Below is a list of definitions of accommodations which may be listed on the course accommodation form. (see the course accommodation form for the approved accommodations for a particular student).

Classroom Accommodations

Volunteer Classroom Note taker – A person provides a copy of the notes from each class to the student with a disability. The student can find a volunteer in the class to provide a copy of their notes. Instructors may choose to provide the student with a copy of his/ her notes for the class. If a student is having difficulty obtaining a volunteer, the instructor can make an announcement in class asking for a volunteer to provide a copy of their notes for a student in the class. During this announcement the student with the disability should not be identified in any manner. The instructor should get the names and phone numbers of the volunteers and pass them on to the student with the disability. Alternatively, the note taker may give a copy of the notes to the instructor, who then gives a copy to the student with the disability.

Recorded Lectures - The student with a disability is allowed to tape-record lectures for later use in studying.

Interpreter - Interpreters are provided to students who have severe hearing loss which prevents them from hearing the information presented in class. Interpreters are arranged by the Office of Disability Services and paid for in most cases by the school or college in which the student is enrolled. 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.

Testing Accommodations

Extended Time – The student is given additional time to complete tests and exams. 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. For example, 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 stimuli which may distract them and different levels of distractibility. Instructors should discuss with the student what settings may be best 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).

Enlarged Test Font - Tests are enlarged to the font size indicated on the form to enable the student to see and understand the test material.

Oral Testing - The instructor or test proctor tests the student orally for content and concepts which the student should have learned.

Assistive Technology - A variety of software, hardware and other devices used to accommodate the student.

Reader - A person reads the test (word for word) to the student.

Reformatted Test - An alternative test covering the same materials as the original test (e.g. a multiple choice test may need to be reformatted into an essay exam). The type of reformatting will be indicated on the form.

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