Accessibility & Accommodations

In particular, accommodations for online exams represent a critical way to provide equitable learning and assessment for all of our students. The unpredictable learning environments brought on by our evolving responses to COVID-19 present many barriers to students receiving equal access not only to course materials but also, critically, to opportunities for engaging with the course and showing that they have met the learning outcomes. The Disability Resource Center has put together a spreadsheet of common accommodations for online exams  (click to download) in order to guide instructors and connect them with additional assistance.

Exams and remote proctoring can present insurmountable barriers to students who require accommodations as well as create an environment in which the burden of justification is consistently placed upon the student. Even with accommodations, our unique and challenging moment challenges us to create learning experiences in which all students feel they equally belong and are equally supported. The folks at CELT, UK Online, and other areas are always eager to discuss ways of upholding this responsibility.

1. Students with hearing impairments may need real time transcription due to the change in learning platform. If this is the case, you will be contacted by the DRC and/or the transcription vendor to set up the service. Click here for video tutorials on live auto-captioning options and adding captions to videos.
2. Students with visual impairments benefit when instructors read aloud all text and provide a description of images used during a lecture. In addition, students benefit from clear, readable copies of course materials. If the class is synchronous, it's a good practice for people to identify themselves by name when they speak.
3. Students who require private or low-distraction settings may experience barriers accessing the appropriate learning environments with a good Internet connection. If this case should arise, students can contact their DRC consultant, or the instructor can contact the consultant listed in the accommodation letter.
4. The sudden shift to 100% remote course delivery can be disorienting and challenging. Students may require additional accommodations due to this shift, and they may experience difficulties related to their well-being. Be kind and check in with students; make sure they know about UK's wellness resources.
5. Anxiety can impact all aspects of attention. Consider building time and redundancy into the curriculum, assessments, and messaging to students. Strive for the greatest amount of transparency for course procedures and expectations.

The DRC will still be registering students who request accommodations. If a student needs accommodation, please direct them to the DRC website or email. If you have questions, please email the student's consultant noted in the letter of accommodation, call 859-257-2754, or send a message to DRC@uky.edu