How College Accommodations Can Help

Struggling with remote learning? You are not alone.

Many of you have experienced virtual teaching for the first time and have seen the challenges that it can present. For those with cognitive, sensory and other impairments, the problems of online learning have been all the greater.

While the future remains uncertain, colleges are making preparations for the summer and fall semesters now. More bouts of virtual teaching are inevitable. Just as colleges are preparing, you should too.

An accommodation is a support or service that helps make university life accessible for students with need. Traditionally they include educational, technological and architectural supports which enable access to buildings, study materials and technology that can help you succeed. Accommodations are available to help you succeed with online learning as well.

Whether you have previously applied for accommodations, or are thinking about doing so for the first time, knowing the types of online accommodations potentially available can help you successfully request them.

Questions Asked, Questions Answered

Who can apply for them? Any student with a documented need. For example, if you have ADHD or use an assistive listening device, there is likely an accommodation that could help improve your college life. You will need to have documentation to help prove what accommodations you need and why you need them.

When should I apply? Preferably well in advance of the start of your courses. Most college require students to register with Disability Services and notify their instructors in writing at the beginning of every semester.

Online Accommodation Types

Many common in-person class accommodations can have online equivalents.

Extended Time:

• Extended time can be given for online tests, exams and quizzes.

• Additional time can be provided for out-of-class assignments.

Alternative Classroom Materials:

• Class presentations/instructional materials may be provided via email or downloaded.

• Electronic course materials such as PDFs, which can be used with OCR (Optical Character Recognition software) for text-to-speech programs, can help reduce screen time.

• Students may be allowed to record live lectures to review.

• Colleges are under more pressure to provide accessible materials, so transcripts and captions can be requested, although their availability varies.

Assistive Technology:

• Students may be allowed to use their own devices to take notes and enable textbook access.

• Students may request to use assistive technology to access material in various forms. Kenneth S. Pope’s website contains a list of assistive hardware and software resources.

Alternative Assignments:

• Traditional assignment formats don’t work for everyone. Talk with your professors about reasonable alternatives, such as a written assignment instead of an online presentation.

Breaks:

• Breaks may be requested for tests, exams and quizzes, often provided in the form of additional time added to the total exam time.

• Professors could be asked to be flexible about work missed during breaks away from live lectures.

For many students with disabilities and learning difficulties, online teaching and communication may actually offer a more inclusive environment. Some students are finding a more welcoming community on social media and they give you somewhere to both ask for help and to give it. While not perfect, there is more assistive technology that ever before, with numerous apps and online resources to help students manage their time and organization digitally.

Just make sure you get the help you need and deserve, so apply for your college accommodations today.

Admission Pathways is available to help students apply for accommodations and learn self-advocacy. Schedule a free consult to find out how we can help you.