Examples of Academic Accomodations

In accordance with the Accessibility for Students with Disabilities policy, accommodations will be provided to students with disabilities to support accessible education and enable students to meet institutional standards while maintaining the academic integrity of the course, program, assignment or activity.

Examples are listed below.

  • An adaptation to a component of a program, course, or assignment, where appropriate:
  • substitution of a component of a program or alternative forms of evaluation (e.g., using written evaluation instead of oral )
  • use of assistive technology (e.g., using screen-reading software for an oral presentation)
  • extension of a program completion date
  • modification of a work placement (e.g., extending completion of the placement)

A test or examination accommodation:

  • specified extended time or alternate scheduled time
  • distraction-reduced environment
  • alternative desk arrangement or environment (e.g., increased lighting, ability to stand and stretch, alternatives to written tests (e.g., oral exam, term paper, etc.)
  • alternate formats (e.g., test in large print, double spaced, electronic text, Braille or audio recording)
  • test or exam administered in sections (to permit supervised breaks)
  • test clarification with the instructor
  • oral follow up with instructor after written test/exam
  • use of a computer (word processor)
  • spelling and/or grammar checkers
  • not penalizing for spelling/grammatical errors
  • use of dictionary and or calculator
  • use of assistive technology (e.g., screen-reading software) or individual scribes and reader
  • sign language interpretation
  • washroom breaks, food or drink
  • combinations of the above

A classroom accommodation:

  • assistive devices/technology, or auxiliary aids (e.g., FM assistive listening device)
  • sign language interpretation
  • audio recorded lectures (instructor may request written agreement)
  • alternative desk arrangements
  • breaks during class time
  • relocate class, where practical (e.g., to improve acoustics or accessibility)
  • note-taking assistance
  • access to instructor’s lecture slides

Participation in a University-sponsored event or activity:

  • sign language interpretation at Convocation or other events
  • relocation of events, where feasible, to provide better access

The Copyright Office or the Office of General Counsel can assist where copyright issues arise in terms of a requested accommodation.