- Assistive Technology to support Reading: Upon request, this student can access assistive technology to support reading, including Bookshare.org (with access to Beeline Reader via Bookshare.org), Voice Aloud Reader App, and Hathi Trust Digital Library (via Bowdoin's Library).
- Accessible Materials – E-Text: This student requires print-based course materials (including textbooks, handouts, and other printed course materials) to be given or converted to an electronic format that allows for portability and/or enlargement. The Student Accessibility Office will work with the Professors to obtain textbooks in e-format. This accommodation will require access to the syllabi and course materials prior to the start of the semester.
- Accessible Materials – Reading Applications: The student requires large amounts of text to be read aloud by computer software or mobile apps. Therefore textbooks, handouts, and other printed course materials must be in an accessible format. The Student Accessibility Office will work with the Professor to implement this accommodation. This accommodation will require access to the syllabi and course materials prior to the start of the semester.
- Accessible Materials – Screen Reader: The student uses screen reader software to access information. Therefore, all electronic and print-based materials, including handouts, files distributed through Canvas, and websites utilized in class, need to be accessible. The Student Accessibility Office will work with the Professors to implement this accommodation. This accommodation will require access to the syllabi and course materials prior to the start of the semester.
- Braille: The Student Accessibility Office will be responsible for providing this service to the student, but we will need to work in conjunction with the Professor to provide materials in a timely manner. This accommodation will require access to the syllabi and course materials prior to the start of the semester.
Definitions of Common Accommodations
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Service Animal: This student accesses everything at Bowdoin College with the assistance of a service animal.
- Accessible Field trip(s) (faculty consultation required): In the event that the class involves going on a field trip, please include the student by selecting a site that is accessible (i.e. wheelchair accessible, minimal walking, even terrain, etc). This may also include requesting a wheelchair accessible van for transportation to the field trip site.
- Accessible Vehicle for off-campus travel: This student requires an accessible vehicle for off-campus travel. Particular needs should be discussed directly with the student. Often a traditional passenger car or van (minivan or 12-passenger) is suitable, however arrangements may be needed for storing/securing mobility equipment (wheelchair, crutches, etc.) inside the vehicle or for the travel of a service animal. For vans, please make certain that vans are equipped with a running board (the step between the ground and the vehicle).
- App for Monitoring Blood-Sugar: This student requires access to their phone in class (even during testing) in order to use the Dexcom App which monitors their blood-sugar.
- Disability-Related Absences and/or Flexibility (faculty consultation required): This student has a chronic medical condition or disability that may occasionally impact their ability to meet deadlines or attend class. Please discuss with the student what amount of flexibility, if any, you can provide and its parameters.
- Monitor Insulin Pump: This student has permission to monitor their insulin/pump during class and/or exams. The student may need to leave class briefly for management of disability. During tests and exams, the student should not be penalized for medically necessary breaks.
- Oral Presentation Modification (faculty consultation required): This student may need modifications to oral presentations. Examples may include a smaller setting, additional time, and/or grading based on a combination of oral and written material. In some cases, an alternative project/assignment may be necessary in place of oral presentations, if this does not fundamentally alter the course. If providing this accommodation would fundamentally alter the course and its intended learning objectives, please contact the Student Accessibility Office so the reasonableness of this modification can be reviewed.
- Snacks: The student has permission to eat snacks as needed to manage disability.
- Stretch and/or Classroom Departures or Breaks: This student may need to stand and stretch, or leave class briefly during lectures to take short breaks for management of disability.
- Accessible Audio/Video Materials: The student will need closed captioning on any films, video clips, or DVD's shown in class. Please check first to see if a closed captioned version is available. When using YouTube to find content, you can utilize the Filter button and click "CC" to only see options with closed captioning. If you are unable to find a captioned version, please contact the Student Accessibility Office as far in advance as possible so we may assist.
- ASL Interpreting: The student is responsible for requesting (via the Student Accessibility Office) interpreters for class, as well as for class-related activities such as field trips, meetings with the instructor, and group meetings. Please provide advance notice to the student of such meetings or requirements so they can request an interpreter if necessary.
- Assistive Listening Devices (FM System): The student may choose to wear an assistive listening device in order to hear the lecture and classroom dialogue. The student will bring the device to class. The person lecturing will need to wear the corresponding microphone. Please repeat all questions asked by students in the class before answering so they can have the benefit of hearing the question and the answer. Please contact the Student Accessibility Office if there will be multiple presenters.
- Real-Time Captioning: A real-time captioner uses a court stenographer's device to input all the information that is presented verbally in class. The student is responsible for contacting the Student Accessibility Office to request captioners for class, as well as for class-related activities such as field trips, meetings with the instructor, and group meetings. Please provide advance notice of such meetings or requirements so the request for a captioner can be made.
- Note Taking Assistance: This student requires notetaking assistance. The Student Accessibility Office will recruit a volunteer in the class and coordinate all aspects of the note taking assistance accommodation. If we have difficulty identifying a note taking assistant in your course, we may contact you for assistance, or to discuss other potential accommodations for this student.
- Assistive Technology for In-Class Note Taking: The student has requested to use a Livescribe Smartpen or Sonocent computer software for in-class note taking, which requires the instructor's permission to audio record lectures. If permission is granted, the student agrees to not share any course recordings, acknowledging that they are solely for their personal educational use.
- Computer or iPad for In-Class Note Taking: The student has permission to use a computer or iPad for in-class note taking.
- Copies of PowerPoints and Displayed Materials: If PowerPoint slides, notes written on the whiteboard/overhead, or other displayed materials are used in class, the student may request additional access to these materials. Additional access may be provided in the form of sharing PowerPoint directly with the student, opportunity to take pictures of, or copy, displayed materials. The student is not permitted to share any materials and may only use them for personal educational use.
- Descriptions of Visual Materials: If images, diagrams, or charts are shown in class, descriptions may be needed to provide student access. If the class relies heavily on visual content, please contact the Student Accessibility Office to discuss if having a dedicated reader may be necessary.
- Permission to Audio Record Lectures (faculty consultation required): If permission to record is granted by the Professor, the student agrees to not share any course recordings, acknowledging that they are solely for their personal educational use.
- Written Presentation of Verbal Instructions: Any instructions, assignments, and important information pertaining to class exercises, which are shared verbally in class, need to be provided in written format as well (if not already provided in a syllabus, handout, on Canvas, or elsewhere). Please contact the Student Accessibility Office with any specific questions or concerns regarding this accommodation.
- Priority Registration - First Semester Only: This student will require early course registration in their first semester at Bowdoin due to the extremely limited amount of time between new student course registration and the first day of class.
- Reduced Course Load: This student is permitted to register for 3 courses each semester, if they choose to.
- Specific Course Registration Parameters: This student requires specific course registration parameters. Those specific parameters are on file in the Student Accessibility Office.
- 2-Day Testing for assessments over 3 consecutive hours long: This student requires longer assessments (more than three hours with extended time) to be broken up over two days. This accommodation does not typically apply to take-home exams with a longer testing window. For assessments given in person, the Test Center is available as an option for students with Test-Related Accommodations (extra time, reduced-distraction, technology needs during testing, etc.) Space in the Test Center must be scheduled at least one business day in advance by contacting testcenter@bowdoin.edu.
- Advance Notice of Quizzes: The student requires advance notice of quizzes (no "pop" quizzes). If this will fundamentally alter an essential requirement of the course, please reach out to Lesley Levy (llevy@bowdoin.edu) to discuss further.
- Alternative Test Format: The Professor will consider alternative test format on a case-by-case basis.
- Assistive Technology for Tests: Speech-to-Text Software: The student requires Speech-to-Text software for exams, tests, and quizzes (Dragon Naturally Speaking). The student will dictate answers into a Word document, which will then be printed. The Test Center is equipped with a private test space and the necessary software if the student and Professor agree to use the Test Center.
- Assistive Technology for Tests: Text-to-Speech Software: This student requires the use of a computer with Text-to-Speech software for exams, tests, and quizzes (Read & Write). The Professor and student can make their own arrangements, or tests can be accommodated in the Test Center. In order for the Test Center to administer the exam using test-to-speech software, exams will need to be provided as both a hard copy and a PDF document. In most instances, student will still record their answers in a blue book or directly on the exam.
- Calculator for Exams, Tests, and Quizzes: This accommodation is only appropriate when it does not alter the essential requirements of a course. The student has permission to use a basic 4-function calculator on exams, tests and quizzes containing calculations. If you believe this accommodation will compromise the essential functions of the course, please contact the Student Accessibility Office.
- Computer and Ergonomic Keyboard for In-Class Assessments with Written Components: The student has permission to use a computer and an ergonomic keyboard for in-class assessments (quizzes, tests, and exams) with written components. The student can use their own laptop or can be required to use a College-provided laptop without internet access (requests must be made for each test/exam by contacting itloaning@bowdoin.edu). If there are concerns about confidentiality or that the student's typing will distract other students in the classroom, space can be reserved at the Test Center.
- Computer for In-Class Assessments with Written Components: The student has permission to use a computer for in-class assessments (quizzes, tests, and exams) with written components. The student can use their own laptop or can be required to use a College-provided laptop without internet access (requests must be made for each test/exam by contacting itloaning@bowdoin.edu.) If there are concerns about confidentiality or that the student's typing will distract other students in the classroom, space can be reserved at the Test Center.
- Extra Time 1.25x: This student requires 25% extra time on all timed, in-class exams, tests, and quizzes. This accommodation does not typically apply to take-home exams with a longer testing window. For assessments given in person, the Test Center is available as an option for students with Test-Related Accommodations (extra time, reduced-distraction, technology needs during testing, etc.) Space in the Test Center must be scheduled at least one business day in advance by contacting testcenter@bowdoin.edu. Please note: during Final Exams the Test Center may not be available for students with only this accommodation, as priority must be given to students who cannot be accommodated in their classroom.
- Extra Time 1.25x OR Permission to Use a Computer on In-class Assessments: This student requires 25% extra time OR has permission to use a computer for written components on all timed, in-class exams, tests and quizzes. This accommodation does not typically apply to take-home exams with a longer testing window. For assessments given in person, the Test Center is available as an option for students with Test-Related Accommodations (extra time, reduced-distraction, technology needs during testing, etc.) Space in the Test Center must be scheduled at least one business day in advance by contacting testcenter@bowdoin.edu. Please note: during Final Exams the Test Center may not be available for students with only this accommodation, as priority must be given to students who cannot be accommodated in their classroom.
- Extra Time 1.5x: This student requires 50% extra time on all timed exams, tests and quizzes, including those given online. This accommodation does not typically apply to take-home exams with a longer testing window. For assessments given in person, the Test Center is available as an option for students with Test-Related Accommodations (extra time, reduced-distraction, technology needs during testing, etc.) Space in the Test Center must be scheduled at least one business day in advance by contacting testcenter@bowdoin.edu. Please note: during Final Exams the Test Center may not be available for students with only this accommodation, as priority must be given to students who cannot be accommodated in their classroom.
- Extra Time – 1.5x for paper/in-person exams and 2.0x for online/computer exams: This student requires extra time on exams, tests and quizzes - 50% for in-person/paper assessments and 100% for online/computer assessments. This accommodation does not typically apply to take-home exams with a longer testing window. For assessments given in person, the Test Center is available as an option for students with Test-Related Accommodations (extra time, reduced-distraction, technology needs during testing, etc.) Space in the Test Center must be scheduled at least one business day in advance by contacting testcenter@bowdoin.edu. Please note: during Final Exams the Test Center may not be available for students with only this accommodation, as priority must be given to students who cannot be accommodated in their classroom.
- Extra Time 2.0x: This student requires 100% extra time on all timed exams, tests and quizzes, including those given online. This accommodation does not typically apply to take-home exams with a longer testing window. For assessments given in person, the Test Center is available as an option for students with Test-Related Accommodations (extra time, reduced-distraction, technology needs during testing, etc.) Space in the Test Center must be scheduled at least one business day in advance by contacting testcenter@bowdoin.edu.
- Extra Time Based on the Length of Medically Necessary Breaks: The student may require a medically necessary break during testing. The student should not be penalized for the time missed during that break. For assessments given in person, the Test Center is available as an option for students with Test-Related Accommodations (extra time, reduced-distraction, technology needs during testing, etc.) Tests must be scheduled at least 48-hours in advance.
- Large Print Exams - The student requires large print exams (generally 14 font or larger, but please ask the student about their individual need). This can be accomplished by modifying an electronic exam or enlarging and printing on 11x17 paper.
- Memory Aid for Tests Containing Formulas/Equations - This accommodation is only appropriate when it does not alter the essential requirements of a course. Use of a memory aid intended to assist with memory recall and not intended to directly answer exam and quiz questions. This list may be developed by you or the student, but should be approved by you well in advance of the exam. Please contact the Student Accessibility Office with questions, concerns, or for assistance regarding this accommodation.
- Paper Assessments - If testing via a computer/online is not fundamental to the course, this student requires a paper version of the test. If necessary, the student will be responsible for printing the test and returning the completed paper version via email (scanning the paper version) or in person. For paper versions of online tests, a few extra minutes should be allotted for printing and scanning.
- Reduced Distraction Test Environment - This student requires a reduced-distraction environment for testing. For assessments given online, it is the student's responsibility to find a suitable testing space for their needs. Students can consult with the Student Accessibility Office if they need assistance finding a suitable space. For assessments given in person, the student and Professor can make their own arrangements, or the Test Center can be used. The Test Center is available as an option for students with Test-Related Accommodations (extra time, reduced-distraction, technology needs during testing, etc.) Space in the Test Center must be scheduled at least one business day in advance by contacting [Email: testcenter@bowdoin.edu].
- Specific Parameters Regarding Time of Day for Tests - This student has parameters for test scheduling. Specific guidelines will be provided by the Student Accessibility Office.
- Speech-to-Text Software or Scribe for In-Class Assessments - This student requires either speech-to-text software or a scribe to complete in-class assessments, including quizzes, tests and exams. Please contact the Student Accessibility Office five days prior to each exam to coordinate. The Test Center is available as an option for students with Test-Related Accommodations (extra time, reduced-distraction, technology needs during testing, etc.) Tests must be scheduled at least 48-hours in advance.
- Spelling - This accommodation is only appropriate when it does not alter the essential requirements of a course. The student is permitted to use "spell check" or they should be given leniency for spelling errors. If you believe this accommodation will compromise the essential functions of the course, please contact the Student Accessibility Office.