Accommodation Definitions, Explanations, and Meanings:

Test Accommodations:

  • Extended Time for Test-1.25 – Extended time on in-class exams and quizzes in the amount of 1.25 (time and a quarter)
  • Extended Time for Test-1.5x – Extended time on in-class exams and quizzes in the amount of 1.5 (time and a half)
  • Extended Time for Testing-2x – Extended time on in-class exams and quizzes in the amount of 2.0 (double time)
  • Reduced Distraction Environment – Exams administered in a reduced distraction environment. This can be arranged in the Testing Center via the test accommodation process.
  • Computer for Written Responses – Allow use of a computer with a word processing application for written responses.
  • Scribe – Access to an individual who will write down what the student dictates via speech
  • Reader – The use of a human reader or text-to-speech program to read exam to student
  • Calculator – Use of a calculator
  • Talking Calculator – Use of a calculator with a built-in speech synthesizer that reads aloud each number, symbol, or operation key a user presses and vocalizes answers to math problems
  • CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) – Use of a television designed to magnify printed text
  • Screen Reading/Magnification Software – Use of an electronic device or electronic application designed to magnify printed or electronic text, or read aloud electronic text
  • Test Printed in Large Font – Exams must be in enlarged print. The font size can vary depending on student’s need.
  • Short Breaks When Medically Necessary
  • Access to Food and/or Drink – Student may bring food and/or drinks to the exam and consume them as needed.
  • Student Will Record Answers on Scantron and Proctor Will Check for Accuracy – Students will use a scantron to record their exam answers. The exam proctor will then check the scantron to make sure each bubble is properly filled in. For students approved for the Reduced Distraction Environment accommodation, exam proctors will be members of the Testing Center staff.
  • Student Will Record Answers in Test Booklet and Proctor Will Transfer to Scantron – Students will write their answers in a testing booklet. The exam proctor will then transfer the student’s answers to a scantron. For students approved for the Reduced Distraction Environment accommodation, exam proctors will be members of the Testing Center staff.

Classroom Accommodations:

  • Computer for Note-Taking In Class – Allow use of a computer with a word processing application for taking notes in class
  • Copy of Class Notes – A student enrolled in class is identified by Office of Disability Resources (ODR) to share a copy of their class notes. The volunteer student will upload their notes to our online system. The student(s) approved for this accommodation will automatically receive a copy of the notes for the specific class via our online system.
  • Recording Technology – Student is approved to use a device to record class lectures. Instructors are not responsible for providing a recording device to the student; rather, recording devices are loaned to the student by the ODR or are purchased by the student. Devices may include but are not limited to note-taking applications, digital recorders, or smart pens.
  • Interpreter – Interpreters translate lectures, discussions, and conversations between the student and the instructor. When communicating with the student, please look at and speak directly to the student rather than the interpreter.
  • FM (Personal Frequency Modulation) System – Student uses an assistive listening device that includes a microphone and FM receiver. The microphone is to be worn on a lapel or attached to an article of clothing of the speaker. Due to the limited range of the microphone, please repeat the questions as they are asked. This may be helpful to everyone in class.
  • CART (Communication Access Real-Time )– CART is the real-time transcription of the lecture or discussion. It is provided by a CART transcriptionist using computer technology.
  • Closed Captioning for Course Videos – Films and videos shown in class will need to be in Closed Captioned format. If a film/video does not have Closed Captioning, instructors may choose to contact the distributor and request a captioned format of the film/video. If a captioned format is unavailable, please contact the ODR for assistance as soon as possible.
  • Emergency Evacuation Assistance – The student may need assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation. Students who indicate their need to ODR for emergency evacuation assistance will be identified to the New York State University Police and fire department as an individual who requires assistance evacuating buildings during emergencies.
  • Attendance Modification – Student has a disability or condition which necessitates being occasionally absent from class. Faculty set their own attendance policies; this accommodation is simply a request for some flexibility in the policy, if possible. The amount of flexibility will depend on the nature of the class and whether class participation is a factor in the final grade. Students who are eligible for this accommodation are responsible for completing all coursework. This accommodation is not a “blank check” that allows students to miss a large number of classes for any given course. A student with excessive absences in a class should consult with the instructor about dropping or withdrawing the course or receiving an incomplete grade when appropriate.
  • Course Materials Provided in Large Font – All handouts and class materials must be in enlarged print. The font size can vary depending on the student’s need.
  • Access to Food and/or Drink During Class – Student may bring food and/or drinks to the classroom and consume them as needed.
  • Short Breaks When Medically Necessary – Student may need to occasionally exit the classroom to take short breaks.
  • Personal Aide – Students may bring a personal aide or personal care attendant with them to class.

Additional Accommodations:

  • Audio or Electronic Textbooks – Books provided in audio or electronic format. The ODR will work to acquire a student’s textbooks in an accessible format once the student submits the ‘Alternate Text Conversion Request Form’ to us. Since the process of acquiring audio books/e-texts can take several weeks, it is helpful for the student to get their textbook information before the start of the semester.
  • Braille – Books and other class materials provided in braille. The ODR will work to acquire a student’s textbooks in an accessible format once the student submits the ‘Alternate Text Conversion Request Form’ to us. Since the process of acquiring materials in braille can take several weeks, it is helpful for the student to get information on their textbooks and class materials before the start of the semester
  • Accessible Classroom Furniture – The student requires accessible furniture in the classroom. The ODR will work with the student, Facilities Management, and/or building managers/custodial staff to acquire and place accessible furniture in each classroom that the student will be taught in before the start of the semester.

Information on Interacting with People with Disabilities:

As persons with disabilities continue to take advantage of the opportunities available to them in higher education, it is important that colleges and universities promote an environment that is positive for persons with disabilities. One of the strongest and easiest ways to accomplish this is by using appropriate language.

The recommended manner is known as “person first” language. This means the person is emphasized first, rather than the disability.