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Student Disability Services

Examples of Disability Accommodations

Student Disability Services at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith works with qualified students with disabilities to determine reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Your accommodations are based on your disability-related needs, documentation, course requirements, and the setting in which the accommodation will be used.

The examples below are common types of accommodations available through SDS. This list is not all-inclusive, and not every accommodation is appropriate for every student, course, program, or setting.

Testing Accommodations

Testing accommodations may help provide equal access during quizzes, exams, and other timed assessments. Examples include:

  • Extended testing time, such as 50% or 100% additional time.
  • A reduced-distraction or private testing location, such as the SDS testing room.
  • Use of a screen reader or human reader.
  • Use of speech-to-text software or a human scribe.
  • Large-print tests.
  • Brailed tests.
  • Permission to avoid scantron answer sheets, when appropriate.
  • SDS-proctored testing instead of virtual proctoring, when approved.
  • Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.
  • A hand fidget device.
  • Use of a calculator or approved accessible calculator, unless the purpose of the exam is to assess skills that must be measured without one.
  • Use of a spelling dictionary, when appropriate.

Classroom Accommodations

Classroom accommodations may support your access to lectures, discussions, course materials, and the learning environment. Examples include:

  • Permission to audio record lectures using a personal recording device, smart pen, phone, or other approved device.
  • Access to lecture materials such as PowerPoint slides, outlines, or other instructional materials in advance when appropriate.
  • Large-print materials.
  • Use of a calculator when appropriate.
  • Use of spellcheck or a dictionary when appropriate.
  • Use of a hand fidget device.
  • Use of a computer or electronic device for notetaking.
  • Preferential seating such as sitting near the front of the room or close to an exit.
  • Permission to briefly step out of class due to a disability-related need, with the expectation that you will return.
  • An accessible desk, table, or chair.
  • Flexibility for occasional disability-related absences, when approved, with the expectation that you will notify your instructor.
  • Enlargement software or an enlargement device.
  • Handouts in a digital format.
  • A peer notetaker arranged by SDS.
  • A sign language interpreter.
  • An assistive listening device.
  • Captioned videos.
  • Access to food or water when needed for a disability-related reason.
  • Brailed handouts.

Course Materials and Assistive Technology

Some accommodations support your access to textbooks, handouts, digital materials, and other course content. Examples include:

  • Electronic books.
  • Brailed books.
  • Screen-reader access.
  • Speech-to-text software.
  • Digital handouts or accessible electronic documents.
  • Enlargement software or devices.
  • Assistive technology used to access course materials.

Housing Accommodations

Some students may need accommodations related to university housing. Examples include:

  • A private room.
  • A private bathroom.
  • A first-floor room.
  • Approved personal equipment or furniture.
  • An approved Emotional Support Animal (ESA).

For more information, review the Service Animals and Assistance Animals page.

How Accommodations Are Determined

Your accommodations are determined through the Student Disability Services process. SDS reviews each request individually and considers your disability-related needs, documentation, requested accommodations, and the essential requirements of the course, program, service, or activity.

Reasonable accommodations are intended to provide equal access. They do not change essential course or program requirements or lower academic standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Student Disability Services at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith offers a range of accommodations across testing, classroom, course materials, assistive technology, and housing. Common examples include extended testing time, a reduced distraction testing location, preferential seating, screen readers, and housing accommodations. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis and are tailored to your individual needs.

Accommodations are determined individually through the SDS registration and review process. SDS considers your disability-related needs, documentation, the accommodations you've requested, and the essential requirements of your course, program, or setting. No two accommodation plans are identical.

Yes. This list is not all-inclusive. If you have a disability-related need that isn't reflected here, discuss it with SDS during your intake appointment or accommodation review. SDS will evaluate your request based on your documentation and the nature of your need.

Testing accommodations apply to quizzes, exams, and other timed assessments as approved through SDS. If you need to test in the SDS testing room, contact SDS at least one week before your exam to schedule testing arrangements. Remind your instructor of your accommodation needs at least three days before any exam.

Yes, housing accommodations may include a private room, private bathroom, first-floor room, approved personal equipment or furniture, and approved Emotional Support Animals. Housing accommodations are requested and reviewed through Student Disability Services. For more information about service animals and assistance animals, visit the Service Animals and Assistance Animals page.

To ask about accommodations or begin the SDS registration process, email Student Disability Services at ADAFREEuafs or call 479-788-7577.