Students: Students who require academic accommodations at McMaster due to a disability or ongoing medical condition must activate their accommodations each term with SAS. Students are advised to do this well in advance of the start of the term however, students can continue to activate throughout the academic term. Once active, for students to receive accommodations for tests they must submit a booking request through MySAS Portal at least five days prior to the test. If the student does not book their test, they will write without accommodations.
Instructors: For students to submit a booking request, instructors will need to provide testing information to SAS at least ten calendar days prior to the test date on MySAS Portal. Three days prior to the test SAS will send a scheduled list of registered SAS students to the instructor. This report will include the scheduled date, time, duration, and accommodations for each student who booked. Instructors will then be able to apply the appropriate accommodations within the online test platform.
If test information is not submitted to MySAS Portal, SAS will not be able to provide a detailed report. Instructors will still need to apply the appropriate accommodations within the online test platform
For online or other remote evaluations, instructors are encouraged to consider evaluations that are flexible and include universal design principles. This includes a window in which students can access the test and an extended time to complete the test i.e., 12 hours to access the test, 4 hours to complete. This approach also reduces barriers and eliminates the need to add additional time for each individual student in the class.
For those students whose accommodations cannot be met using regular Respondus settings, the lockdown browser can be disabled using Special Access in Avenue to Learn. Instructions on how to use special access can be found on Avenue to Learn.
If an instructor is assigning a take home test that students are given one day or more to complete, then accommodation of extended time does not typically apply in these cases. There may be some exceptions and therefore the SAS Program Coordinator will contact the instructor.
All efforts are being made to provide academic accommodations to students in the online environment. However, there may be times when the complex accommodations and/or technology do not work, and students cannot write the test online. In these unusual circumstances, the SAS Program Coordinator and/or Assistive Technologist Consultant will be working with the instructor to explore possible options.
Questions can be sent to sas@mcmaster.ca or the Assistive Technologist Consultant at harriav2@mcmaster.ca.
Time Accommodations
Extra Time (15 minutes per hour, 30 minutes per hour, etc.)
Concern: Scheduling
Recommendation: Instructor to extend test time settings on Avenue to Learn using “special access” for each student with extra time accommodation. For additional support, please visit Avenue to Learn: Accommodations.
Time of Day (morning, early afternoon, late afternoon and evening)
Concern: Integrity/Scheduling
Explanation: Students may be able to consult with their peers about the details of the test/exam if they write at a different time or different day.
Recommendation: SAS will schedule students who submit a test booking request. SAS will send instructors a test implementation report of the scheduled students, which includes the date, time, and duration of their tests. Instructors will use these details to schedule the test for these students in Avenue to Learn.
Students may be scheduled at set times corresponding to Registrar exam schedules: 9:00am, 12:30pm, 4:00pm and 7:30pm to facilitate invigilation.
Rest (1 test/day, 24 hours rest, 1 day rest, etc.)
Concern: Integrity/Scheduling
Explanation: Students may be able to consult with their peers about the details of the test/exam if they write at a different time or different day.
Recommendation: SAS will schedule students who submit a test booking request. SAS will send instructors a test implementation report of the scheduled students, which includes the date, time, and duration of their tests. Instructors will use these details to schedule the test for these students in Avenue to Learn.
Students may be scheduled at set times corresponding to Registrar exam schedules: 9:00am, 12:30pm, 4:00pm and 7:30pm to facilitate invigilation.
Personal Aids
Take Medication, Monitor Blood Pressure or Glucose
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Students may require additional supplies and/or may require the use of their smartphone to monitor their blood pressure/glucose levels.
Recommendation: Students who require these supplies will be permitted to use them during the exam. To confirm what aid(s) the student is bringing to the test/exam, the student may be pre-assigned to an individual breakout room to show the invigilator their aid(s).
Snack or Juice
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Students may require additional supplies.
Recommendation: Students who require these supplies will be permitted to use them during the exam. To confirm what aid(s) the student is bringing to the test/exam, the student may be pre-assigned to an individual breakout room to show the invigilator their aid(s).
Sensory Item
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Students may require additional supplies.
Recommendation: Students who require these supplies will be permitted to use them during the exam. To confirm what aid(s) the student is bringing to the test/exam, the student may be pre-assigned to an individual breakout room to show the invigilator their aid(s).
Health Aid
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Students may require additional supplies.
Recommendation: Students who require these supplies will be permitted to use them during the exam. To confirm what aid(s) the student is bringing to the test/exam, the student may be pre-assigned to an individual breakout room to show the invigilator their aid(s).
Students to Bring Ear Plugs
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Students may require additional supplies.
Recommendation: Students who require these supplies will be permitted to use them during the exam. To confirm what aid(s) the student is bringing to the test/exam, the student may be pre-assigned to an individual breakout room to show the invigilator their aid(s).
Test/Exam Aids
Memory Aid
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Applies when use of a memory aid/formula sheet has been approved by SAS as an accommodation. The memory aid/formula sheet may not be the same as what was approved.
Recommendation: Students who require these will be permitted to use them during the exam following the standard process. To confirm that the memory aid/formula sheet matches the approved aid, the student may be pre-assigned to an individual breakout room to show the invigilator their aid.
Alternatively, instructors may give digital access to the approved aid. Note, this method would require that the instructor creates a copy of the original test and Manage Special Access to allow only users with special access to see this quiz. Upload the PDF file to Avenue to Learn as a Course File, display the Page Header, and Insert Stuff in the HTML editor using a Quicklink to the course file. If using this method, make sure to clearly communicate with the student about which of the available tests includes their aid. Manual entry of their grade in the Gradebook is required when using a copied test.
Formula Sheet
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Applies when use of a memory aid/formula sheet has been approved by SAS as an accommodation. The memory aid/formula sheet may not be the same as what was approved.
Recommendation: Students who require these will be permitted to use them during the exam following the standard process. To confirm that the memory aid/formula sheet matches the approved aid, the student may be pre-assigned to an individual breakout room to show the invigilator their aid.
Alternatively, instructors may give digital access to the approved aid. Note, this method would require that the instructor creates a copy of the original test and Manage Special Access to allow only users with special access to see this quiz. Upload the PDF file to Avenue to Learn as a Course File, display the Page Header, and Insert Stuff in the HTML editor using a Quicklink to the course file. If using this method, make sure to clearly communicate with the student about which of the available tests includes their aid. Manual entry of their grade in the Gradebook is required when using a copied test.
McMaster-Approved Calculator
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Applies when use of a calculator has been approved by SAS as an accommodation. SAS to reach out to the instructor to confirm use based on course essential requirements.
Recommendation: Students who require these supplies will be permitted to use them during the test/exam. To confirm what aid the student is bringing to the test/exam, the student may be pre-assigned to an individual breakout room to show the invigilator their aid.
Breaks
Stand/Stretch
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Students may appear off camera during these breaks.
Recommendation: Invigilators should not flag this as suspicious behaviour. Ensure students who require these breaks know that this is supported and will not be flagged.
Supervised Break
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Students may appear off camera during these breaks.
Recommendation: Invigilators should not flag this as suspicious behaviour. Ensure students who require these breaks know that this is supported and will not be flagged.
Washroom Access
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Students may frequently leave the test environment for washroom breaks.
Recommendation: Invigilators should not flag this as suspicious behaviour. Ensure students who require these breaks know that this is supported and will not be flagged.
Assistive Devices
May Listen to Music During Tests/Exams
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Accommodation will not apply to online tests/exams.
Recommendation: If required, students should be referred to SAS to discuss this accommodation with their Program Coordinator.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Noise-cancelling headphones must not have Bluetooth capability.
Recommendation: Students who require these supplies will be permitted to use them during the exam. To confirm what aid the student is bringing to the test/exam, the student may be pre-assigned a breakout room to show the invigilator their aid.
Touchscreen Tablet
Concern: Integrity
Explanation: Students with the touchscreen tablet accommodation may use their personal tablet (e.g., iPad and stylus and digital notebook) in lieu of scrap paper. Access to personal files is possible when using a personal device.
Recommendation: Students should be permitted to use a personal touchscreen tablet when it is on the accommodation plan (for problem-solving on scrap paper where permitted). For integrity, you may consider having the student screen record when using the tablet and then share the recorded file with the instructor. Note, there may be file size limits that make it difficult to share large media files through conventional means (Avenue, email, etc.)
Talking and Large Print Scientific Calculator
Concern: Accessible Formats
Explanation: Applies when students are permitted to use a scientific calculator for the test. Students must have access to a large print and/or talking scientific calculator.
Recommendation: Instructor should enable the calculator in the advanced settings of Lockdown Browser. The student may be able to use assistive technology to magnify the onscreen calculator (see section: screen magnification + reader).
Create a practice test using the same format as the test/exam (question types and settings) and provide a link to the Accessibility with LockDown Browser support page. Ensure adequate time for practice before the test/exam.
Students should be referred to the SAS Assistive Technologist Consultant to discuss the accommodation. Alternative arrangements may be required for accessibility, as needed.
Students who require the use of a screen reader will also be permitted to use their compatible headphones during the exam (including Bluetooth models).
Human Resources
ASL Interpreter
Concern: Communication Supports
Explanation: Students may require communication supports at points throughout the administration of the test/exam (e.g. relaying instructions, asking questions).
Recommendation: The closed captions feature on Zoom needs to be enabled. If corrected closed captions are required, someone may need to type instructions in the chat.
(Knowledgeable) Reader
Concern: Communication Supports
Explanation: Accommodation may not be compatible for online tests/exams.
Recommendation: Students should be referred to SAS to discuss these accommodations. Alternative arrangements may be required to facilitate communication, as appropriate.
(Knowledgeable) Scribe
Concern: Communication Supports
Explanation: Accommodation may not be compatible for online tests/exams.
Recommendation: Students should be referred to SAS to discuss these accommodations. Alternative arrangements may be required to facilitate communication, as appropriate.
Screen Reader
JAWS
Concern: Web Accessibility and Accessible Formats
Explanation: Accommodation may not be compatible for online tests/exams.
Recommendation: Create a practice test using the same format as the test/exam (question types and settings) and provide a link to the Accessibility with LockDown Browser support page. Ensure adequate time for practice before the test/exam.
Students should be referred to the SAS Assistive Technologist Consultant to discuss the accommodation. Alternative arrangements may be required for accessibility, as needed.
Students who require the use of a screen reader will also be permitted to use their compatible headphones during the exam (including Bluetooth models).
NVDA
Concern: Web Accessibility and Accessible Formats
Explanation: Accommodation may not be compatible for online tests/exams.
Recommendation: Create a practice test using the same format as the test/exam (question types and settings) and provide a link to the Accessibility with LockDown Browser support page. Ensure adequate time for practice before the test/exam.
Students should be referred to the SAS Assistive Technologist Consultant to discuss the accommodation. Alternative arrangements may be required for accessibility, as needed.
Students who require the use of a screen reader will also be permitted to use their compatible headphones during the exam (including Bluetooth models).
MacBook
Concern: Web Accessibility and Accessible Formats
Explanation: Accommodation may not be compatible for online tests/exams.
Recommendation: Create a practice test using the same format as the test/exam (question types and settings) and provide a link to the Accessibility with LockDown Browser support page. Ensure adequate time for practice before the test/exam.
Students should be referred to the SAS Assistive Technologist Consultant to discuss the accommodation. Alternative arrangements may be required for accessibility, as needed.
Students who require the use of a screen reader will also be permitted to use their compatible headphones during the exam (including Bluetooth models).
Screen Magnifier/Reader, Text-to-Speech, Dictation
ZoomText
Concern: Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
Explanation: Accommodation may not be compatible for online tests/exams.
Recommendation: Create a practice test using the same format as the test/exam (question types and settings) and provide a link to the Accessibility with LockDown Browser support page. Ensure adequate time for practice before the test.
Students should be referred to the SAS Assistive Technologist Consultant to discuss the accommodation. Alternative arrangements may be required for accessibility, as needed.
Students who require the use of a screen reader will also be permitted to use their compatible headphones during the exam (including Bluetooth models).
Kurzweil
Concern: Communication Supports
Explanation: Accommodation may not be compatible for online tests/exams.
Recommendation: Create a practice test using the same format as the test/exam (question types and settings) and provide a link to the Accessibility with LockDown Browser support page. Ensure adequate time for practice before the test/exam.
Students should be referred to the SAS Assistive Technologist Consultant to discuss the accommodation. Alternative arrangements may be required for accessibility, as needed.
Students who require the use of text-to-speech will also be permitted to use their compatible headphones during the exam (including Bluetooth models).
Dragon
Concern: Web Accessibility and Communication Supports
Explanation: Accommodation may not be compatible for online tests/exams.
Recommendation: Create a practice test using the same format as the test/exam (question types and settings) and provide a link to the Accessibility with LockDown Browser support page. Ensure adequate time for practice before the test/exam.
Students should be referred to the SAS Assistive Technologist Consultant to discuss the accommodation. Alternative arrangements may be required for accessibility, as needed.
Students who require speech-to-text accommodation will also be permitted to use their compatible headphones with a microphone during the exam (including Bluetooth models).
For integrity, you may consider invigilating the student separately in an individual breakout room with their microphone on. If invigilated in the large group room, invigilators should ensure the student’s microphone is muted for students who need to speak aloud.
Test Formats
Test/Exam Required in Print
Concern: Accessible Formats
Explanation: Accommodation may not be compatible for online tests/exams.
Recommendation: Students can arrange an in-person writing session with an external institution or with SAS.
Test/Exam Required in Digital Format
Concern: Accessible Formats
Explanation: Approved print aids must be provided in digital format when using Lockdown Browser.
Recommendation: Digital access to the approved aid can be provided when using Lockdown Browser. Note, this method would require that the instructor create a copy of the original test and Manage Special Access to allow only users with special access to see this quiz. Upload the PDF file to Avenue to Learn as a Course File, display the Page Header, and Insert Stuff in the HTML editor using a Quicklink to the course file.
If using this method, make sure to clearly communicate with the student about which of the available tests includes their aid.
Manual entry of their grade in the Gradebook is required when using a copied test.
Formatting Accommodations (e.g., enlarged fonts/diagrams, bolded font, print on coloured paper, etc.)
Concern: Accessible Formats
Explanation: Accommodations may not be compatible for online tests/exams.
Recommendation: Create a practice test using the same format as the test/exam (question types and settings) and Provide a link to the Accessibility with LockDown Browser support page. Provide adequate time for practice.
Students should be referred to the SAS Assistive Technologist Consultant to discuss the accommodation. Alternative arrangements may be required for accessibility, as needed.