Accommodations: What they are and are not

Reasonable vs. Unreasonable Accommodation Examples

Reasonable accommodations/academic adjustments are modifications of the learning environment that eliminate, as much as possible, physical or instructional barriers to learning encountered by the student with a disability.  These are individualized and dependent on the nature of the specific disability or disabilities. A student's physical accessibility to the classroom, the essential requirements of the program, as well as the student's ability to fully participate in all course activities are all are considered in providing reasonable accommodation.  “Reasonable” may also vary from course to course or program to program and are based on the essential elements of those courses or programs.

Examples of Reasonable Accommodations or Academic Adjustments (this list is not exhaustive):

• Note taking, Alternative Testing, Alternative Text Services
• Interpreter or Captioning Services
• Clarifications of assignments, visual cues or reminders in class
• Organizational or support meetings with faculty and/or staff 
• Modifications of non-essential course elements.

An accommodation or academic adjustment is unreasonable if it alters core and essential requirements of a course, licensing prerequisites, causes fundamental alteration in the nature of the program; imposes undue financial or administrative burden, or poses an appreciable threat to personal or public safety.

Examples of Unreasonable Accommodations (in most cases):

• Personal assistive devices –(supplying wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc)
• Taking exams without proctoring or unlimited time
• Attendance “waivers” where a student is not required to attend classes  
• Waiving assignment due dates or requesting long extensions for assignments
• Modifications that require a significant change in a core element of a program.

Disability Services is invested in working with students and faculty to determine what is reasonable and provides access in the educational setting.  Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment regarding specific requests or concerns.