Accommodation Definitions

Below is a non-exhaustive list of definitions of the accommodations most commonly granted by ODS.

The Course Accommodation Form lists the approved accommodations for a particular student.

Testing Accommodations:

Extended Time - The student is given additional time to complete any in-class, graded assignment, such as a quiz, test, or exam.  The amount of extended time is indicated by numerical reference of 1.5x, or 2x, etc.  For example: 1.5x means that the student is allowed 1.5 times the amount of time students without disabilities are given to complete the exam.  If an in-class test is scheduled for 50 minutes, a student with a disability with a 1.5x accommodation would be allowed an additional 25 minutes (or a total of 75 minutes) to complete the test. 

Distraction-Reduced Environment - The student is tested in an environment which minimizes distractions for the student.  Each student has different levels of distractibility and different stimuli which may distract them.  Instructors should discuss with the student the optimal settings in which the student will take the test.  Typically, students need an environment which minimizes both auditory (e.g. copy machines, talking, other noises) and visual distractions (e.g. people walking in and out).  A distraction-reduced environment does not necessitate the student's testing in a private room, nor does it mean that an environment is completely distraction-free.

Enlarged Font Exams - Tests are enlarged to the font size indicated on the Course Accommodation Form to enable the student to see and/or better understand the test material.

Oral Testing - The instructor or appointed proctor tests the student orally for content and concepts which would have been on the written test.

Reader - A person or computer software program reads the test (word for word) to the student.

Scribe - A person records (verbatim) the answers provided by the student during a test.

Assistive Technology - A variety of software, hardware, and other devices are used to accommodate the student, for example, a scanner, Braille writer, large-screen computer, text magnifier, Zoom-text, JAWS, etc.

Follow this link for more information on how ODS proctors some accommodated exams.

Classroom Accommodations:

To successfully implement classroom accommodations (except for audio-recorded lectures and priority seating), students must meet with the ODS Accommodations Coordinator for an initial intake and again each semester - preferably before the semester begins.

Note Taking Assistance – Through a hired, peer note taker, ODS can provide a copy of notes to supplement the student’s own notes in each class.  Instructors may alternately choose to post their notes on-line, or provide the student with a copy of his/her notes for the class.  Please follow this link for detailed information on the policies and procedures regarding the note taking assistance service.  Please note, the delivery of notes or outlines before a class meets is not generally considered a reasonable accommodation.

Audio recorded Lectures - The student with this accommodation is allowed to audio record lectures for later use in studying.  Because some instructors consider their lectures intellectual property, this accommodation must be discussed thoroughly to determine each instructor’s individual policy.

Alternate Format Texts - ODS can aid in the acquisition or creation of books, texts, and articles in enlarged print, on tape, or on CD.  More so than any other, this accommodation can take quite some time to render and necessitates the student’s contacting the ODS Accommodations Coordinator as early as possible, preferably well before the start of the semester, to begin acquiring the alternate texts.  Please follow this link for more detailed information on the policies and procedures regarding the alternate format text service.

Communication Services: Interpreter/Real-time Captioning - Interpreters or captionists are provided to students who have substantial hearing loss which prevents them from hearing the information presented in class.  These services are arranged by the Office of Disability Services.  Instructors should be aware that when an interpreter is assigned as an accommodation an additional person will be in the class.

Priority Seating - The student is allowed to sit where he/she can best obtain the information presented in class.  Arranging priority seating should be a collaborative process between the instructor and the student.

Enlarged Font Handouts - Handouts are enlarged to the font size indicated on the Course Accommodation Form to enable the student to see and understand the handout material.

Other Academic Accommodations:

Course Substitutions - All students must be “otherwise qualified” to participate in any program of academic study with or without reasonable accommodations.  Students with disabilities are not excused from course prerequisites, GPA requirements, or degree requirements.  However, in some limited circumstances, when all other means of accommodation have been deemed inappropriate and/or exhausted, a course substitution may be appropriate.

ODS makes considerations of course substitutions on a case-by-case basis and only after the student makes a specific request for this accommodation.  Course substitutions are made only when it is clear that the student's disability makes completion of the requirement impossible and that the course requested for substitution is not an essential component of the academic program and, thus, the substitution does not alter the integrity of the academic program. 

Students must submit documentation and other evidence of a disability that affects the skills needed for the course requested for substitution to ODS.  ODS will determine whether the request is reasonable based on the student’s disability and supporting documentation on file at ODS.  If a student’s documentation is insufficient to establish a clear need for the requested course substitution, the course substitution will not be granted.  ODS will consider course adaptation or accommodation before recommending a course substitution.  The Dean of the student’s college gives final approval to any course substitution recommended by ODS.

For example, a student requesting course substitutions for the foreign language requirement needs to provide a history of foreign language study and/or accommodation, a recent comprehensive psycho-educational test report, and a foreign language aptitude test, such as the Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT), with evidence indicating a significant language learning disability.  If the substitution request is denied, and a student subsequently provides additional relevant documentation, the course substitution request may be reconsidered.

If ODS determines that the requested foreign language course substitution is reasonable, ODS will then send a letter of  consideration to the appropriate academic dean’s office.  The academic dean will determine whether the course requested for substitution is an essential component of the academic program of the student and give final approval.  If the foreign language course is determined not essential, the course substitution will be granted and the academic dean will work with the student to determine which course or courses may be used as substitutions.

Consideration for Tardiness/Absences - A physical, medical, or psychiatric disability may cause a student to periodically miss classes.  If the documentation warrants, a letter of consideration can be written by the Manager of ODS asking for the instructor's consideration in excusing more than the stated, allowable number of absences for the class.  As attendance is considered fundamental to any class and to the learning process in general, it is at the instructor's discretion as to how many absences can be allowed before the fundamental nature of the class is jeopardized.  The student is responsible for notifying the instructor as soon as possible after each missed class. The student must also work with the instructor to obtain class notes and make up missed assignments, if possible or if applicable.

Other Non-academic Accommodations:

Housing Accommodations - ODS works closely with the Department of Housing and Residence Life (HRL) to provide on-campus housing accommodations for students with physical, medical, or psychiatric disabilities. Housing accommodations are specific to each student and their disability needs, but can include: a single room; a room on the first floor or a dormitory with an elevator; a raised bed; specific lighting; or an ADA compliant floor plan.  Approving and implementing housing accommodations can be a lengthy process, so students with housing needs are urged to contact ODS as early as possible.  If ODS grants a housing accommodation, a letter of consideration is sent to HRL outlining the housing need.  The directors and/or coordinators of HRL give final approval to any housing consideration based on housing availability and administrative burden.  Temporary housing arrangements may be provided until permanent, accommodated housing is made available.  After ODS has granted a housing accommodation, students who have concerns about the implementation of the accommodation should contact the Department of Housing and Residence Life at (504) 865-5724.  Please do not send disability-related information directly to HRL as this can complicate and draw out the accommodation process.

Accessible Classrooms - ODS continues to remove architectural barriers to students with disabilities on Tulane University's campus; however, some historic buildings remain inaccessible.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ODS can relocate classes from inaccessible classrooms to accessible ones.  Tables, chairs, and desks can also be added to or removed from classrooms if needed.

Handicapped parking permits - Located in the DiBoll Complex, the Public Safety Office of Traffic Control provides on-campus handicapped parking permits.  Students are responsible for all student parking fees.