TYPES OF ACCOMMODATIONS - - SMU

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Commonly-Requested Accommodations

Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the disability's impact and student need and the reasonableness of the requested accommodation. Below is a non-exhaustive list and definition of commonly-requested accommodations:

Extended Time
Distraction-Reduced Environment
Enlarged Font Exams
Reader
Scribe
Assistive Technology
Note Taking Assistance
Audio-recorded Lectures
Alternate Format Texts
Communication Services: Interpreter/Real-time Captioning
Preferential Seating
Enlarged Font Handouts
Course Substitutions
Consideration for Tardiness/Absences
Housing Accommodations
Accessible Classrooms
Handicapped Parking Permits

Accommodations may require an assessment of the environment to determine whether they are reasonable in a particular class. As a result, the implementation of these accommodations cannot always be defined outright by DASS, but rather warrants additional consideration that will vary from one course to another based on its essential components. DASS will ensure that the student maintains a voice in this process while facilitating course instructor guidance in order to identify an equal access outcome. If the student and instructor cannot agree on an appropriate academic adjustment that would not drastically alter the course as it is designed, the student and instructor have a mutual responsibility to contact our office for further, interactive discussion.

Testing Accommodations

Extended Time: The student is given additional time to complete any in-class, graded assignment, such as a quiz, test, or exam. The amount of extended time is indicated by numerical reference of 1.5x, or 2x, etc. For example: 1.5x means that the student is allowed 1.5 times the amount of time students without disabilities are given to complete the exam. If an in-class test is scheduled for 50 minutes, a student with a disability with a 1.5x accommodation would be allowed an additional 25 minutes (or a total of 75 minutes) to complete the test.

Distraction-Reduced Environment: The student is tested in an environment which minimizes distractions for the student. Each student has different levels of distractibility and different stimuli which may distract them. Instructors should discuss with the student the optimal settings in which the student will take the test. Typically, students need an environment which minimizes both auditory (e.g. copy machines, talking, other noises) and visual distractions (e.g. people walking in and out). A distraction-reduced environment does not necessitate the student's testing in a private room, nor does it mean that an environment is completely distraction-free.

Enlarged Font Exams: Tests are enlarged to a needed font size to enable the student to see and/or better understand the test material.

Reader: A person or computer software program reads the test (word for word) to the student.

Scribe: A person records (verbatim) the answers provided by the student during a test.

Assistive Technology: A variety of software, hardware, and other devices are used to accommodate the student, for example, a scanner, computer, text magnifier, etc.

Classroom Accommodations

Note Taking Assistance: Through a volunteer peer note-taker, DASS can assist a student in obtaining a copy of notes to supplement the student's own notes in each class. Instructors may also choose to post their notes on-line, or provide the student with a copy of his/her notes for the class. Please note, the delivery of notes or outlines before a class meets is not generally considered a reasonable accommodation.

Audio-recorded Lectures: The student with this accommodation may need assistance capturing information that is covered in lecture and may audio-record lectures for later use in studying. Students with this accommodation agree to restrictions which limit the availability of this accommodation to specific usage by the student. DASS recommends that instructors with concerns about intellectual property or the use of the recording for non-classroom purposes make a contract with the student to minimize any apprehension. A sample of an appropriate contract can be found on the DASS website. Instructors and students can consider alternatives to this accommodation if the alternative still provides meaningful access to the course material covered during the lecture. If the student and instructor cannot agree on alternatives to this accommodation, the student and instructor have a mutual responsibility to contact our office for further, interactive discussion.

Alternate Format Texts: DASS can aid in the acquisition or creation of books, texts, and articles in enlarged print, on tape, or on CD. More so than any other, this accommodation can take quite some time to render and necessitates the student's contacting DASS as early as possible, preferably well before the start of the semester, to begin acquiring the alternate texts.

Communication Services: Interpreter/Real-time Captioning: Interpreters or captionists are provided to students who have substantial hearing loss which prevents them from hearing the information presented in class. These services are arranged by DASS.

Preferential Seating: The student is allowed to sit where he/she can best obtain the information presented in class. Arranging preferential seating should be a collaborative process between the instructor and the student.

Enlarged Font Handouts: Handouts are enlarged to the font size needed to enable the student to see and understand the handout material.

Other Academic Accommodations

Course Substitutions: All students must be "otherwise qualified" to participate in any program of academic study with or without reasonable accommodations. Students with disabilities are not excused from course prerequisites, GPA requirements, or degree requirements. However, in some limited circumstances, when all other means of accommodation have been deemed inappropriate and/or exhausted, a course substitution may be appropriate. DASS makes considerations of course substitutions on a case-by-case basis and only after the student makes a specific request for this accommodation. Course substitutions are made only when it is clear that the student's disability makes completion of the requirement impossible and that the course requested for substitution is not an essential component of the academic program and, thus, the substitution does not alter the integrity of the academic program. The student should discuss this accommodation with DASS staff as soon as possible, as this accommodation often takes a significant amount of time.

Guidelines for applying for a second language substitution are found HERE. The online application for second language substitution request is found HERE. If English is the student's second language, there is no substitution available at an English-speaking University.

Consideration for Tardiness/Absences: A physical, medical, or psychiatric disability may cause a student to periodically miss classes. If the documentation warrants, a letter of consideration can be written by DASS asking for the instructor's consideration in excusing more than the stated, allowable number of absences for the class. As attendance is considered fundamental to any class and to the learning process in general, it is at the instructor's discretion as to how many absences may be allowed before the fundamental nature of the class is jeopardized. The student is responsible for having a discussion at the beginning of the semester regarding this accommodation, as well as notifying the instructor as soon as possible after each missed class. The student must also work with the instructor to obtain class notes and make up missed assignments, if possible or if applicable. Generally, this accommodation is approved on a case-by-case basis, and implemented this way as well, with each individual instructor.

Other Non-academic Accommodations

Housing Accommodations: DASS collaborates with the Department of Resident Life and Student Housing (RLSH) when students with disabilities request on-campus housing accommodations. Housing accommodations are specific to each student and their disability needs, such as a single room; a room on the first floor or a dormitory with an elevator; a raised bed; specific lighting; or an ADA-compliant floor plan. Students with disabilities who anticipate housing needs should (1) alert RLSH as early as possible; and (2) provide DASS with documentation justifying the request, and a completed online Student Request for Accommodation Eligibility form. DASS verifies the disability basis for housing accommodations; RLSH assigns housing based on availability and administrative burden. Please send all disability-related information directly to DASS rather than to RLSH since sending documentation to RLSH can lengthen the accommodation review process.

Accessible Classrooms: DASS continues to remove architectural barriers to students with disabilities on Southern Methodist University's campus; however, some historic buildings remain inaccessible. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DASS can relocate classes from inaccessible classrooms to accessible ones. Tables, chairs, and desks can also be added to or removed from classrooms if needed.

Handicapped Parking Permits: Located in Expressway Tower at the southeast corner of Central Expressway and University Boulevard, the Park N Pony office provides on-campus handicapped parking permits. Students are responsible for all student parking fees.