Classroom Accommodations
Classroom Use
- Include a statement on the class syllabus inviting the student to discuss academic needs with you. For example, "If you have a documented disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact your instructor and the Center for Students with Disabilities as soon as possible."
- Clearly delineate expectations at the beginning of the course (e.g., grading, material to be covered, due dates).
- Announce reading assignments well in advance for students who are using taped materials or other alternative formats. It takes an average of six to eight weeks to get a book tape-recorded.
- When talking with the student, inquire about special needs in the classroom, in the lab, in fieldwork, and on field trips. Work with the student and the CSD to determine and provide appropriate accommodations.
- Select course materials early. Distribute syllabi, assignments, and reading lists in advance and in electronic format (e.g. disk, network) to facilitate translation to audiotape, Braille, and large print.
- Start each lecture with an outline of material to be covered that period. At the conclusion of class, briefly summarize key points.
- Make lectures and notes easily accessible (use larger print, provide handouts of notes in class, etc.).
- Provide adequate opportunities for questions and answers, including review sessions.
- Allow preferential seating for students with disabilities.
- Face the class when speaking. Repeat discussion questions. Write key phrases on the blackboard. Hand out assignments in writing. Provide written summaries of demonstrations in advance and use captioned films if you have a hearing impaired student in class.
- Verbally describe visual aids if there is a student with a visual impairment in class. For example, you might say, "The 3 inch long steel rod," rather than "this".
- In class discussion, focus primarily on the student with the disability and not on the student's aide or interpreter. Look and speak directly to the student with only occasional reference to the interpreter.