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Testing

Common testing accommodations are additional time, distraction reduces setting, tests read aloud or scribed, accessible exam format, and the access to headphones during exams. Instructors are encouraged to provide the testing accommodations themselves whenever possible. If an instructor cannot provide the testing accommodations for the student, tests can be proctored at DS Testing Center. If the instructor and student decide that exams will be administered at DS it is the student’s responsibility to inform DS of the test times and dates. At least 3 business days advance notice is required. A DS representative will then contact the instructor for all relevant details regarding the exam. DS currently has a testing area that is equipped with  cameras for proctoring purposes. Please visit our Policy page for more detailed information. 

Alternative Format

Students with this accommodation may request class materials to be given to them in an alternative format. The instructor is responsible for providing DS with the required textbook information so an alternate format that is compatible with e-readers, can be found. Typically these alternate text formats are Word or PDF format.

Memory Aid

A memory aid such as a note‐card/cue card, is a testing accommodation used to support students who have documented disabilities impacting memory. It is a tool used to trigger information that a student has studied but may have difficulty recalling due to cognitive processing disabilities and disabilities associated with memory and recall. The cue sheet/note‐card allows the student to demonstrate knowledge of course material by  helping prompt the student’s memory, not by providing the answer. A cue sheet/note‐card gives students an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of course material on a quiz or exam without taking an already compromised memory function. This accommodation is not intended to reduce academic requirements or alter the standards by which academic performance is assessed. 

Working with American Sign Language Interpreters

Transcription and American Sign Language Services are granted to students who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Transcription Services consist of a transcriber providing real-time, English, transcription of a classroom lecture. American Sign Language services consist of an interpreter translating a classroom lecture into American Sign Language. These services may be directly provided by an individual in the classroom or remotely from a service outside of Alaska. Please visit our Policy page for more detailed information.

Assignment Extensions 

Federal law requires colleges and universities to consider reasonable modification of deadlines, if needed, to accommodate a student’s disability when they have been approved for this accommodation. It is up to the student to inform instructor(s) and DS if they plan to use this accommodation. Additionally, the student has to suggest an alternative due date, which the instructor has to approve. If assignment deadlines can be justified as an integral part of how the course is taught and or how learning is to be demonstrated and measured, there can be a point at which disability-related extensions cannot be reasonably accommodated.

Attendance

According to UAF attendance policies, students are expected to attend class regularly. Unexcused absences may result in a failing grade. However, federal law requires colleges and universities to consider reasonable modification of attendance policies, if needed, to accommodate a student’s disability when they have been approved for this accommodation. If attendance can be justified as an integral part of how the course is taught and or how learning is to be demonstrated and measured, there can be a point at which disability-related absences cannot be reasonably accommodated. If the instructor or student should have any questions regarding the attendance policy, they should reach out to DS. 

To be added...

Lecture Recording

Students with a lecture recording accommodation may use a recording tool to record lectures for the sole purpose of helping the student with studies and review of discussed class materials. Students are required to treat all recorded class lectures confidential and are not permitted to copy, redistribute or make materials available outside of the students personal academic use. 

Note Taking

Students with note taking as an accommodation will receive one note taking packet per class from UAF Disability Services at the beginning of each semester. The student presents the packet to their instructors. The instructor will then ask for volunteers within the class to take notes for the student. Once a volunteer is identified the note taker and student are introduced. Carbon copy paper is provided to the volunteer note taker for the purpose of taking notes. The volunteer note taker is also given a small stipend for their service. Please visit our Policy page for more detailed information.

Math Supports

Students with this accommodation may use a basic function calculator when it does not impact the fundamental objectives of the course. If the use of a calculator does impact a fundamental objective of the course, the instructor will have to contact DS to determine alternative accommodation in advance. 

Document Conversion and Material in Advance

The accommodation document conversion refers to all services that convert a document into another format. This could be enlarging a map for a geography class or preparing a textbook to be read aloud by screen reading software. It is the instructor's responsibility to provide DS with any materials requiring document conversion as soon as possible.  A syllabi or list for each class that includes the days the materials are due is also required. This will ensure that students receive all of their materials on time. DS provides students their most pressing materials first, after which materials are completed on a first come, first serve basis. Please visit our Policy page for more detailed information.

Classroom Environment

Classroom environment accommodations range from preferential seating to altering furniture arrangements. Students are required to inform DS if they require accommodations within a classroom environment. If you have any questions regarding classroom accommodations and changes, please contact DS.