Testing accommodations allow students with disabilites to represent their knowledge and skills while mitigating the impact of their disability. Testing accommodations can be applied to any exam, quiz, or final exam. Possible accommodations include:
- Extended time
- Reduced-distraction testing environment
- Breaks
- Use of assistive technology, such as using a computer to access screen readers or speech-recognition software
Examples of Why Accommodation May Be Necessary
Extended Time
- Symptoms of disability or side effects of medications result in lowered stamina.
- Managing time, planning answers, and transitioning between test sections takes significantly longer due to executive functioning.
Reduced Distraction Testing Environment
- Distractions significantly interfere with attention and focus.
- Seeing other students submit exams causes rushing.
Use of Computer
- Student with a learning disability may use a computer with speech-recognition software to write and read exams.
- Student has restricted use of hands.
Adapted with permission from The University of Virginia (2025)
Office of Disability Services
