Disability Handbook - Part 2

Academic Accommodations

Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis according to a student’s documented needs, guidelines mandated by federal and state legislation and criteria set forth by Northern Michigan University.

Some students may need accommodations that alter the format of the printed materials used in courses (Braille, audio recordings, electronic text, etc). These accommodations need to be made in advance of the semester for provision to be timely.

Some students may need accommodations in testing procedures and the delivery of course information (recording of lectures, receiving copies of lecture notes, etc.).

Once students are approved for accommodations, they receive an e-mail to their NMU     account listing approved accommodations and what actions the students need to take.

Students receiving one or more of the following testing accommodations need to print off a copy of the e-mail for each course affected and make an appointment to meet with their instructors to review their accommodation needs:

• extended test time
• testing in a separate room
• testing in a quiet room
• test reader
• test scribe

The Disability Services Office does NOT send notices to the instructors--that is the student’s responsibility.

If the instructor is unable to provide the accommodation (due to unavailability of a suitable testing place, etc) the student needs to come to the Disability Services office and complete a Testing Accommodation Form for each test ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE OF THE TEST DATE. This ensures enough advance time for Disability Services to contact the instructor, make arrangements to obtain the test, schedule a testing room, and hire an auxiliary aide to proctor, read, or scribe as needed. Test forms turned in with less than a week’s notice may not be able to be accommodated.

Changes made to the test date by the instructor will be accommodated in as timely a manner as possible.

If you have concerns, contact Disability Services.

Tips for Talking with Instructors

• Be on time for your appointment
• Introduce yourself
• Be courteous
• Explain that you have a disability and have been approved for testing accommodations
• Ask how the instructor would like to handle the testing arrangements
• Do not quote the ADA/IDEA or Section 504
• Do not dictate policy
• Do not ask for unreasonable adjustments
• Do not demand large amounts of their time
• Do not express anger or frustration toward the faculty member.