Accessibility Measure Descriptions

On this page is a list of typical accessibility measures (accommodations) and how to implement them for students in the classroom. Because accessibility measures are approved on a case-by-case basis, some individual variations may be noted on your student’s official Accessibility Memorandum (‘Memo’). If an accessibility measure interferes with an essential academic component, please contact Accessible Educational Services (AES) immediately at 812-855-7578 or email the student’s access coordinator as listed on the Memo.

Alternative Format

All classroom materials and exams must be provided to the student in an alternative format (e.g., braille, closed captioning, large print, tactile graphics, video descriptions, etc.) prior to use. For more information, please see the section providing alternate format materials.

Classroom—Alternative to Participation

Some students may have difficulty formulating an immediate verbal response to questions, speech disfluencies, difficulty reading aloud, etc. If oral expression is NOT a fundamental requirement of the course, you may consider allowing the student to complete an oral assignment using a different format.

Classroom—Closed Captioning

All videos and other multimedia used in the class must be presented with closed captioning. For information on providing alternate format materials, please see the section providing alternate format materials.

Classroom—Face Student

Face student when speaking in classroom.

Classroom—Film Access

Provide student with access to classroom films.

Classroom—Repeat Questions

Repeat questions and summarize comments from classmates.

Classroom—Flexible Absence

Action is required by faculty to initiate this accessibility measure (accommodation).  Please collaboratively complete the online agreement with the student. In order for this accessibility measure to be valid, the submitted Flexible Absence Agreement must be approved and on-file with the AES Office. The Flexible Absence Agreement allows for course specific attendance flexibility and arrangements for assignments due the day of an absence. For absences due to qualifying medical condition symptoms, the student must notify the instructor in advance or by the end of the day of the class missed.

Classroom—Interpreter

The student requires an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for all classes and exam instruction.

Classroom—Laptop

The student may use a laptop or tablet to take notes in the classroom. Improper use of the device such as using it for non-class-related activities will result in the loss of this accessibility measure.

Classroom—ATAC Consultation—Large Print

Classroom materials and texts must be provided electronically or in a large print format. Font size will be specified in the Memo. The Assistive Technology Accessibility Center (ATAC) will prepare classroom materials in 20-point font and higher.

Classroom—Large Print

Classroom materials and texts must be provided electronically or in a large print format. Student requires ____ font size. Faculty are responsible for providing materials in that font size or digital documents. If you need help providing the materials in a larger font, please see providing alternate format materials.

Classroom—Noise Canceling Headphones/Ear Devices

The student has permission to wear AES approved non-electronic headphones for exams, or the student has permission to wear AES approved non-electronic audio suppressing ear devices.

Classroom—Notes

Copies of class notes from a peer must be made available to the student unless the notes are posted by the instructor to Canvas. Please review how to provide notetaking support.

Classroom—Permission to eat/drink

The student has permission to have food and drink in the classroom due to needs related to their qualifying medical condition, under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If your class takes place in a lab or other type of classroom setting where food and drink cannot be in the student’s workspace, please develop a plan with the student so they have access to their food/drink. If needed, contact the student's access coordinator for more support.

Classroom—Permission to leave

The student has permission to leave the classroom suddenly in the event of acute onset of symptoms related to their qualifying medical condition.

Classroom—Permission to use medical monitor

The student has permission to monitor their medical condition with an electronic device in the classroom. Electronic devices may also include phones.

Classroom—Permission to record

The student is allowed to record class lectures and discussions using AES-approved software. The student may not share the recordings with other students. Sharing recordings would result in removal of this accessibility measure; using direct quotes would be considered plagiarism and subject to referral to the Office of Student Conduct.

Classroom—Permission to stand

The student has permission to stand at the back of the classroom as needed to alleviate symptoms related to their qualifying medical condition.

Classroom—Permission to wear sunglasses

The student has permission to wear sunglasses in class to alleviate symptoms related to their qualifying medical condition.

Classroom—Preferential seating

The student must be given the opportunity to select a seat that allows the best access to the materials or quick access to an exit in case of a medical emergency.

Classroom—Space Management

Various types of qualifying medical conditions such as vision, mobility or temporary impairments might require students to have a need for using specific furniture. For example, a student might need furniture to be placed in a specific place or they might need a certain type of furniture. The student’s access coordinator typically contacts the Space Management Office on campus and will include instructors and the student in the conversation.

Classroom—Video Description

The student is approved for video description. This accessibility measure entails verbal description of visual content (i.e. Audio Description) and verbalization of visual content (such as videos, images and whiteboard drawings) which conveys the essential elements to the student. The amount of audio description is dependent on the complexity of visuals. This may be pre-recorded by ATAC, an explanation given by the instructor, or may require the help of an in-class assigned assistant. For more information please see the section providing alternate format materials.

Exam—Alternative Setting (Private)

The student must be tested in a private setting with only a proctor present.

Exam—Alternative Setting (Reduced distraction)

The student must be tested in a proctored reduced distraction setting, free of interruptions, outside of the regular classroom setting. The number of students in the room will be determined by the size of the space. In some classes, 10 or fewer students would be appropriate. In a very large lecture hall, up to 30 students may be reasonable so students can spread out.

Exam—Alternative Setting (Stop-the-Clock-Breaks)

The student is allowed to take stop-the-clock breaks during exams. This accessibility measure (accommodation) is for health-related purposes, such as checking blood sugar, alleviating symptoms of chronic pain, etc. The student may not leave the exam room and a break is NOT to exceed 10 minutes for every 60 minutes of exam time.

Exam—Calculator

The student is allowed a simple calculator for math and math-related tests, quizzes, or exams where basic calculations are not the focus of the assessment or an essential course component. Please note: a calculator is not allowed in basic math courses. Additional permission from the Department of Mathematics may be required.

Exam—Dictation

The student is permitted to dictate test answers to either voice response adaptive software (i.e. Windows Speech Recognition, Dragon, etc.).

Exam—Extended Time (1.5X)

The student is allowed time and a half (an additional 50%) on timed tests, quizzes, exams, and in-class written assignments. Arrangements for unscheduled quizzes should be addressed with student during Memo meeting with instructor. If needed, contact DSS for alternative recommendations for unscheduled quizzes.

Exam—Extended Time (1.5X)—MATH ONLY

The student is allowed time and a half (an additional 50%) on timed tests, quizzes, exams, and in-class math-related written assignments. Arrangements for unscheduled quizzes should be addressed with student during Memo meeting with instructor. If needed, contact DSS for alternative recommendations for unscheduled quizzes.

Exam—Extended Time (2X)

The student is allowed double time (an additional 100%) on timed tests, quizzes, exams, and in-class written assignments. Arrangements for unscheduled quizzes should be addressed with student during Memo meeting with instructor. If needed, contact DSS for alternative recommendations for unscheduled quizzes.

Exam—Extended Time (2X)—ESSAY ONLY

The student is allowed double time (an additional 100%) on timed essay exams.

Exam—Extended Time (2X)—MATH ONLY

The student is allowed double time (an additional 100%) on math timed tests, quizzes, exams, and in-class math-related assignments. Arrangements for unscheduled quizzes should be addressed with student during Memo meeting with instructor. If needed, contact DSS for alternative recommendations for unscheduled quizzes.

Exam—No Scantrons

The student is permitted to mark answers directly on their copy of the exam.

Exam—Scribe

The student is permitted to dictate test answers to a proctor who will function as a scribe.

Exam—Spelling Forgiveness

Spelling forgiveness, or the use of a word processor (a computer without internet) for in-class tests, quizzes, exams, and in-class written assignments is permitted when spelling is not the focus of the assessment or an essential course component.

Exam—Test Reader (Proctor)

A proctor must read the exam to the student.

Exam—Text-reading software

The student is allowed to use text-reading software on exams or must be provided with an audio recorded version of exams. Example: Text Help Read and Write software from the IU Knowledge Base.

Exam—Word Processor

The student is allowed to use a word processor (a computer without internet) on exams, tests, or quizzes with an essay format.

Exam—Written Instruction

The student requires a written copy of any verbal instructions given prior to a test, exam, or assignment.

Other

AES will write in accessibility measure as needed.

X—Animal (Service)

Service animals are recognized under the ADA and are defined as dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with qualifying medical conditions. They are permitted in all university buildings and facilities except some laboratories and kitchens for the safety of the dog or miniature horse.

X—ATAC Referral

We refer students to the Assistive Technology Accessibility Center (ATAC) for a variety of technology supports. See above in the providing alternate format materials.

X—CART

Remote transcription in real time provides access through converting speech to text instantaneously. The transcriber is not physically present. The instructor wears a wireless microphone and transmitter. The transcriber wears a receiver and converts speech to text on their computer screen. The student uses screen-sharing with transcriber to see the text. The instructor will be contacted by AES to provide specific information about the course and to arrange for technology set-up.

X—Collegiate Life Coaching (CLiC)

Access coordinators work with students in an active process that focuses on learning, development and aims to improve academic performance. Students may schedule individual appointments to discuss ways to study more effectively and manage their time in a post-secondary environment. Some common focus areas:

• Time management
• Organizational skills
• Study skills: note taking, exam preparation, etc.
• Dealing with and overcoming procrastination
• Goal setting

X—Orientation and Mobility Training

Students are expected to travel independently to day-to-day activities. An Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M) may assist students with orientation to campus, assistance with learning routes, orienting to the residence and residence hall, etc. This is provided on a limited basis.

X—Priority Registration

Early registration for eligible students needing advanced preparation for assistive technology, significant mobility concerns or a chronic health condition.

X—Service Dog in Training

AES will provide information.

X—Van Service

Primarily for students with permanent mobility qualifying medical conditions to assist them in getting to and from on-campus buildings to attend class. The service has limited hours. If space is available, students with temporary impairments, such as fractures or other conditions, requiring mobility devices may be eligible to receive this service.