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MU Home » Student Affairs » Center for Personal Development » Accessibility Resources/Disability Services

Test Modification

The most common modifications for exams are extended time and testing in a reduced distraction environment. It is acceptable for an instructor to provide the extra time and distraction reduced environment if the arrangement is agreeable with the student. In order to gain access to the Accessibility Resources/Disability Services exam room the following procedure must be followed.

Exam Room Test Administration

Students approved for extended time and a reduced distraction environment are welcome to use the Accessibility Resources/Disability Services exam room by processing the Exam Permission / Administration Form. This process is not optional. All students must follow this procedure to use the exam facility. The exam room will not be available unless the proper procedure is followed. The form can be accessed by clicking here.

The Exam Permission/Administration Form must be executed with the professor one week before the exam date. The form must be returned to the Accessibility Resources/Disability Services Office at least 3 class days before the exam date. In the event that the date for an exam is changed, the student will notify (not by phone) at least 2 class days before the original exam date. (A class is Monday through Friday, not on weekends or holidays.)

Students with physical or visual limitations may require a computer to communicate answers for an exam. The Accessibility Resources/Disability Services office has computers to assist these students. The coordinator for Accessibility Resources/Disability Services will also arrange for a reader or scribe for this population as necessary.

If documentation indicates a specific need for other accommodations, alternatives may be considered. However, testing material in small segments (testing one chapter at a time rather than exams covering several chapters) and changing formats (from multiple choice to essay for example) are not considered reasonable accommodations.

Text in alternative format

Textbooks are provided in an alternate format for students requiring this accommodation. These students will include but not be limited to those with vision impairments, dyslexia, and other diagnosed learning disabilities. In all instances the student must purchase the textbook before obtaining an alternate format.

Recording device in classroom

When determined to be a reasonable accommodation for students with a disability, students are permitted to record lectures. However, they are required to sign a recording agreement that affirms that the student understands these reproductions are for their personal use only and will not be shared or sold to other students.

Access to appropriate tools

Some students with specific learning disabilities may require a dictionary, calculator or computer to meet the requirements of a course or complete an exam. Conversation with the instructor, student, and Director for Accessibility Resources/Disability Services will determine the appropriateness of these tools for exams. The use of these tools must not fundamentally alter a course of study.

Note Takers

Note takers are provided if other forms of recording class content have failed to accommodate. Other forms are recording lectures or the use of a smart pen. A small stipend is paid to students who agree to share their notes. Professors may provide their own notes if available. Note takers will provide the instructor or the Accessibility Resources/Disability Services Office with a copy of their notes if the accommodated student wants to remain anonymous. Carbonized paper is also available. Students are permitted to use lap top computers to take notes in class when documentation supports this use.

Assistive Technology

• Tactile Imaging Capability - Adding texture to graphics for visually impaired students
• JAWS screen reading software for students with visual impairment - installed at 5 locations on campus
• CCTV and magnification devices for vision impaired and those with dyslexia
• Text books in alternate formats.
• FM transmitters / receivers for students who are hearing impaired to use in the classroom
• Naturally Speaking Preferred - Voice to text software for those unable to use keyboard
• ZoomText - Screen magnifying software
• Tracball - For students who have difficulty using a mouse
• Smart Pens for note taking

Priority Scheduling

Requests for priority scheduling will be very rare. Students at Methodist University register for classes through a personal advisor who is available on a regular basis during the academic year. However, we are available to discuss scheduling should the university procedures present an unforeseen difficulty.

Priority seating

Priority seating should be a necessity for students with hearing, vision, and some learning challenges. It is usually easy for the student to obtain the necessary seating in the class room. However, any difficulties can be discussed with the instructor or the Accessibility Resources/Disability Services Office.