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Academic Accommodations

DEFINITIONS

Accommodation: "any modification made for a person or within an environment to minimize the discriminatory effect of a person's physical, emotional, or learning disability." (Boston University)

Reasonable accommodations: "those adjustments within a work or school site that allow an otherwise-qualified individual with a disability to perform the tasks required." (B.U.)

Functional Limitations: Refers to activities that individuals may have trouble doing or tasks they may have difficulty carrying out, due to the specific nature of their disability.

ACCOMMODATIONS MUST:

  • Be based on the specific diagnosis.
  • Be based on the functional limitations of the disability upon the specific individual.
  • Be subject to modification if the impact or symptomatology of the disability changes.
  • Be subject to modification based on the exigencies of medication trials and adjustments.
  • Be preceded by disclosure of the disability to the Office of Disability Services with appropriate documentation.

ACCOMMODATIONS MUST NOT:

  • Cause undue burden on the setting or the institution.
  • Significantly alter the academic requirements of the course.
  • Significantly alter the course content.
  • Include modifications that allow for changed conduct code or exceptions to the civility code.

Academic accommodations at Kenyon College include, but are not limited to the following:

Instructional Accommodations:

Peer note-taker
Tape recorded lecture
Laptop computer
Outline or notes from professor (if available)
Textbooks on tape (RFBD or other)
Reader-Assistive Technology
Spellchecker and grammar checker
Kurzweil Reader or e-reader
TextHELP: Read and Write software
Screen Reader/CCTV
Screen Enlarger
FM Listening Device
Priority seating
Advanced receipt of syllabus and course handouts
No penalty for spelling/grammar errors in spontaneous writing, except where spelling and grammar are an integral part of the course requirements
Course materials are available in alternative format

Program Accommodations:

Academic support, counseling referral and special advising
Modified course load
Priority registration
Time of day for each class
Early registration
Course substitute for "required" course

Special Housing Requests

Single room
Wellness dorm

Test Accommodations:

Time and/or Schedule Changes
Extended time (50%, 100%)
Breaks during testing
Administer test in several sessions
Specific time of day that is best for the student

Changes in Test Format:
Reader to read directions and questions
Dictate answers to scribe or tape recorder
Allow student to mark responses on test rather than on Scranton answer sheet
Increase size of answer sheet bubbles
Larger type
Use of word processor for written responses
Oral test

Alterations in Setting:
Separate room for test
Minimal distractions
Priority seating