New DSPS Procedure at Crafton Communicates Testing Accommodations to Faculty

Publish Date: March 23, 2022

To facilitate communication between students who are eligible for testing accommodations and their instructors, DSPS is sending testing accommodations notification forms directly to instructors beginning in spring 2022.

The form advises instructors about the testing accommodations for which students are eligible (e.g., extended test time, distraction-reduced environment, use of a screen reader). The new form also links faculty members to the tools they need to adjust the Canvas testing window to ensure that accommodations (e.g., extended test time) are in place. Students are still required to initiate a discussion (electronic or in person) at the beginning of the semester with their instructors about their need for accommodations so that they can work out the specifics (e.g., how the instructor will deliver the exam to the DSPS Office, the days/times the instructors will allow the student to take their exam with extended time). This requirement fosters the development of self-advocacy skills that students can use when they transfer to a university or enter the workforce. Instructors are not being asked to do more or new work because of this new procedure.

The new DSPS procedure also provides faculty with information about how to work with students who need digital and screen reader-friendly versions of textbook(s) or course documents and students who need live closed captioning, an ASL interpreter, braille (paper or digital) or enlarged print. Faculty are encouraged to contact Suzanne Delahanty, CHC’s Alternate Media/Assistive Technology Specialist if they need help adapting any course content for accessibility (e.g., video captions, audio transcripts, Word/PDF files, CanvasPages)orcontacttheDSPSofficeif they need support with test proctoring or other concerns.