Accommodations for the Classroom
An accommodation is a change that allows you to participate in school or at work in a way that matches your learning strengths. Accommodations can include, among other things, a private work area, extra time to complete tasks, having instructions repeated for you or receiving instructions both orally and in writing.
Other accommodations include:
Taped Books
Many students find it helpful to listen to taped textbooks or to have material read aloud by readers.
Readers
Sometimes you may want to use a reader—often a fellow student who reads assignments aloud. Readers can be helpful when an instructor gives an unscheduled assignment and there is not enough time to tape it.
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Inc. (RFB&D) provides taped texts and electronic data (E-text) for persons who cannot read general print media. In addition to numerous E-texts, the RFB&D library has more than 80,000 texts on tape. To use the service, you must complete an application and provide documentation of a disability as needed.
Talking Books
The Talking Book program is operated by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of The Library of Congress. This program lends a wide range of publications in Braille or recorded form free of charge to persons with visual, physical and perceptual disabilities.
Alternatives to Note-taking
If note-taking is identified and documented as a problem for you, you can request that your school permit you alternative ways to take notes, such as getting the services of a note-taker—usually a classmate who is a good student and a good note-taker. You can also tape lectures, provided you receive permission from your instructor first.
Alternative for Written Composition
Written assignments can be difficult for many students. Despite your intelligence, you may have trouble putting ideas together, using correct grammar and spelling and writing legibly. Sometimes it helps to use word processors. Dictating and editing services can also be helpful. Some campuses have writing labs where staff can help you write and edit your papers.
Alternative Ways to Take Exams
If you have trouble reading and/or understanding the questions; writing under pressure; organizing thoughts; or remembering mechanics of spelling, punctuation and syntax, you may want to ask for accommodations when taking exams. Accommodations for test-taking include:
- Having material read by a reader.
- Listening to taped tests.
- Dictating answers to a scribe.
- Having extended time to take a test.