Managing Testing Accommodations
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Students with disabilities may require a wide variety of accommodations, and faculty need to be prepared to implement them in their classes. Professors and students are strongly encouraged to meet to discuss any accommodations for a class and to plan together how best to implement them. Below is a list of testing accommodations you are most likely to encounter, but remember that accommodations are individualized, so this list is not exclusive. See below for some tips on implementing these accommodations.
- Extended time (usually 1.5x or 2.0x)
- Reduced Distraction testing environment
- Periodic breaks
- Use of assistive technology such as screen readers, magnification tools, a calculator, grammar and spell-check, dictation, other vision or hearing devices, and a laptop or computer to type written responses.
- Flexible testing windows and/or make-up exams for those with periodic absences as a classroom accommodation
- Readers, scribes, and interpreters(though not common because of assistive technology tools)
- Alternative formats
The Testing Center and the Disability Office are here to assist you with implementing accommodations. Please reach out for support with proctoring exams or sharing any concerns you may have.
Extended Time
There are multiple ways to ensure students with extended time receive their accommodation. Here are some examples: - Have the student take the test with the other students in the class, then take them back to your office for the additional testing time. - Arrange for the student to begin the test prior to the testing time. - Have the student take the entire test at a different time and/or place than the others in the class. - Reach out to the Disability Office if you are unsure how to request extended time for an online exam when the allotted time is set for everyone.
Reduced Distraction Testing Environment
Usually, the best way to provide this service is to place the student alone in a (proctored) room without phones, street noise, or other distractions. Visual distractions should also be minimized (e.g., by positioning the student away from windows, other test-takers, and other sources of movement or distraction).
Options include:
- Test the student in your office (remember to silence your phone and minimize other possible distractions
- Use an empty meeting or conference room
- Professors may arrange for proctoring with the Testing Center
- Testing rooms are available on the UH Hilo campus, and arrangements for their use are coordinated through the Disability Services Office.
Periodic breaks
Some students have an accommodation to take a break during testing, which means stopping the clock on a timed exam and allowing the student to take a brief break in or outside the classroom. It is OK to request that students leave their phones or other personal devices in the room when they need to step out, but this should be discussed ahead of time to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to the student. Some students may just need a minute to put their head down on the table, or stand up and stretch in the back of the room.
Use of Assistive Technologies
Many students with disabilities rely on assistive technology to access course materials and exams. For example, students with dyslexia or visual impairments may use screen readers or other accessibility tools to read exam questions. Because students use these tools regularly, they are often most efficient and comfortable using their own devices.
Whenever possible, we recommend allowing students to use their personal devices during exams. Although institution-owned computers often include accessibility features, differences in software, settings, and interfaces can create unnecessary barriers and increase cognitive demands during testing.
To maintain exam security, proctors should have a clear view of the student's screen while the device is in use. We also encourage faculty to discuss with students in advance how assistive technology will be used during testing so that accommodations can be implemented effectively while preserving academic integrity.
If a faculty member has concerns that a personal device is being used inappropriately, they should contact the Disability Coordinator as soon as possible to discuss the situation and determine an appropriate course of action.
Calculators
The use of calculators in higher education is sometimes restricted, requiring students to complete calculations by hand or mentally. However, students with language processing and/or attention disorders often have reduced arithmetic fluency, limited working memory, and experience mental fatigue more quickly than their peers. Arithmetic fluency and higher-level mathematical reasoning are distinct skills. Many students can excel in advanced mathematics despite difficulty with basic calculations. A calculator helps remove the barrier of arithmetic, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding of more complex concepts.
Headphones
Occasionally, a student may be issued an accommodation to allow noise-reducing headphones during exams and/or class. This allows students who are overstimulated by noise to better control their environment, continue participating in the activity, and/or focus better on their exam or task. Usually, the accommodation will specify that the headphones have no Bluetooth or wifi connectivity. If a student is permitted to use headphones with connectivity, expectations for use will be spelled out in the accommodation notice. Please contact the Disability Coordinator if you have concerns about this accommodation for a student and your class.
Flexible Testing Windows and/or Make-up Exams
Students with chronic medical conditions may have a classroom accommodation of periodic absences. These types of medical conditions are unpredictable in terms of when they impact the studentʻs ability to attend to school. It is not unusual for an absence to occur on a test day. So, we encourage faculty and students to discuss this scenario before it occurs. There are two main ways to implement this accommodation.
- Provide a time window during which the student can complete the exam. This works particularly well for online exams that have “open” and “close” dates and times. A testing window allows a student with chronic medical conditions to test when they are feeling their best.
- Allow for make-up exams if they are missed due to an absence related to their disability. You can utilize the Testing Center for assistance with proctoring a make-up exam if needed.
Please reach out to the Disability Services Coordinator if you have concerns about a student with this accommodation missing too many classes, and or having difficulty completing exams.
Readers, Scribes, Interpreters
As stated above, most students who need these accommodations utilize assistive technology tools. However, occasionally, a student will need a more hands-on accommodation given their specific disability(ies). When these kinds of accommodations are required, the Disability Coordinator will reach out to faculty to collaborate on how best to implement the accommodation.
Alternative Formats
Remember that all media, including slides, videos, charts, graphs, and online exams, must meet the new 2026 accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 Level AA). This is the recent update to ADA law, and UH Hilo is expected to comply. Please refer to the information in this guide or on the Disability Services website about Accessible Course Materials when creating exams and course materials that include any media or are administered online.