SDAC provides a variety of accommodations to help provide equal access to students with disabilities. Accommodations are always determined on an individualized basis; based on the student and the disability-related barriers they encounter. While there is not an exhaustive list of accommodations that are available, this webpage provides examples of commonly used accommodations.
Alternative Format for Course Materials
Course materials in alternative formats may be available or SDAC may be able to create such formats. Two examples are listed below.
- Braille
- eText: Some students require their materials in an accessible format (e.g. large print format, alternate contrast options, conversion of text to speech), to be used in conjunction with their computer or handheld devices. Students are expected to arrange for the conversion of their materials with SDAC. In some cases, instructor assistance is required, especially as it relates to gaining access to some of the course materials. Sometimes instructors grant SDAC access to their course learning management system (i.e., Canvas); other times, they give SDAC the material directly. If that is needed, SDAC will be in touch with the instructor regarding the request.
Instructors: To ensure course materials are prepared in a timely manner, instructors are strongly encouraged to identify text books and other materials as early as possible (i.e., 60 calendar days before the first class). This permits SDAC staff to locate alternative formats or create them if they currently do not exist.
Alternative Testing Modifications
Alternative testing accommodations ensure students with disabilities can fairly demonstrate their knowledge. These accommodations can be applied to any TIMED assessment and may include extended time, reduced distractions, or assistive technology. Students seeking accommodations should follow the SDAC application process. Note: text anxiety alone does not qualify for accommodations.
Notetaking Services
The Peer Notetaking Program is a resource for students who have difficulty taking notes while listening to class lectures or have a physical disability prohibiting writing. Peer notetaking support is expected to supplement the notes of the student with accommodations. Notetaking is not a substitute for the student's own notes, attendance, and participation in class.
Permission to Record
The accommodation of permission to record or access class recordings allows students with disabilities to have an equal chance to receive and process information presented in class by supporting their notetaking needs (PROV-005). As with all accommodations, this accommodation is approved on an individual basis to ameliorate the student’s disability-related impacts within the classroom. When not approved as a disability accommodation, it is against University Policy to record in class without consent of the professor (PROV-008).
Permission to record or access class recordings is not a substitute for the student's own notes, attendance, and/or participation in class.
- Method(s) of Recording
There are many different means of audio recording and due to individual disabilities, the preferred method will vary from student to student. There are an increasing number of computer or smartphone based applications designed for this task. SDAC also loans out smartpens and digital recorders. Faculty may prefer to record their own lectures (i.e., Panopto, Zoom) as a method of universal design or may choose to distribute to those with accommodations or to individuals with extenuating circumstances.
- Classes That Involve Sensitive Material (i.e., Self-Disclosure)
Occasionally, instructors object to recording classes that involve a great deal of self-disclosure, personal reflection, or confidential discussions from students or presenters as part of the class, fearing that the use of a recording device will inhibit students from freely sharing. However, it is important to remember that the use of a recording device is to support the student’s note taking ability. If these open discussions are not appropriate subject matter for any student to be taking notes, then it would be appropriate to issue a general announcement to the class asking all students to stop note-taking in addition to turning off any recording devices.
- Instructor’s Right to Privacy and Protecting Copyright
If an instructor objects to the use of a recording device, it is typically because they maintain that their right to privacy of information discussed in the classroom is being violated or because there is a concern about a breach of copyright. The instructor’s right to privacy or concern over copyright does not override the student’s right to accommodation. A personal recording of this information is not a transfer of any copyrights. Instructors should reach out to SDAC to discuss any concerns for privacy and protection of copyright as SDAC wants to respect and address while still assuring the availability of accommodation for the student.
- Permission to Record Classes or Access Class Recordings Agreement
Students who have been granted this accommodation have signed a copy of the policy, acknowledging the rights and responsibilities that go with this accommodation.
Reasonable Modifications: Assignment Deadlines
Completing coursework is essential for success at UVA. Students with disabilities may request reasonable deadline modifications on a case-by-case basis. However, this accommodation is not intended for frequent use and requires communication with instructors. For other extensions, students should consult their academic dean for alternative options.
Learn more about reasonable modifications of assignment deadlines
Reasonable Modifications: Attendance
Attending class is crucial for success at UVA. Students with disabilities may request reasonable attendance modifications on a case-by-case basis. However, this accommodation is not intended for frequent use and requires communication with instructors. For other absences, students should consult their academic dean for alternative options.
Remote Participation
The majority of The University of Virginia’s academic programs have essential in-person components. In certain cases, remote participation can be approved as a disability-related modification if a student’s disability makes them unable to participate in-person. Students eligible for remote participation are approved by semester, or for a time delineated by their SDAC Advisor. Implementation is contingent upon determining reasonableness within the student’s courses in collaboration with faculty and other University academic officials. This modification is not intended to be used for multiple semesters in a row, nor to convert an in-person program into an all-virtual experience.
Request Remote Participation Accommodation
- Carefully read the information below.
- The student should complete the SDAC Application process or, if already registered with SDAC, contact their SDAC advisor.
- The students’ provider must submit both a
Important Information Regarding Remote Participation:
- If a student is found eligible for this accommodation, SDAC will engage the student’s faculty in a review of whether remote participation is a reasonable modification within the context of the course. It would not be considered reasonable in cases where it would fundamentally alter the learning objectives of the course or substantively lower its academic requirements.
- Faculty may seek input from department leadership or other academic administrators as appropriate. When remote participation is determined to be reasonable, the faculty member and student will collaborate on the logistics of implementation. SDAC is available to support this process and assist with resolving any questions or concerns.
- It is understood that not all courses can feasibly be converted into an online format (e.g., some labs, practicums, discussion-heavy courses, etc.).
- It is understood that remote participation will likely be a different class experience that is offered as an attempt to address a disability-related barrier.
- It is understood that this modification may take the form of streamed synchronous access with varying levels of interaction or recorded lectures provided asynchronously after the class. The professor and student must work out details for communicating during and outside of classes.
- If remote participation cannot be reasonably implemented in a particular course, we will engage in a good-faith effort to identify and explore alternative options that may support the student’s access and participation. Although we are committed to exploring available alternatives, the nature of some courses may limit the options that can be provided, and a satisfactory alternative may not always be possible.
- Because this accommodation requires an interactive process with significant discussion and individual review, the determination process may take time.
- Approval for one determined period of time does not imply any potential approval for future semesters.
World Language Modification
- A student experiences a barrier resulting from their disability that would profoundly affect their ability to complete this world language requirement and
- This barrier could not be addressed by accommodations or other forms of support available at the University.