Accommodations Information

Based on documentation, students may be entitled to certain accommodations in academic settings such as classroom and lab, in testing, or in general campus access. Students participating in off-campus programs may also be entitled to accommodations in order to participate in those programs. The Disability Student Support Services office is responsible for identifying appropriate accommodations and working with faculty/staff to assure that accommodations are arranged.

Testing Accommodations

Academic Accommodations

General Accommodations

Potential Testing Accommodations

extended time
low distraction environment
oral testing
test reader or test on tape
test scribe
rephrase questions
reformat test
sign language interpreter available

large print test
Brailled test
calculator for math
voice calculator
electronic speller
use of a computer for writing
test rescheduling

A. Extended time
Extended time tests may be administered in several ways.

The student may begin the test with the class and continue beyond the allotted testing period, either in the classroom or in a nearby empty room. The faculty is responsible for supervising the test.
The student may take the test at a different time and location identified by the faculty. The faculty is responsible for supervising the test.
The student may utilize the Disabled Students Support Services testing facility under the following guidelines.

a. test must be arranged in advance to assure that space and proctors are available.

b. test should be taken during the regular testing period for the class, unless the faculty approves otherwise.

c. test should be delivered to the Disabled Student Support Services office at least one day in advance of testing. If the test format must be modified (enlarged, recorded, etc.) then the test should be delivered three days in advance.

d. test should have a cover sheet completed by the faculty indicating any special instructions for test administration.

e. testing time will normally be 1 1/2 times the regular testing period, but the testing coordinator has the discretion to extend the time in extenuating circumstances.

f. test will be picked up by the professor, a student worker within the department, or via inter-office mail.

g. if no instructions are indicated, then no additional materials will be allowed in the testing room.

B. Separate testing location
A quiet, low distraction testing environment or a private testing environment may be accomplished by:

1.Allowing the student to take the test in a private office or nearby empty classroom. The faculty is responsible for supervising the test. NOTE: A busy departmental office, a shared office or the hallway outside the classroom are NOT appropriate environments.

2.Utilizing the services of the Disabled Student Support Services testing facility.

C. Adapted Tests
The Disabled Student Support Services office will provide the following test adaptations:

enlarged copy of the test
test in electronic text
modified test format (one question per page, modified multiple-choice format, etc.)
other adaptations on a case-by-case basis

The adapted test may either be returned to the faculty for administration, or administered in the Disabled Student Support Services testing facility. Faculty should deliver the test three days in advance to allow time for the adaptations to be completed.

D. Oral testing/test scribe
A test proctor may be needed to read a test orally and/or write the student's responses in certain situations. Please make arrangements for oral testing/test scribing at least one week in advance so that a room and proctor can be arranged.

Standardized Tests
Appropriate accommodations for tests required by the University System of Georgia are identified in the Board of Regents Policies and Procedures manual .http://www.usg.edu/academic_affairs_handbook/section3/handbook/appendicesDH/

For other standardized tests, the student must apply for and be granted accommodations through the particular testing service.
The University System and SPSU are NOT a part of the process for granting accommodations on the following tests:

NCEES (FE/PE/PS/SE) test
AP, SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL
ACT
LSAT
MCAT
or any other national certification tests. Follow the link above for that test's web site, or see the test registration book for each of these tests to determine procedures and requirements for applying for accommodations.

Possible Academic Accommodations

sign language interpreter available oral description of visual aids
sign language interpreter in class
preferential seating
help finding notetaker(s)
in-class scribe
closed captioned videos
lab assistance
large print handouts and materials
Brailled handouts and materials

accessible desk
accessible Chair
disability related absences
disability related extension
laptop computer for note taking
adaptive technology in class
assistive listening device

A. Alternate Format Textbooks
Requests to provide text in alternate formats (recorded, digital, Braille, etc.) have increased significantly in the last few years as technology has made alternate format text a more readily achievable solution for students with print disabilities. Disabled Student Support Services will make every effort to provide text in alternate format in a timely manner, but advance notice is absolutely essential.

Please notify the Disability Service Provider (DSP) as soon as you know you class schedule with what books you would like to have in alternative media format. You will need to have a copy of your receipt of the book(s) to provide the DSP before your materials in alternative media format can be released.

B. Course Materials in Alternate Format
Any printed materials other than textbooks required for course work (tests, handouts, reserve materials, syllabus, etc.) will be produced in alternate format by the Disabled Student Support Services office. The materials must be supplied to the Disabled Student Services office in a readable condition. Materials will be produced according to the following time frames:

1. Enlarged material - one day per 100 sheets to be reproduced.
2. Brailled - allow six weeks to three months for production since they must be sent away.
3. Textbooks in pdf. format - One day if in the database, up to 4 weeks to produce if not.

C. Class taping/notetaking
Students who are approved for use of a tape recorder or notetaker for class notes are encouraged to use a tape recorder because of the absolute accuracy of the information. The student is responsible for providing his/her own tape recorder and tapes.

Students who utilize notetakers should be aware of the following provisions and limitations:

1.The student should work with the faculty to identify a student in the class who would be willing to share their notes. The student should be aware that the accuracy of the written notes cannot be guaranteed.
2. the DSP can make a copy of the notes to provide to the student requesting the notes via e-mail or they can stop in the ATTIC and pick up a paper copy of the notes. Student must notify the DSP regarding which method works best in their case.
3. Notetaking as an accommodation is intended to provide or supplement what you would do for yourself. You are not entitled to notes as an accommodation when you are absent from class.

D. Special Furniture
The DSP office will arrange for certain types of special furniture to be placed in the appropriate classrooms at the beginning of the semester. The following types of furniture are available: separate desk and chair sets, wheelchair-accessible desk/table for notetaking, adjustable-height chair (for working at computer stations, lab stations, etc.). The student is responsible for letting the DSP know how we can accommodate him/her in the classroom or lab environment.

E. Sign Language Interpreting
Interpreters are contracted each semester for the specific courses in which deaf students are registered. It is imperative that students who need interpreters schedule their classes during EARLY REGISTRATION to allow time to locate and contract interpreters. SPSU utilizes interpreters who are state-certified.

If the student decides to drop a course they must notify the DSP of this decision so that we can inform the Interpreter that their services are no longer necessary for that particular course.

F. Physical assistance
SPSU and the Disability office does NOT provide or assist with arranging personal care attendants. The institution will provide physical assistance for those activities that are class-related (labs, library research, registration, etc.) with advance notice.

H. Other accommodations
From time to time, other special arrangements or accommodations may be needed because of the nature of a particular class or because of a student’s particular needs. The DSP can assist with arranging other accommodations and negotiating between faculty and student, if so requested.

G. Attendance
From time to time, a student’s disability may cause the student to miss a class meeting. Occasionally, faculty may need to adjust attendance policies or assign a grade of “I” for a student with a disability if the disability interferes significantly with class attendance. Faculty are encouraged to be as flexible as possible within the limitations of the requirements of mastering the course material. Correspondence courses are available for many classes through the University System of Georgia Independent Study program.

General Accommodations

sign language interpreter
available wheelchair access
handicap parking
van accessible parking
classroom location changes
books on tape
orientation/mobility
referral for tutoring

referral for counseling
adaptive technology
adapted physical education
adapted foreign language
reduced course load
library assistance