Academic Accommodations
An accommodation is a legally mandated support or service that gives a student with a disability an equal opportunity to benefit from the educational process. Approved accommodations are based on the educational limitations of an individual’s disability and determined through an interactive process between the student and a DSPS Accommodations Specialist.
An Academic Accommodation:
- Promotes independence and maximum participation of the student
- Relates directly to the student’s educational plan and course of study
- Relates directly to the student’s functional limitations resulting from a verified disability
- Cannot alter the academic standards for the student
- Cannot alter the fundamental requirements of the course or educational program
- Cannot alter the instructor’s ability to measure the student’s skills and aptitudes
Examples of accommodations and services offered:
- Extended time for testing
- Distraction-reduced test setting
- Notetaking services
- Alternate format for books and media
- Audio recorded lectures
- Real-time captioning
- Sign language interpreters
- Assistive listening device
- Enlarged print
- Accessible furniture
- Preferential seating
- Priority registration
Examples of services NOT provided by DSPS:
- Financial assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Housing assistance
- Medication
- Personal care attendants
- Devices or services for personal use
Many of the accommodations that are provided in K-12 education, such as reduced or modified course standards, or alternate versions of assignments or exams, are not offered at a community college.
