Approximately 60% of the students who receive accommodations at SMCM receive some form of testing accommodation. This may include access to extra time, assistive technology software, permission to reschedule exams if there are multiple exams in one day, and testing in our office space. Students still need access to these accommodations even if the exam, test, quiz, etc., is expected to be facilitated online. Furthermore, because "remote exams" may create barriers for students, there is now an accommodation available for students to receive a traditional paper-based exam. Some of our online platforms like Blackboard are not compatible with our assistive technologies.

Students who will need to work with our office to access relevant testing accommodations for their exams MUST request access to our Testing Center within seven (7) days of the exam in Accommodate (our accommodation management software). Our capacity to honor requests made within a week of the exam is limited.

If a student requests that an exam, test, quiz, etc., is somehow supported by our office, you will receive an email request out of the Accommodate software system to confirm exam details and possibly provide a copy. Our Faculty Resources page has information about how you can provide the exam to us.

The spirit of the ADA is a spirit of inclusion. The ADA is here to provide equal opportunity to students so that they may access their education. For more information about the ADA, visit their website. https://beta.ada.gov/

What is an accommodation?

An accommodation is support that lowers or removes a barrier caused by a disability or disabling health condition. An accommodation is a means to provide equal access to an individual who is experiencing a substantial limitation in one or more major life activities. For example, a student who experiences processing delays in reading and writing may need more time on time-constrained assignments, like an in-class exam.

Accommodations are a means to provide access, but do not guarantee success. It’s up to the student to use their skills and strategies to be successful.

The most common accommodations granted on our campus are:

• Permission to audio-record lectures

• Extended time to complete tests, quizzes, etc.

• Use of a computer text-to-speech software

• Provision of copies of outlines

• Testing in an alternate, quiet space

How do we determine what accommodations are appropriate?

We primarily determine what accommodations are appropriate by the interactive process and documentation. The interactive process allows us to ask questions and better understand a student's disability or disabling health conditions. We have 1 on 1 conversations with each student that requests accommodations to recognize their needs and potential points of access. We also consult documentation, present research and knowledgeable professionals as needed.

What if an accommodation fundamentally alters a course I am teaching?

If you believe an accommodation would fundamentally alter your course or learning outcomes, please reach out to our office. Please note, the accommodation will still need to be facilitated while the fundamental alteration is being determined. Before you file a complaint, consider the following questions and statements.

What is a fundamental alteration?

1. A removal of an essential skill

2. A lowering of an objective of standard

3. A change in the essential goal or outcome of the course or assignment

4. The modification of a requirement needed for a specific licensure or certification

What a fundamental alteration is not:

1. A tradition or existing rule

2. An absence of consideration

3. A failure to consider technology

4. A pretext of discrimination