Instructors often find it challenging to articulate a comprehensive disability accommodation statement for their syllabi due to the uniqueness of each class. This page provides language suggestions to effectively communicate accommodation procedures and establish clear expectations for students.
Avoid using language such as "never" or "under no circumstances."
Disability rights are mandatory civil rights that your syllabus must uphold. If your syllabus states that you never accept late homework or allow make-up exams, you may need to revise these policies to accommodate students with disabilities.
If you wish to provide stringent syllabus guidelines, your policy must consider exceptions in cases of disability accommodations. For example, instead of writing that “no homework will be accepted after the due date,” you could write that “no homework will be accepted after the due date except as provided by disability accommodations.” If allowances are made for personal, family, or medical emergencies, acknowledge this policy by stating, “no homework will be accepted after the due date except in cases of personal, family, or medical emergencies or as provided by disability accommodations.”
Suggested language for timely receipt of ODS accommodation letters
“Please send your ODS accommodation letter promptly. It's better to have accommodations in place, even if you're unsure of needing them than to scramble last minute. Instructors are not responsible for retroactively providing accommodations, though temporary adjustments may be possible for extenuating circumstances. The more lead time you give, the easier it is for me to assist you. Note that last-minute requests may not be accommodated.”
Suggested language for technology bans
ODS recommends providing a general exception for technology use in class to avoid singling out students with ODS accommodations.
“I believe the classroom should be technology-free. If you have a compelling reason for using a device, email me a written explanation. No explanation is necessary if you have a disability-related accommodation.”
Note: Do not compel students with technological devices to sit in a specific area of the room, as it may stigmatize them and limit their equal participation in the class.
Suggested language for extended testing time
“Many accommodation letters grant additional time for quizzes and exams. This extended time accommodation applies primarily to assessments or exams that take less than 24 hours to complete. For instance, if an exam is open on Blackboard for 2 hours within a 48-hour window, a student with a 50% extra time accommodation would have 3 hours to complete the exam within those 48 hours. The 48-hour window is not extended.”
Note: Consider indicating on your syllabus which assessments and exams allow extended time and which do not.
Suggested language for flexible attendance accommodation when attendance is required
“If you have a disability-related attendance accommodation, you must still attend class and participate for full credit. The accommodation allows for a reasonable number of absences due to disability, but not unlimited absences. Inform me promptly if your absence is disability-related to avoid penalties. I may contact you and your Accommodations Specialist if I have concerns about the impact of your absences on meeting course requirements.”
Suggested language for extensions and make-up exams
“If your disability affects your ability to complete assignments or exams, you may request extensions or make-up exams through ODS accommodations. Contact me to request an extension; failure to do so may lead to point deductions. Requests should be made in advance unless a documented disability-related issue prevents it. Your Accommodations Specialist may require information from your healthcare provider but do not share it with me. Extensions are typically short (24-48 hours) unless otherwise authorized.”
Suggested language for resolving disagreements about provisions of accommodations
“Most ODS accommodations are straightforward, like extended exam time. For ambiguous cases, we'll involve your Accommodations Specialist to resolve disputes. This ensures you aren't pressured into unfair accommodations and that we comply with disability law while utilizing their expertise.”
Adapted from the University of California Berkeley Disability Access and Compliance and Disabled Students’ Program.