Classroom Accommodations

Below are descriptions of common types of classroom accommodations that students request through the Office of Accessibility.  Please note that each request for accommodation is individually discussed and determined reasonable for any student based on individual disclosure of disability as well as impact on course curriculum.

For more information about a specific accommodation, please contact the Office of Accessibility. 

 

Ability to step out of class briefly and return without penalty

This accommodation allows the student to leave the classroom briefly and return. The length of time a student is absent from the classroom is usually understood to be no more than 10 minutes, though this may be individually discussed.

The student is responsible for material covered while absent from the classroom.

 

Alternate Text Format

To learn more about how Alternative Text works, and how to request it, please navigate to our Alternative Text page.

 

Appropriate modification of physical requirements

If and when physical activity is required to access course curriculum, alteration or modification must be made so that the curriculum may be accessed by student.

 

Audio recording class lectures

This accommodation affirms that the student may record class lecture for personal use only, using “smart pen,” or other personal recording device. Please note that the accommodation to record a class lecture supersedes any classroom policy that prohibits audio recordings. This accommodation is not intended to be a substitute for course attendance, and recordings need not be provided for a student if they are not present in class. Faculty members with concerns regarding audio recording in the classroom should contact the Office of Accessibility.

 

Books, tests, and other printed reading material in enlarged print or Braille

When additional texts other than textbooks are provided as course materials, faculty are responsible for ensuring that this is also provided in an accessible format for the student with this accommodation. Accessibility will depend on the individual student’s needs, and should be discussed with the student directly. Please contact the Office of Accessibility with questions or concerns regarding this accommodation.

 

Deadline extensions

For more information on how to implement the accommodation of a deadline extension, please navigate to our Deadline Extension page.

 

Environmental alterations

This accommodation is an alteration to the physical learning environment, and will contain specific information.

 

Note takers in class

A student who is currently enrolled in the class will provide copies of their notes to the student. When possible, faculty should recommend student for this position based on positive review of academic records and attendance. If necessary, a faculty member may make an announcement to the course to recruit a note taker. The faculty member should not reveal the identity of the student or students eligible for a note taker.

Faculty members may use the Note Taker Recruitment Statement as a guide for their course announcement.

Option of extra time to complete in-class assignments

If the student requires additional time for in-class assignments, reasonable arrangements are made for the student. This may entail, for example, providing readings to the student in advance of the class session so that the student may complete them before class.

 

Printed or printable copies of instructor’s lecture outline, PowerPoint, or other visual materials (when available):

This accommodation should be provided at the start of class, providing support for the student’s learning in the classroom. If instructor does not use lecture notes, Power Point or other information, it is not necessary to create this to be used as accommodation.

 

Reserved seating

The faculty is responsible for ensuring that student has reserved seating in the location from which classroom information is most accessible to them. This may be: front of classroom; rear of classroom; aisle seat; seat with raised desk accessible for wheelchair use, etc.

 

Testing Accommodations

Please navigate to our Testing Accommodations page for more information on these accommodations and to review faculty and student responsibilities related to testing accommodations.

 

Texts in alternative format to supplement the use of traditional printed books

This accommodation may refer to e-text, pdf, Braille, audiobook, or other. Textbooks are the responsibility of the student, but alternative texts must be accepted by faculty.

 

The student should not be called on during class in an impromptu fashion

This academic adjustment does not alter the student’s responsibility for class participation if/when participation and student contributions are a significant portion of the learning process. While the student should not be called on in an impromptu fashion, the implementation of the accommodation requires faculty discernment as to the learning objectives regarding verbal participation. When student contributions are a significant portion of the learning process, alternatives to verbal speech (typed or written communication) or written reflections may be considered.

 

Use of laptop computer or other PDA

This accommodation affirms that the student may access electronic resources as a tool during class time to better access the course curriculum or take notes. Allowing this accommodation does NOT give student permission to access internet resources that would interfere with learning or confer undue advantage.

 

Use of a sign language interpreter

Appropriate classroom space must be provided to interpreter. Interpreters will also be made available for other events related to the curriculum, such as a teacher/student conference.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Accessibility regarding the need for additional interpreting needs related to the curriculum.

 

Use of a spell checker or providing an allowance for spelling errors when spelling is not an essential component of the course

The instructor should determine, per assignment, whether or not spelling is an essential component, and for those assignments for which spelling is not essential, how the accommodation should be provided.

Written directions or explanation of assignments not included in course syllabus

Provide simple, clear directives in writing regarding assignments and due dates.

 

Have a question about an accommodation not listed here? Not sure how to best implement an accommodation?  Please contact the Office of Accessibility via email at academicaccess@unca.edu or by phone at 828. 232. 5050