Teaching Tools: Required Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Presenter: Brittany Otter, Disability Access Coordinator

One out of every thirty students on campus have a registered disability accommodation.

As a TA or GPTI, this means that you will likely be responsible for partnering with other campus resources to implement accommodations in your classroom. By familiarizing yourself with the implementation processes, you can help ensure that your students are receiving the necessary support.

Brittany Otter, Disability Access Coordinator, recently led a workshop on required accommodations for students with disabilities. Otter began by emphasizing that the purpose of disability accommodations is to provide all students with a level playing field. Students with accommodations are still expected to meet the essential functions and objectives of every course.

As a teacher, it is your responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations for your students. That said, you do not need to provide an accommodation without an accommodation letter. It is also important to clarify that it is not your job to determine whether or not an accommodation is reasonable. Common accommodations include:

• Extended time. For this accommodation, students require additional time for exams. Time allotment is determined by Disability Services.
• Distraction Reduced Environment. During exams students require settings with minimal stimuli and interruptions. A small group setting is generally sufficient.
• Use of Computer. Students may be allowed to use a computer for essay exams and/or note-taking.
• Use of Calculator. Students may use a calculator during a test if it does not compromise the essential requirements of the class.

You can familiarize yourself with the accommodations offered on the Disability Services website here. Otter also stressed that the office is available to answer any implementation questions.

In addition to the required accommodations, Otter recommends that teachers and students draft an impact letter together. An impact letter is, essentially, a memorandum of understanding that lays out how accommodations will be implemented. The exercise is intended to facilitate early communication and help mitigate conflict. Disability Services encourages students to begin these conversations early. In addition, they will also provide a staff member (if needed) to help mediate.

For more information, the Faculty Information page on the Disability Services website is a great place to start. You can also make an appointment to speak with any of the access coordinators to learn more.


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