Similar to face-to-face classes, we encourage students to speak with their instructors about their needs. Some accommodations are specifically designed for face-to-face classes and do not apply to the online environment, while other accommodations are applicable and will transfer smoothly. We recommend speaking with your instructor about your needs first. Then, if you would like additional assistance with this process, the Access Office will be happy to assist. To request support, email your campus Access Office at the links provided above.

If you are taking your classes on campus, to schedule exams within the Testing Center, you will need to provide a copy of your Instructor Notification memo to the Testing Center. When you visit the Testing Center, they will speak to you about their policies and procedures. To schedule exams, we recommend the following:

Review your syllabus to determine testing dates
Talk with your instructors about how you will receive accommodations for pop quizzes
The key point to remember is that students using the Testing Center must schedule their exams at least 48 hours in advance to receive their full accommodations within the Testing Center.

If you are enrolled in online classes, we recommend you speak with your instructor as soon as possible to discuss any exams that may be administered in the class. Typically, instructors will independently facilitate accommodations for online exams; however, in order for your instructors to be prepare, it is important to make sure they are aware of your desire to use testing accommodations in this environment. If you or your instructors have questions about facilitating online testing accommodations, please let the Access Office know.

Although your instructors are aware that you have previously used accommodations, they may need a refresher on what your needs are. Reaching out to your instructors again allows you to reconnect and remind your instructors of your accommodations as we move into the second half of the semester.

The Access Office encourages you to reach out to your instructor through an email or in person, and state your wish to use and/or continue using your accommodations. You should indicate which accommodations you wish to use.

You should not assume your instructor automatically knows what you need. When emailing, make sure to introduce yourself, include the course and section you are registered for, and state that you would like to utilize your accommodations (it is helpful to include which accommodations you feel will be most beneficial).

Keep in mind that you may need to have more than one email with your instructor. Sometimes further clarification and explanation is needed.

The Access Office recommends you communicate with your instructor as soon as possible. Please refer to your course syllabus for contact information and office hours.

Yes. For students who utilize ASL interpreters or transcription services, the Districtwide Coordinator, Regina Driskill is happy to answer any questions you may have. Regina can be reached at: rdriskill@stlcc.edu.

Extended time on exams as an accommodation generally only applies to traditional, time-limited exams. If you have adapted your course to offer alternative methods of assessment (e.g. essays, non-timed exams, project work), then a student’s extended time might not be applicable. We encourage you to speak with students if that is the case.

The Testing Center assists with proctoring exams on campus. They will contact instructors when a student makes an appointment for testing with accommodation. For online classes, extended time can be set up in Canvas. You can receive assistance from the Distance Learning team if needed by submitting the following form:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/744b47abfc354f019dcfc4537facba7f

Please communicate with your students to discuss their exam accommodations in your courses. The Access Office is available to instructors and students to consult about unique circumstances.

It is necessary to talk with the student about the best methods to address their unique needs in your specific course. Note taking Assistance accommodations can include

• Instructor-provided notes such as a copy of the slides or a lecture outline (provided only with instructor approval).
  • For the online format, instructors can use the “Notes” section of PowerPoint slides to help students identify key points. Other ideas we have see from faculty include creating outlines and/or providing interactive worksheets.
• Volunteer note-taker (Instructor recruits a volunteer from the class; typically only provided for real-time/synchronous class meetings).

If the above prove problematic, the instructor may contact their campus Access Office for assistance.

Make an announcement to the class (via email or Canvas announcement) to recruit a note-taker. In this announcement, please do NOT reveal the name of the student or the fact of disability. We suggest saying: "I am recruiting a volunteer to be a note-taker for this course. As a note-taker, you’ll be emailing a copy of your notes after each class period. Please email me if you are interested."

Once a note-taker is identified, please provide the volunteer with your email address where the student volunteer can send the copy of the notes to you. You can then forward them either directly to your student or to your campus Access Office for distribution.

Deaf Services include interpreting/transcribing services, assistive listening devices, and captioned videos. Upon request, the Access Office will provide a student with a sign language interpreter or transcriber for any online classes with real-time meetings. The Access Office can also provide instructors information regarding best practices in virtual classroom set-up for interpreting/transcription. Please contact your campus Access Office for this information.

If you will be screen-sharing videos during class, or assigning videos to watch outside of class, these videos must include captions. Please contact the Access Office with any questions or material conversion requests.

Due to unpredictable flare-ups of their disability, this student is approved for a reasonable amount of flexibility with excused absences, make-up exams, deadline extensions, and participation points. Although attendance may not be an issue in an online format, some students may still need flexibility due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., hospitalization). Recommendations that may help proactively eliminate barriers include:

• Time frames during which a student can take an exam (e.g., between Monday and Friday).
• Regular reminders to students that they are welcome to speak with you if they feel challenged with completing assignments in a timely manner.

Each course has its own unique design and learning outcomes. Therefore, attendance accommodations and accommodations regarding flexibility with course assignments require careful consideration and an open dialogue between the student, instructor, and the Access Office representative.

Students can register with the Access Office and/or request accommodations in a course at any time during the semester. However, students are expected to make proactive requests within a reasonable time frame. Accommodations are designed to be implemented at the point of request moving forward. Retroactive accommodations are typically only given at instructor discretion. We encourage instructors to consult with the Access Office when considering retroactive requests.

Please view a student's Instructor Notification Memo as a conversation starter to determine how best to provide an accessible learning environment. Instructors are welcome to provide additional support to students, as they would for all other individuals in their class. Instructors are also welcome to consult with our office to discuss course design, learning objectives and reasonable access options.

If you have any concerns about the reasonableness of an accommodation in your course, please contact us. We want to learn more about your course design and collaborate on a plan that works for everyone.

• Note: It is important not to deny a student's accommodation request without first consulting with the Access Office or referring the student to the Access Office to discuss this accommodation need.