Implementing Academic Accommodations

ADA Accommodations

ADA accommodations are only given when formal documentation from a medical provider is presented to the Accessibility Resources & Services Office (ARS) and the formal accommodation document is signed by both student and ARS. ARS receives medical documentation to determine the type(s) of accommodation(s). The accommodation should not change the fundamental nature of the course or program of study. Students are instructed to give the document to faculty as soon as they receive it. Accommodations are not retroactive and only apply to what is designated on the form.

Further information for the following accommodations:

Test-Taking Accommodations

  • 50% or 100% additional time on traditional tests?
    • Professors can make arrangements with the student to begin the exam early or complete the exam after class in the professor’s office. If schedule prohibits, the professor and student can make arrangements for the student to take the test at the Student Disabilities Resource Center.
    • The SDRC has four testing rooms for proctoring exams with accommodations. They are reserved on a first come first serve basis by submitting a Proctored Exam Request to the SDRC at least 3 business days in advanced of the exam date.  
    • Accommodations are not retroactive: Students are told that faculty are not obligated to provide accommodations prior to the presentation of a faculty notification letter. 
  • Quiet location for testing
    • If a neighboring classroom/office/lab offers a distraction reduced environment, professors can offer that space to the student for the exam. Alternatively, the professor and student can make arrangements for the student to take the test at the Student Disabilities Resource Center
  • Computer test reader
  • Dragon Naturally Speaking as a test writing resource
  • Use of computer to type essay exams
  • Assistive technology for exams or for course work
    • Audio Books are available from the publisher. If not, The Dean of Students will make the book available.
  • Spelling and punctuation considerations on exams
    • This accommodation is allowed only if it is specified on the faculty notification of accommodation letter.

Other Classroom Accommodations

  • Notetakers
    • Peer notetakers are approved as an accommodation for certain students. Notes are to be used as a supplement allowing the student to fill in detail their own notes that may have been missed due to the effects of a disability.  Notetakers are confidential and are paid through the Dean of Students Office. Faculty should make an announcement to the class of the need of a notetaker for their course, without identifying the student who needs it.
    • Once a notetaker is identified, please refer them to SDRC at sdrc@claremont.edu. Notetakers will be trained to provide acceptable notes by either the DOS or staff at SDRC. If you have no volunteers, please work with SDRC and the student to figure out how to provide notes while a notetaker is recruited.
  • Permission to record/receive the course lecture
    • Recording or receiving course lectures from faculty is a reasonable accommodation for some students. Students sign an agreement with ARS. A copy of this agreement form can be sent to faculty upon request.
  • Use of service animal and emotional support animal (ESA) in the classroom
    • There is a difference between a service animal and emotional support animal. A service animal is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit for the benefit of the individual with a disability. Conversely, “emotional support animals” are defined in broader terms, as those animals that belong to a person who is emotionally or psychologically disabled. Students with disabilities have a right to have their service animal in the classroom, whereas emotional support animals are NOT allowed in classroom spaces.