Testing Accommodations
Testing accommodations are changes to the testing environment, accommodations, or modifications that allow individuals with disabilities to demonstrate their true aptitude or achievement level on assessments.
Access to Food and Drink While Testing
Allowing the student to consume their own food and/or drinks in the classroom provides the ability to manage a variety of health conditions that are affected by diet. The student is expected to be discreet if they need to use this accommodation during a test.
Alternative Day
If you are eligible for this accommodation, please remember to communicate with your LAP facuty and your instructional faculty. Each situation is different. The student will contact the instructor and LAP to review their request to implement this accommodation each time it is needed.
Alternative Time
This accommodation may be necessary if you need to schedule an exam at a different starting time than the class due to a disability related situation. Each situation is different. Please contact the instructor and LAP to implement this accommodation each time it is needed.
American Sign Language (ASL)
The purpose of this accommodation is to provide test questions in the student’s native language so that the test is measuring the student’s mastery of the material, not their comprehension of written English.
Braille
Braille is a system of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by students who are blind or who have low vision. Tactile graphics are raised lines and surfaces used to convey non-textual information and may include tactile representations of maps, graphs, diagrams, and other images.
LAP Alternative Media Specialist assists students with Braille and tactile graphics requests. Braille production is time consuming so requesting content at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date is appreciated.
Calculator
Use of a basic, 4-function (non-programmable, non-graphing, non-scientific) calculator.
Computer with Grammar and Spell Check
The student can use a computer to complete an essay that would otherwise be handwritten.
Extended Time
Extended time is determine during the intake process and reflects the impact of a student's disability in taking assessments. Extended time is individualized to the access needs of each student.
Instructor Approved Memory Aid
A memory aid is typically one side of an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper or one side of a large file card. It may include information such as acronyms, diagrams, tables, category headings, formulas, order of operation. It is not intended to record all the facts, concepts or procedures a student is expected to know. A memory aid should in no way reduce academic requirements or alter the standards by which the student’s performance is evaluated. A memory aid is not an answer sheet, full course notes, or open textbook.
Typically, the student who is responsible for learning the material, including discerning material that may require a memory cue or trigger, develops a memory aid. The student is responsible for getting the faculty member’s approval of the memory aid prior to it being used on the exam. If an item on the memory aid provides a complete answer, rather than a cue or trigger, this item may be removed. The student could be responsible for submitting the memory aid to the instructor to be included when the instructor provides the exam to LAP or any other way that works best for the instructor and student.
Large Print
Large print (also referred to as large type or large font) is the formatting of print material in a font size that is considerably larger than usual to accommodate students who have low vision.
The LAP Alternative Media Specialist assists students with large print requests.
Magnification Technology
The student can use magnification technology to access print material.
Music or White Noise or Noise Reduction Headphones
The student can use noise cancelling or white noise machines or listen to music during exams. The LAP Testing Center has devices and music selections available. Students cannot bring in personal devices or music that has not been pre-approved.
Private Testing Room (Subject to Availability)
A private testing room is a necessary accommodation for a student who requires minimal distraction, who may cause disturbance to others as part of their disability, or who requires an accommodation that involves motion or sound.
Human Reader
The use of a human reader to read the exam aloud to the student. A reader reads the exam aloud verbatim and does not interpret the text.
Reduced Distraction Testing Environment
The student is tested in a quiet environment in which visual and auditory stimuli are reduced.
Scantron Assistance or Permission to Mark Directly on Test
The student is permitted to mark answers directly on the exam. A writer may be provided for students who require assistance with transferring test answers to a Scantron.
Screen Reader
The use of a computer with text-to-speech software to read exam content to student.
Scribe/Writer
A scribe transcribes verbatim diction of student responses. The scribe does not discuss course content or help the student with organization of their thoughts.
Speech-to-Text Software
The use of a computer with voice-to-text software such as Dragon Dictate for all written answers.
Spelling Waiver
A variety of disabilities may impact a student's ability to produce correct spelling. For assessments and assignments where spelling is not the essential function being evaluated, spelling should not be considered in the evaluation process. An individualized and interactive process with the student, instructor, and LAP will be used for courses that the accommodation is requested for.
Standing Desk
The student may need to alternate sitting and standing during a test.
Stop the Clock Break (in person exams)
Stop the clock breaks do not count toward allotted exam time. During the break the student is not permitted to access personal materials and is supervised by the LAP test proctor.
Text-to-Speech
The use of a computer with text-to-speech software to read exam content to student.
Whiteboard During Exam
The student is provided with access to a white board in the LAP Testing Center