Accommodation Definitions

Type of Accommodation Category Accommodation Name Description
Testing Accommodation Time extension Extra 15 min/hr for tests and quizzes only, exams only Student should be provided with the extra time/hr listed for assessments indicated. If professor uses UDL principles, and adds extra time for all students, SAS students should only be provided extra time when accommodated time exceeds UDL time.
Testing Accommodation Time extension Extra 30 min/hr for tests and quizzes only, exams only Student should be provided with the extra time/hr listed for assessments indicated. If professor uses UDL principles, and adds extra time for all students, SAS students should only be provided extra time when accommodated time exceeds UDL time.
Testing Accommodation Time extension Extra 45 min/hr for tests and quizzes only, exams only Student should be provided with the extra time/hr listed for assessments indicated. If professor uses UDL principles, and adds extra time for all students, SAS students should only be provided extra time when accommodated time exceeds UDL time.
Testing Accommodation Time extension Extra 60 min/hr for tests and quizzes only, exams only Student should be provided with the extra time/hr listed for assessments indicated. If professor uses UDL principles, and adds extra time for all students, SAS students should only be provided extra time when accommodated time exceeds UDL time.
Testing Accommodation Time extension Extra 75 min/hr, 90 min/hr, 120 min/hr, 150 min/hr, 180 min/hr Student should be provided with the extra time/hr listed for assessments indicated. If professor uses UDL principles, and adds extra time for all students, SAS students should only be provided extra time when accommodated time exceeds UDL time.
Testing Accommodation Time between tests/exams 1 Test/ Exam Per Day Student should only be scheduled for maximum one test/exam per day. Students do not have a minimum of rest from one day to the next one, i.e. one test can happen at night time and the next one on the next day during the morning.
Testing Accommodation Time between tests/exams 24 Hrs Rest Student should have 24 hr spacing between the start of 1 test/exam to start of next one.
Testing Accommodation Time between tests/exams 1 Day Rest Student should have 1 full day rest between all tests/exams (e.g. if they are scheduled on Monday, next one should not be scheduled until Wednesday).
Testing Accommodation Time between tests/exams 2 Days Rest Student should have two full days rest between all tests and exams.
Testing Accommodation Time between tests/exams 3 Days Rest Student should have 3 full days rest between all tests and exams.
Testing Accommodation Time of Day Morning Tests are booked to start between 8:30am-12:30pm
Testing Accommodation Time of Day Early Afternoon Tests are booked to start between 12:30 pm-4:00 pm
Testing Accommodation Time of Day Late Afternoon Tests are booked to start between 4:00 pm-7:30 pm
Testing Accommodation Time of Day Evening Tests are booked to start between 7:30 pm-10:00 pm (all tests are required to end by 10pm)
Testing Accommodation Location for Writing Tests/Exams Small Group Room <15 students writing in the test/exam space
Testing Accommodation Location for Writing Tests/Exams Large Group Room <30 students writing in the test/exam space
Testing Accommodation Location for Writing Tests/Exams Alone Room Student should be booked into an isolated/alone room space.
Testing Accommodation Location for Writing Tests/Exams Writes in SAS Testing Centre All tests and exams to be scheduled at the SAS Testing Centre
Testing Accommodation Software Kurzweil Text-to-speech software with optical character recognition used for viewing and listening to documents.
Testing Accommodation Software Dragon Speech-to-text software used for navigating desktop and/or dictating/formatting text in documents. Software works with Microsoft Word
Testing Accommodation Software ZoomText Screen magnification and reading software used for viewing and listening to documents.
Testing Accommodation Software JAWS Screen reader and braille-compatible software used for navigating desktop and listening to documents.
Testing Accommodation Software MathType This software integrates with Microsoft Word to write mathematical formulas and chemistry notation using an onscreen keyboard, keyboard hotkeys, or LaTeX.
Testing Accommodation Software ChattyInfty Screen reader and braille-compatible software for reading and writing mathematics.
Testing Accommodation Assistive Technology Requires a Computer Student will answer test questions in digital format. If digital copy of test is not indicated on the accommodation plan, the student will write answers using a word processor and must clearly label the typed answers by number. When digital copy of test is requested on the accommodation plan, the student will respond to the numbered questions directly on the digital test copy.
Testing Accommodation Assistive Technology Special Keyboard Mouse trapper, large print (2 color options: white on black; black on yellow); Kinesis freestyle (ergonomic), half Qwerty keyboard
Testing Accommodation Assistive Technology McMaster Approved Calculator Student has a specified learning-based need supported by documentation that warrants the need for a calculator for assessments.
Testing Accommodation Assistive Technology Touchscreen Tablet Wacom Cintiq Pro is a multi-touch display used to navigate the computer, handwrite, or draw by hand with a stylus. The tablet combines with Xournal++ software for writing with digital ink, inserting shapes, and typing mathematical formulas and chemistry notation from the keyboard using LaTeX. The student will respond to the numbered questions directly on the digital test copy.
Testing Accommodation Assistive Technology MacBook A laptop running Apple operating system for blind/low vision students who are familiar with using the VoiceOver screenreader.
Testing Accommodation Assistive Technology Video Magnifier (CCTV) For students who are low vision and need paper copies magnified.
Testing Accommodation Assistive Technology Noise Cancelling Headphones Student requires the use of noise cancelling headphones for tests/exams to reduce ambient noise in the background that may distract student’s focus/attention from the assessment.
Testing Accommodation Assistive Technology Talking and Large Print Scientific Calculator Scientific calculator with large print buttons, display, and auditory feedback for students with low vision who are permitted the use of a scientific calculator in a test or exam. Performs scientific and trigonometric calculations, and fractions.
Testing Accommodation Assistive Technology Adjustable Table Student should be scheduled at a station with an adjustable table. Student should be permitted to adjust table as needed during test/exam and may rotate between sitting and standing. If student needs larger adjustable table due to disability needs, PC will also add alone room to plan.
Testing Accommodation Assistive Technology Supportive Chair Student should be provided an ergonomic chair for tests/exams. Unless otherwise specified, chair should be adjustable (e.g. adjustable headrest, back, arms etc).
Testing Accommodation Assistive Technology Desk Lamp Student is provided a desk lamp to use for their tests/exams.
Testing Accommodation Assistive Technology Swing Arm The monitor swing arm allows the student to adjust the positioning of the monitor for optimal viewing position.
Testing Accommodation Test/Exam Format Test/Exam Copy Required in Digital Format Tests/exams are requested from Instructor in an electronic format (pdf) for students using Kurzweil, ZoomText, touch screen tablets
Testing Accommodation Test/Exam Format Test/Exam Copy Required in a Microsoft Word Format Tests/exams are requested from instructor in MS Word only format to facilitate related accommodations: JAWS, Enlarged/bolded font/diagrams
Testing Accommodation Test/Exam Format Enlarged Font (Specify Size) Test copy should be typeset in font size as indicated on plan.
Testing Accommodation Test/Exam Format Bolded Font Font within test copy should be bolded for entirety of test/exam.
Testing Accommodation Test/Exam Format Enlarged Diagrams Any diagrams found within tests/exams should be enlarged to half 8.5×11 size paper.
Testing Accommodation Test/Exam Format Test Printing on Colored Paper (White, Off White, Green, Blue) Tests/exams will be printed on colored paper as specified by accommodation plan.
Testing Accommodation Test/Exam Format Circle MC Answers on Test Paper For any multiple choice questions, student will circle answers directly on test paper. The student will not use the scantron paper.
Testing Accommodation Test/Exam Format Test Broken into Multiple Parts Student test and exam copies to be split into multiple parts
Testing Accommodation Test/Exam Format Braille Lite For students who are blind and need test and exam copies converted into braille. Braille is a tactile alphabetic system used to improve the readability of printed text.
Testing Accommodation Individualized Support Knowledgeable Reader SAS makes arrangements with the Faculty
Testing Accommodation Individualized Support Knowledgeable Scribe SAS makes arrangements with the Faculty
Testing Accommodation Individualized Support Reader SAS makes arrangements
Testing Accommodation Individualized Support Scribe SAS makes arrangements
Testing Accommodation Health/Breaks Snack/Juice Student to bring their own snack or juice to their tests/exams
Testing Accommodation Health/Breaks Take Medication Student may need to take medication
Testing Accommodation Health/Breaks BP/Glucose Monitor Student may need to check their blood pressure or monitor their glucose levels
Testing Accommodation Health/Breaks Washroom Access Student may need to use the washroom frequently during their tests/exams
Testing Accommodation Health/Breaks Stand/Stretch Break Student is allowed to stand up and stretch during their exam
Testing Accommodation Additional Test/Exam Accommodations Leniency with Spelling Consideration for spelling errors on tests and exams due to a student’s disability
Testing Accommodation Additional Test/Exam Accommodations May Listen to Music during Tests/Exams Student permitted to listen to music arranged by the SAS testing centre during tests and exams
Testing Accommodation Additional Test/Exam Accommodations Formula Sheet for Test/Exams Student permitted the use of a formula sheet for tests and exams. Please see SAS website for further information on the implementation of the accommodation.
Testing Accommodation Additional Test/Exam Accommodations Memory Aid for Test/Exams Student permitted the use of a memory aid during tests and exams. Please see attached memory aid guidelines
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Extensions on Assignments/Lab Reports Student will reach out to professors in advance of deadline when an extension is required due to disability. Student may ask for up to one week extension. In extenuating circumstances, student may not be able to reach out prior to the deadline and/or may require additional extensions and should be directed to their Program Coordinator. For end of term extension requests, please follow faculty process re: Incomplete or deferred work. Each faculty implements these requests in different ways.
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Student May Audio Record Lectures Student may approach instructor with physical recording device, i.e., recorder/microphone. Students will record the lectures only for personal use. Students will record only lecture content material. Students will delete the recording at the end of the term.
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Alternative for the Occasional Absence of Missed Class/Work/Tests Student may need to occasionally miss class due to disability-related reasons. Instructor to provide accommodations that align with class policy. Student to notify their Professor of the disability-related absence as soon as possible. Student does not require to submit an MSAF when using this accommodation. If there is concern that due to the number of absences student is no longer able to meet essential requirements of the course please direct the student back to their Program Coordinator.
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Alternative Format for Class Presentations Students may require an alternative format for class presentations. Students should reach out to their Instructor to discuss this accommodation at the beginning of the term and come up with an accommodation that still meets the essential requirements of the course. Examples of accommodations may include allowing student to present to just the Instructor, student to video record their presentation, student allowed to bring notes to the presentation etc. Instructors are invited to reach out to the Program Coordinator to discuss further.
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Alternative Format for Class Discussions Student may require an alternative accommodation for class discussions/participation components to course. Student is required to meet with their Instructor at the beginning of the term to discuss the use of their accommodation and to come up with an arrangement taking into consideration the essential requirements of the course. Instructors are invited to reach out to the Program Coordinator to discuss further.
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Reserved Seating In-Class Student requires access to reserved seating for disability reasons to support access to course content, and/or to support participation. Student or Program Coordinator will reach out to the Instructor to confirm details of the accommodation. Instructor to place a “reserved” sign for the student.
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Video Captioning – Automatic Captions or subtitling is a written transcript of the video’s audio that shows up at the time when the audio is played.
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Video Captioning – Corrected Automatic captions are reviewed and corrected for accuracy. SAS will make arrangements.
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Instructor Requested to Use Microphone Accommodation applies as it is.
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Instructor Requested to Face Students when Speaking/Repeat Information during Discussion Accommodation applies as it is.
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Use of FM Hearing System in Class Accommodation applies as it is. Usually refers to students who bring their own FM system device but also include assistive listening device installed in classroom. SEE ITEM #42
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Described Video Accommodation provides meaningful description to images/charts/graphics to videos/films
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Classroom Lecture Recording Echo 360 is a system used at McMaster to video record and live stream lectures, and lecture content. Transcriptions can also be made available using Echo 360.
In Class Accommodation In Class Support Special Classroom Sectioning Classrooms may need to be moved in order to meet student’s accessibility needs
In Class Accommodation Individualized Support ASL Interpreter SAS to make arrangements.
In Class Accommodation Individualized Support CART: Communication Assisted Realtime Transcription SAS to make arrangements
In Class Accommodation Individualized Support Notetaker SAS to provide this accommodation. Summary Notetaker currently using NOTE TAKING EXPRESS. Verbit just acquired a notetaker company into their “family” and will also be offering this service in the future.
In Class Accommodation Individualized Support Verbatim Notetaker SAS to provide Verbatim Note-Taking Services
Alternate Format Alternate Format Texts Alternate Format (Accessible PDF, Tactile Braille/Braille, Daisy, ePub, Kesi, Large Type, MP3, PDF, Print, Word) Student may require textbooks and/or class material in an alternate format for disability-related reasons