Welcome to Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
MiraCosta College welcomes current and prospective students to self‑identify as an individual with a disability at any point in their educational journey. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is committed to partnering with students to create an equitable, supportive, and accessible learning environment.
SAS provides academic accommodations, counseling, advising, and related support services for students who experience a wide range of disabilities and access needs, including but not limited to acquired brain injury, ADHD, autism spectrum, blind or low vision, Deaf or hard of hearing, intellectual disability, learning disability, mental health disability, physical disability, and other temporary or chronic health conditions and disabilities. We recognize that disability experiences are diverse and personal, and students are welcome to share what feels comfortable and relevant to their needs.
We encourage current and prospective students to visit the links on our website to learn more about accommodations, the SAS application process, relevant policies, and campus and community resources. These materials can help students learn what accommodations and supports may be available to them.
For questions or requests to speak with a SAS staff member, we highly encourage you to complete a short questionnaire. Your responses help us understand your needs and connect you with the most appropriate member of our team. You may also email us at sas@miracosta.edu or call us at 760.795.6658. Our staff check email and voicemail regularly throughout the day and will reply within 1-2 business days. When contacting us by email or voicemail, please include your name, SURF ID, and the best phone number to reach you. If you prefer, you may also email SAS counselors directly, as they continue to monitor their individual inboxes.
Meet the SAS Team
- Jeff Higginbotham
Faculty Coordinator / Section 504 Coordinator - Abrey Nydegger
Manager, Counseling Services - Michelle Farnam
Counselor - Kris Peck
Learning Disability Specialist/Counselor/Instructor - Shaylah Turk
Counselor - Yasmeen Atempa
Associate Counselor (Credit and Noncredit programs) - Brittany Daniels
Associate Counselor (Credit and Noncredit programs) - Joseph Fleming
Associate Counselor (Credit programs) - Katie Tewes
Associate Counselor (Noncredit programs) - Chendo Bretado
Administrative Support Assistant III - Pamela Le Blanc
Student Services Coordinator (Exam/Notetaker Accommodations) - Denise Jessup
Instructional Assistant
Questions related to assistive technology or alternate media, please email:
- Farhonda Alizada
Interim Access Specialist
Mission
Student Accessibility Services provides support, services, resources and accommodations for students with verified disabilities. Our belief is that disability is not a limitation, but rather an indication of perseverance, strength & determination in accomplishing all life endeavors. Our intention is to promote access, equity and inclusion; to instill a true sense of belonging at MiraCosta College for students with disabilities.
MiraCosta College does not discriminate in its admissions, employment practices, or its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, or sexual orientation of any person, military and veteran status, or the perception that a person has one or more of these characteristics. Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the college’s programs.
MiraCosta College also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint
process internally or externally. Reports of discrimination, harassment, misconduct, and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to the Director, Title IX & Inclusive Practices, Caitlin Frank
at 760.795.6860 or via email at cfrank@miracosta.edu, or 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside (MS 14). For a complete copy of the policy or for more
information, please contact the Director, Title IX & Inclusive Practices or the Assistant
Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
