Understanding Academic Accommodations

Understanding Academic Accommodations

Academic accommodations are individualized supports that remove or reduce disability-related barriers to learning and participation. They provide students with equitable access to their education while maintaining the essential learning outcomes and academic requirements of their courses and programs.

Types of Academic Accommodations

Accommodation recommendations are individualized based on a student's disability-related needs.

Test Accommodations

Examples may include:

  • extended time on tests and exams; 
  • reduced-distraction testing environments; 
  • use of a computer; and/or 
  • use of assistive technology. 

Class Accommodations

Examples may include:

  • permission to audio record lectures; 
  • note-taking supports; 
  • ASL interpretation; 
  • alternative-format course materials; and/or 
  • flexibility with assignment deadlines during acute episodes. 

Letter of Accommodation (LoA)

Accommodation recommendations made by SAS are included on a Letter of Accommodation (LoA). The LoA is how accommodation needs are communicated to individual course instructors.

How SAS Determines Academic Accommodations
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The Role of Supports

While academic accommodations play an important role in ensuring access, they are just one part of a broader network of supports available to students. Many students benefit from combining accommodations with supports.

Learn about support options

How SAS Determines Academic Accommodations

Accommodation recommendations are made in consultation with an accessibility counsellor. We use a collaborative, strengths-based and evidence-informed approach.

In your consultation, we will:

  • review documentation related to functional impacts in the academic environment;
  • seek to understand your experience of barriers and challenges with academic demands;
  • identify your strengths and effective strategies; and
  • use best-practice, evidence-informed approaches to guide planning.

If you have questions or concerns about the accommodations you have been offered, learn more about our accommodation review process.

Learn more about the accommodation review process