ACCESS-Limited Criteria

For students who are MLWDs, one or more of the domain(s) assessed on ACCESS for ELLs or Alternate ACCESS for ELLs may not be accessible, even with universal supports and/or accommodations. As a reminder, an MLWD is required to make an earnest attempt at all domains. If the student cannot access a domain due to their disability, the IEP/504 team may determine that the domain(s) assessed is not appropriate given the characteristics of the student’s disability. The IEP/504 team may request that one or two of the domain(s) assessed (Listening, Speaking, Reading, or Writing) on ACCESS for ELLs or Alternate ACCESS for ELLs to be considered ‘Access-Limited.’ To make this request, the IEP/504 team should submit an AccessLimited Request form along with IEP/504 documentation 

During previous administrations of ACCESS for ELLs, the SCDE reviewed each IEP submitted for the Access-Limited Criteria. When analyzing the accessibility needs of the students who were identified, several patterns of characteristics of disabilities emerged. For example, students who are deaf and hard of hearing may be unable to access the “Speaking” and “Listening” domains in ACCESS for ELLs due to their disability. Likewise, students who are blind may be unable to access “Speaking” and “Reading” due to their disability. 

As a reminder, a scribe is an allowable accommodation if the student needs to dictate their responses, either verbally using an external speech-to-text device, an augmentative/assistive communication device (e.g., picture/word board), or by gesturing, pointing, or eye gaze.  

All requests must be submitted at least two weeks before the administration of ACCESS for ELLs or Alternate ACCESS for ELLs. A committee will review submissions before the assessment window, and determination letters that allow or deny the request, including procedures for authorized requests, will be sent before test administration. An Access-Limited Request form must be submitted annually for students who may continue to be considered ‘Access-Limited.’ Requests may be submitted via paper Access-Limited Request form by faxing it and the complete IEP/504 Plan to 803-734-8886.  

If the student is taking the online version of ACCESS for ELLs, refer to the WIDA Assessment Management System Submit Incomplete Domain Guide in the WIDA Secure Portal or request this document from the ELP Assessment Program Manager at the SCDE. If the student takes the paper version of ACCESS for ELLs or Alternate ACCESS for ELLs, complete all the tested domains once approval for ‘Access limited’ domains has been granted. Please contact the ELP Program Manager for any further details and questions.