Test Accommodations
Overview
When faculty choose not to administer accommodated exams to students, the Disability Resource Center assists by coordinating test accommodations. Students with appropriately verified disabilities may be provided with additional time, an environment with limited distractions, adapted computers or other accommodations as needed, according to the nature of the student's disability.
Eligibility Requirements
A student with a documented disability may be eligible for accommodations for course exams.
To be eligible, a student:
- Has a disability that necessitates testing accommodations
- Is an otherwise qualified enrolled student with a disability
- Has documentation on file with the Disability Resource Center supporting the need for requested accommodations and meeting the Guidelines for Documentation.
What disabilities make students eligible for accommodations?
There are various disabilities that could impact a student's academic functioning. For example:
- Blindness/Vision Impairment
- AD/HD (formerly known as A.D.D./A.D.H.D.)
- Learning Disabilities
- Deafness/Hearing Impairment
- Certain Medical Conditions
- Certain Physical Disabilities
- Certain Psychiatric Conditions
Considerations in Determining Testing Accommodations Eligibility
- Does the student have a diagnosed disability that makes it difficult for him or her to learn and take tests in the traditional manner?
- Does the student have documentation on file showing that he or she has a disability that requires testing accommodations and addressing each of the information categories in the Guidelines for Documentation?
- Has the student received accommodations for tests previously in school?
- If the answer is yes to these questions, and the student follows the appropriate guidelines, testing accommodations may be appropriate.
Types of Accommodations Available
There are four major categories for testing accommodations:
- Presentation (e.g., large print; reader; Braille; Braille device for written responses; visual magnification; audio amplification; audiocassette; sign/oral presentations)
- Responding (e.g., verbal/dictated to scribe; tape recorder; computer without grammar/cut & paste features; large block answer sheet)
- Timing/scheduling (e.g., breaks; extended time; multiple day; specified time of day)
- Setting (e.g., small group setting; private room; special lighting/acoustics; adaptive/special furniture/tools; alternative test site [with proctor present]; preferential seating).
Excerpts from www.collegeboard.com.
Requesting Services
To request service:
- Review the "Testing Accommodations Eligibility Requirements".
- Complete the intake and eligibility process with the DRC office.
- Become oriented on Test Accommodations policies and procedures by reviewing and signing a "Testing Agreement". (This happens during the intake process.)
- Meet with instructors and provide them with the "Testing Accommodations FAQ" to discuss exam accommodation needs.
- Submit an Authorization to Administer Test Form to the DRC at least 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) prior to the test date for each exam. DRC will pick up, administer, and return the exam according to the instructor's specifications on the Authorization to Administer Test form.
Note
Students will be asked to sign an "Testing Accommodations Agreement" to indicate that they have read and agree to the above policies and procedures.
