Section 3
Table of Contents
Types of Accommodations
The University of Arkansas offers reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities on an individualized basis. The following are examples of some accommodations that have been provided to students in the past. Please note that accommodations are afforded to students based on specific need and supporting documentation (please see Section 2). Further, these examples are not an exhaustive listing of all possible reasonable accommodations that may be implemented at the University.
Access to Lecture Content –
Students may be permitted to audio record class lectures with their own device. Lecture recordings can be accessed as many times as needed and can be paused to take notes. Some instructors routinely record and share class lectures.
In some instances a student may request a copy of peer notes, if determined as a reasonable and appropriate accommodation. Peer notes may not be reasonable or appropriate when materials/resources are provided that are considered equivalent to a note-taker. Examples include but are not limited to PowerPoints, instructor notes, and class recordings.
The process for requesting note-takers begins when students complete an official Faculty Notification Letter request (accommodation packet) via the CEA Student Profile, and selecting “note-taker” as an accommodation for classes as needed. Subsequently, the Center will contact faculty members asking them to make a class announcement to recruit a note-taker. Interested individuals will contact the CEA office directly (not contact the professor) by signing up online via the CEA Student Login Note-taker application. The student with a disability is responsible to log into their CEA Student Profile to check for uploaded notes, and to maintain contact with the CEA office regarding note-taker status.
Academic Aids – In certain instances, students may be permitted to use calculators, dictionaries, word processors, spell checkers, and/or grammar checkers for in-class and out-of-class work.
Accessible Classrooms – Most areas on the University of Arkansas campus are accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs. For those areas which are not, the Center for Educational Access is able to contact the applicable college (with adequate notice) to move the class/activity and/or make alternative arrangements to assure that the class or event is accessible.
Accessible Course Documents – Students may secure course materials in accessible formats (Braille, Large print, accessible digital e-text) through the Center. Further, some computer labs on campus have assistive technology programs with reader capabilities.
Assistive Computer Technology – Assistive technology software and equipment are located in several areas on campus. Assistive applications vary from lab to lab, but many have screen reader and magnification capability.
Classroom Assistance – In-class assistants are hired by the Center to assist individuals with disabilities in the classroom as needed (for example, laboratory assistants).
Testing Accommodations – Test accommodations may include extended time (50% or 100% extended time, based on need), reduced-distraction test environments, auditory administration of tests (via assistive technology or reader), scribes or use of dictation software, use of computer and/or spell check for written tests, and others. Test accommodations are provided within each department, or with Testing Services, dependent upon the faculty/department resources. Students should discuss test accommodations with their instructors at the beginning of each term, as arrangements may differ for each course. NOTE: Testing Services specifically proctors examinations for students who use assistive technology, readers, and/or scribes. Students are obligated to comply with Testing Services test proctoring guidelines to ensure smooth delivery of services and to maintain the integrity and security of tests.
Housing (On-Campus) Accommodations – Students with disabilities who need housing accommodations (such as a single room, air-conditioning, modified bathroom facilities, strobe light fire alarms, etc) must first register with the Center. Following accommodation determination, the student’s accommodation need is communicated by the Center staff to the University Housing office. Space is limited in University Housing facilities, so early requests for housing accommodations are strongly encouraged.
Interpreters and Typewell Transcriptionists – Sign Language Interpreters, Transliterators, and Transcriptionists are available for students who need these for real-time communication access to access the University environment. Early registration with the Center (at least 4 weeks notice) is strongly encouraged.
Library Access & Assistance – Library staff is available during business hours to ensure access to library collections and services. Special services include research assistance, telephone reference, retrieval of materials, photocopying assistance, library orientation, special check-out arrangements, and extended loan periods for reserved materials. The libraries also have assistive computer technology available to patrons with disabilities. For more information, call 479-575-4101, or access the University Libraries website.
Mobility Orientation – The Center for Educational Access will provide mobility orientation to the campus for students who may have a need based on the impact of a visual or other disability. Students should contact Center as early as possible to make arrangements.
Parking & Transportation – Students with disabilities who need accessible parking or transportation services should contact University Transit and Parking office directly at 479-575-7275 or via the Transit and Parking website to inquire about procedures for obtaining an accessible parking permit and/or access to University Para-transit services.
Advanced Class Registration – Advanced class registration is available to all undergraduate students who have registered and remain on active status with the Center for Educational Access and have taken classes within the current or past two semesters at the University of Arkansas. Advanced registration does not apply to graduate students, law students, students with ‘temporary’ disabilities, or those who are full-time employees. Advanced registration allows students with disabilities to devise a schedule that is responsive to their needs. The Center strongly encourages registered students to take advantage of the early registration period. Students are notified by campus e-mail about advanced registration dates. The student is responsible to contact their academic advisor prior to the advanced registration period for appropriate courses to take. (Note: Entering new freshmen and transfer students are encouraged to attend the earliest possible orientation date to ensure their needs are met in course registration).
Services of a Personal Nature
Services of a personal nature are not considered reasonable accommodations in postsecondary education and are not provided by the University of Arkansas. Examples of personal services include but are not limited to tutoring (beyond what is offered to all students at the university) and personal attendant care.