Determining Reasonable Accommodations
A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, job, activity, or facility that enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity. An equal opportunity means an opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges as are available to a similarly situated student without a disability. The University is obligated to make a reasonable accommodation only to the known limitations of an otherwise qualified student with a disability. To determine reasonable accommodations, the Disability Services Office may seek information from appropriate University personnel regarding essential components and standards for courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities.

Final determination of reasonable accommodations is made by the Disability Services Office. Reasonable accommodations are determined by examining:

• the barriers resulting from the interaction between the documented disability and the campus environment;
• the possible accommodations that might remove the barriers;
• whether or not the student has access to the course, program, service, job, activity, or facility without accommodations; and
• whether or not essential elements and components of the course, program, service, job, activity, or facility are compromised by the accommodations.

Common Academic Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations are individualized and flexible, based on the nature of the disability and the academic environment. Below is a partial list of common academic accommodations.

• accessible classroom/location/furniture
• advance notice of assignments
• alternative ways of completing assignments (e.g., oral presentation versus written paper)
• assistive computer technology
• assistive listening devices
• auxiliary aids and services (note-takers, lab or library assistants, readers, interpreters)
• captions for film and video material
• course or program modifications
• course substitution (e.g., second language or math substitutions)
• dietary needs
• document conversion (alternative print formats: Braille, large print, tape, electronic, raised lettering)
• early syllabus
• exam modifications include:
  - alternative test formats (short answer, multiple choice, oral, essay)
  - computer or basic calculator for exams
  - exam administered in two parts
  - private, quiet exam room
  - readers and scribes
• full time status/part time enrollment
• priority registration
• study skills and strategies training
• time extensions for exams – time and one-half or double time. Unlimited time is not a reasonable accommodation provided by Disability Services. If instructors allow students unlimited time on exams, the instructor is responsible for proctoring those exams.
• time extensions for assignments - students may be granted additional time to complete assignments or papers if arrangements with instructors are made in advance.
• recorded lectures

Getting Accommodations