Download Common Disability Accommodations

Common Disability Accommodations
Accommodation
Assistive Technology (AT)
Alternate Format Text/Enlarged font materials
Breaks During Class
C-Print/Captioned Videos/FM Device/ASL
Interpreters
What is it?
Any device, software or equipment that
improves the functional capabilities of an
individual. In Higher Education, assistive
technology generally refers to the use of
speech to text software and screen reader
software.
Alternate format texts are accessible PDF or
otherwise electronically formatted texts that
are compatible with screen reader programs
such as Adobe Read Out Load, Natural Reader
and Voice Over.
Enlarged font refers to written materials in
large print, typically 16 pt. or larger. Students
also use alternative texts to adjust the size of
textbook fonts.
Student is allowed to take small breaks 5-15
minutes in duration as needed.
C-Print – C-Print is a computer aided speech to
text system that creates real time captions for
individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Captioned videos – “subtitles” or captions that
scroll on the screen to communicate auditory
content to deaf and hard of hearing.
FM Device – Wireless assistive hearing devices
that enhance the use of an individual’s
hearing aid or cochlear implant.
When is it used?
AT reads for blind/low vision, improves
comprehension and reading speed for
students with learning disabilities and
attentional disorders, and assists students
with dysgraphia or physical impairments with
writing.
Students require alternative texts for three
primary reasons. Listening while also reading
improves reading speed and comprehension.
This is particularly helpful for students with
attentional disorders and learning disabilities.
Students with physical disabilities may require
alternative text in lieu of carrying a book,
turning pages etc. Blind and low vision
students generally use alternative texts with
screen readers to listen to the content
Students require breaks for many reasons.
They may have a psychiatric disability such as
PTSD or generalized anxiety disorder and use
breaks to mitigate their symptoms. Students
might also have a medical condition that
requires management throughout the day.
Common accommodations for deaf and hard
of hearing individuals. Faculty can be
proactive in ensuring deaf access to their
courses by always choosing audio content
with transcripts and video content with
captions.
Common Disability Accommodations
Environmental Sensitivity/Allergy
Announcements
Extended or Flexible Deadlines
Extended Testing Time
Flexible Attendance
Notification provided to the class roster,
faculty and residence hall floor (if applicable)
via e-mail making recipients aware of a
student’s allergy or sensitivity to something in
the environment.
This accommodation may be used to address
the needs of a student with a food allergy, a
chemical sensitivity, a latex allergy etc.
Students may be asked to refrain from eating
peanuts, wearing perfumes, etc. USM is able
to make these requests but cannot require or
mandate compliance.
The ability to request additional time or alter a Extended/flexible deadline accommodations
due date for an assignment, course reading or are generally awarded to students with
class project. This accommodation is intended executive function deficits related to brain
to be used proactively. A student with the
injuries, attentional disorders and learning
accommodation of extended or flexible
disabilities. Students with chronic medical,
deadlines should meet with their faculty at
neurological and psychiatric disabilities may
the beginning of the semester to discuss how
also receive this accommodations to
this accommodation may be applied to a
compensate for time they may lose to
course.
necessary medical appointments/treatment.
Extended testing time allows students extra
Students require additional test time for a
time to complete their exam. The goal is to
myriad of reasons. They might have an
accurately assess the student’s mastery of the attentional disorder or a learning disability
material when time is not a factor. The most
that impacts the processing of information.
common time accommodations are time and
Physical disabilities can impact a student’s
one half and double.
writing ability/speed and medical disabilities
can require interruptions to self-administer
medications or medical treatment throughout
the day.
Exemption from established attendance
Flexible attendance is typically awarded to
policies due to a recurrent, disabling
students who have a chronic, recurrent
condition. Class absence may not change the
medical or psychiatric condition that requires
essential nature of the course.
intermittent intervention. Students with this
accommodation generally work closely with
the DSC during class absences and have
provided the DSC with documentation
substantiating the need for class absence.
Common Disability Accommodations
Note Taker
Preferred Seating
A Peer Note Taker shares their in-class notes
with a DSC registered student. DSC takes
primary responsibility for arranging this
accommodation but will seek assistance from
faculty when a volunteer does not come
forward.
Student is allowed to choose where to sit in a
class.
Priority Registration
Priority registration allows students the ability
to sign up for classes on the first day of
registration regardless of class standing. It is
important for students to inform faculty
advisors of this accommodation.
Reader or Scribe - Live
A live reader or scribe is a person who reads
or writes for a student during an exam or in
class.
Separate Space or Low Distraction Space for
Testing
Separate space = a private testing room with a
door in a low traffic area
Use of Calculator
Use of Computer for Essay Tests
Low Distraction Space=a private testing room
with a door in a low traffic area that can
accommodate 2-3 students at a time.
Student is allowed to use a calculator on
homework and exams.
Student is allowed to use a computer to type
their answers. This does not mean a student
is allowed internet access.
Students with attentional and processing
disorders often require the assistance of a
note taker in order take in all the information
conveyed during a class lecture. A student
may also need a note taker due to a physical
impairment that impacts their writing ability.
Preferred seating is typically used by an
individual with a vision or hearing disability or
someone with a medical or psychiatric
disability they may require the person to leave
the room.
Priority registration may be granted to a
student who has a medical or physical
disability that limits their daily hours of
activity. It is also granted to students whose
accommodations take additional time to
implement i.e. if special room assignment is
needed or if technology needs to be installed
in a room.
Generally used by blind and low vision
students or by students who have a physical
disability impacting their ability to write.
Often applied in situations where the physical
disability is temporary i.e. a broken dominant
hand.
Separate Space or Low Distraction Space for
Testing is generally used by students with
attentional disorders and students using
assistive technology during their exams.
Awarded when a student has a documented
math related learning disability.
Awarded when a student has dysgraphia or a
documented learning disability that supports
the need for word processing access.
Common Disability Accommodations
Use of Livescribe Pen/Record Lecture
Livescribe Pen – an electronic pen that records
the lecture while the student takes notes in a
specialized notebook, syncing the notes and
audio files and saves them in an uploadable
format.
Students who are granted the accommodation
of recording lectures are typically students wh
are strong auditory processors or students
with memory deficits who require repetition
to retain information.