Class & Remote/Online Accommodations

Alternatives to Presentations

In classrooms and for online/remote courses, students with the Alternative to Presentations accommodation may request an alternative to presenting in front of a class. Students and instructors should communicate regarding the details of the alternative options in the course. The student should be held to the same expectations for meeting the fundamental learning outcomes of the course. The instructor or student can consult with the DRC if needed.

Classroom/Lab Assistant

A classroom/lab assistant’s role is to facilitate a student’s classroom participation if there are elements that cannot be made accessible through other means.  A classroom/lab assistant does not provide instruction, tutoring, or serve as an intermediary between the instructor and the student. The classroom/lab assistant will provide support in collaboration with the student and in a manner that affords the greatest independence. 

For in-person classes,  activities performed by a classroom assistant may include describing visual content, manipulating objects at the direction of the student, and other activities. If you have specific questions or concerns about Classroom or Lab Assistants, please contact the DRC.

For online/remote courses, a classroom/lab assistant may work with students virtually and assist by describing visual content, providing support for technical elements, and performing other activities as determined in collaboration with the student and the DRC. 

Call on Student Only When Hand is Raised

For in-person classes, this accommodation allows students the opportunity to decide when they participate in class discussion. The student should still be held to the same participation expectations as the rest of the class; this accommodation only modifies how they participate.

For online/remote courses that use live streamed class meetings (with or without chat), this accommodation is applicable. This accommodation allows students the opportunity to raise their hand or otherwise indicate when they will  participate in class discussion. The student should still be held to the same participation expectations as the rest of the class; this accommodation only modifies how they participate.

Enlarged Print

For in-person classes, students with visual impairments often need a larger font size to read materials, so instructors must provide course handouts either in a digital format or print a copy with a large font size. The font size the student needs will be listed toward the bottom of the DRC Faculty Notification Email. It is recommended that students and instructors communicate regarding whether the student would prefer electronic files of handouts or hard copies with large font size. Instructors should let the DRC know if they have difficulty with the conversion or provision of these materials.

For online/remote classes, this accommodation should not be needed if all reading/visual materials are delivered in electronic format.

Overheads/PowerPoint Slides Provided Before Class Begins

For in-person classes, students who have the “Overheads and PowerPoints before Class Begins” accommodation should be given copies of the day's PowerPoint slides and/or other materials (either printed or electronic access is fine) before class begins. If no PowerPoints or other materials are planned, there is no need to create anything! Note: Many instructors choose to provide their PowerPoint slides to all students in the class online before the class begins, which would also fulfill the accommodation.

For remote/online classes, with synchronous streaming, this accommodation will apply. The electronic version presented on screen during class is not sufficient to meet the accommodation. See above for how to provide this accommodation.