Metro's Disability Services Office and the Combined Computer Access Center have merged services under a new name, Disability and Adaptive Technology Services.

Located in the Auraria Library where the CCAC was housed, the new office will have a larger space that should be fully operational by mid-July. An additional 300 square feet is being added, and the entire area is being given a facelift. During construction, students wanting to access DATS should ask for assistance at the front desk of the library.

"When the Disability Services Office came back to Metro (a year ago) it only made sense that we combine the CCAC and the DSO under one roof," said Steve Monaco, director of the Student Health Center, who oversees the new department.

The DATS office will have three staff members. Greg Sullivan, formerly director of the DSO, is the director; LaVerne Donelson, formerly director of the CCAC, is the associate director and a search is under way to hire a third staff member.

"We're thrilled to have both LaVerne and Greg on board with us for the future," Monaco said. "Their combined talents will enable Metro to continue to be forerunners in providing services to students with disabilities.

"Our intent is to cross-train the staff so any of the three can assist with disability service functions and with adaptive technology functions," Monaco added. "Ultimately, this will result in more assistance on the adaptive technology side and will enable students with disabilities to get all of their needs met under one roof."

Adaptive technology assistance will continue to be given to all Auraria students. Disability services assistance will be solely for Metro students (UCD and CCD provide disability services to their students.) About 400 students are registered with Metro's Disability Services Office.