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Presentation Adjustment

What is the presentation adjustment accommodation?

The intent of the presentation adjustment accommodation is to assist with disabilities that pose a significant barrier to giving presentations. SAS determines presentation adjustment accommodations on a case-by-case basis using an interactive process that evaluates the barriers to equal access caused by a student’s disability. This accommodation provides some flexibility in the manner in which students give either scheduled or extemporaneous presentations when such flexibility does not alter the essential nature of the course. 

How do students use a presentation adjustment accommodation?

Students should first identify the presentation requirements of each class by reviewing the syllabus and discussing the assignments with their instructor. Instructors may suggest adjustments such as the ability to give the presentation to a smaller group, to pre-record a presentation, or to provide an alternative assignment. If the accommodation does not apply to the format of the class, no action is needed. 

What should instructors know about this accommodation?

• Instructors should discuss this accommodation with students as early in the semester as possible if presentations are assigned in their courses. SAS can help to facilitate a conversation between the instructor and student if there are concerns about how to implement this accommodation. 
• This accommodation does not excuse students from giving presentations when presentations or speeches are assigned as part of the course. Where possible, instructors should consider alternative methods for assessing learning outcomes. Examples include permitting the student to present directly to the instructor in place of presenting to the entire class or offering an alternate assignment or activity for class participation that would meet the same learning outcomes. If any adjustment would alter the essential nature of the course, instructors should contact SAS to discuss next steps. 

Contact your Access Advisor with questions or concerns.

Group work/participation Adjustment

What is the group work/participation adjustment accommodation?

The intent of the group work/participation adjustment accommodation is to assist with disabilities that pose a significant barrier to participating in class or group work. SAS determines group work/participation adjustment accommodations on a case-by-case basis using an interactive process that evaluates the barriers to equal access caused by a student’s disability. This accommodation provides some flexibility in the manner in which students participate in class or work in groups. 

How do students use a group work/participation adjustment accommodation? 

Students should first identify the group work/participation requirements of each class by reviewing the syllabus and discussing the assignments with their instructor. Instructors may suggest adjustments such as working in pre-assigned groups or opting to volunteer once a week rather than being called on spontaneously. If the accommodation does not apply to the format of the class, no action is needed. 

What should instructors know about this accommodation? 

• Instructors should discuss this accommodation with students as early in the semester as possible if participation or group work are significant components in their course. SAS can help to facilitate a conversation between the instructor and student if there are concerns about how to implement this accommodation. 
• Where possible, instructors should consider alternative methods for assessing learning outcomes. Examples include permitting the student to choose their own group, allowing the student to volunteer rather than be called on, or submitting a written summary rather than a verbal contribution for some discussions. If any adjustment would alter the essential nature of the course, instructors should contact SAS to discuss next steps. 

Contact your Access Advisor with questions or concerns.