuss appropriate classroom and testing accommodations at the college level. Be sure to complete initial enrollment steps to the College. To prepare for the intake, think about your goals at Montgomery College, accommodations that you have used in the past, and accommodations you may need in college. Write down any specific questions you have for your DSS counselor. If you did not upload disability documentation when completing the intake form, you can email your documentation to dss@montgomerycollege.edu.

The intake is our first step in getting to know you. The DSS counselor will explain their role and how they will assist you in your journey at Montgomery College. DSS counselors are trained professionals in general counseling and advising and disability concerns. They can guide you in choosing a major, developing an initial academic plan, and referring you to college and community resources. They will also play a critical role in establishing your accommodations in this setting. By the end of the intake, specific accommodations will be identified and the DSS counselor will review the process for receiving accommodations in your classes.  If your appointment is in-person, you must follow the safety guidelines listed above.

You will receive your accommodation letter in your Montgomery College email.  You must provide a copy of this letter to each instructor and discuss the accommodation arrangements with each instructor.  During remote operations, this will be done through email, phone, or a Zoom meeting.  You must request accommodations every semester by completing the Request for Services Form (PDF, ) .  More details on this are in the Returning Students section.

It is important that you keep in contact with your DSS counselor throughout the semester.  They are a resource for you through the ups and downs of the college experience.  They can assist you with academic planning, accommodation concerns, and academic and personal challenges.  Successful students initiate contact early and often.