To download Instructor FAQ, click on the link: Instructor FAQ PDF
Contact SAS for alternate format of this information.
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) remains open and receptive to address concerns or questions related to online courses, accommodations, and accessibility. Please do not hesitate to call SAS in Edinburg 956-665-7005, Brownsville 956-882-7374 or email us at ability@utrgv.edu
SAS appreciates instructors’ efforts during this transition and SAS staff want to continue collaborating to ensure equal access of all students.
For any student requesting accommodations due to disability or pregnancy/parenting, please refer the student to call Student Accessibility Services for additional information.
Recommendations for Faculty (Adapted from Guide from Southern Methodist University)
How do accommodations work with online instruction?
For students with an accommodation for: | Does this accommodation apply in a synchronous online course? | Does this accommodation apply in an asynchronous online course? | Considerations |
---|---|---|---|
Volunteer Note Taker (VNT) |
Yes |
Maybe* |
Instructor: Please inform VNT to upload class notes via mySAS, a secure online portal where SAS students can access class notes. *If there is a recording an instructor’s lecture, students will be able to view the recording as many times as necessary, which precludes the need for a volunteer note-taker. |
Use of audio recorder for lecture |
Yes |
No |
|
Attendance |
Yes |
No |
Please contact SAS with any questions. |
Medical Leave |
Yes |
Yes |
Please contact SAS with any questions. |
Extended time for assignment deadlines |
Yes |
Yes |
|
TESTING |
|
|
|
Extended time on testing |
Yes |
Yes |
SAS will not offer in-office proctoring for online exams. Instructors: You can edit the test options and add a user or group in the test availability exceptions area. If the settings exist for a test, you can create these exceptions: number of attempts, timer, availability, force completion and restrict location. For more information, check out the Test and Survey Options page. Alternatively, you may use Adaptive Release, with this tool you will be able to customize the release of content to meet the needs of individual students. For more information, check out the Rules for Releasing Content. |
Reduced-distraction testing environment |
No |
No |
Please inform students they are responsible for ensuring a reduced-distraction testing environment for online courses. |
A reader or scribe for tests |
Yes |
Yes |
SAS will not offer in-office proctoring for online exams. Please be aware that students may need to rely on a family member or friend to read or scribe for tests. In the event a student reports not having access to someone to assist, please contact SAS to discuss this matter. |
Alternate format of tests |
|
|
|
Braille |
Yes |
Yes |
Instructors should upload an accessible exam document in Blackboard. The material will be converted in Blackboard Ally into Braille Ready Format. The student can use assistive technology (e.g. Apex machine or Braille display) to access the exam. |
Enlarged font |
Yes |
Yes |
Students will be able to enlarge digital format exams in the online environment using assistive technology
|
Audio format |
Yes |
Yes |
Instructors should upload an accessible exam document in Blackboard. The material will be converted in Blackboard Ally into audio format. The student can use assistive technology to access the exam. |
|
|
|
|
Sign language interpreter |
Yes |
Maybe* |
SYNCHRONOUS COURSES: Zoom will be required so that interpreters can facilitate communication during lecture. The Zoom meeting link would need to be shared with ASLservices@utrgv.edu 2 business days prior. If the class meeting is recorded via Zoom, the instructor must pin the interpreter feed to ensure the student will have access to interpreting at a later date. ASYNCHRONOUS COURSES: *If a lecture is recorded, send the file to SAS so that a sign language interpreter video can be imbedded. If there are no videos of lecture, no interpreter is required for the course. Please call SAS with any questions. If you are using Lockdown Browser for tests, for students who use a screen reader, the Lockdown Browser will need to be disabled . Please contact SAS for additional guidance.
|
CART (Communication Access in Real Time) |
Yes |
No |
Please follow the same procedures used with face-to-face classes. Instructor: A link to the video conferencing platform being used should be sent to ASLservices@utrgv.edu 2 business days prior to the class meeting. |
Alternate format of course materials: |
|
|
|
Braille |
Yes |
Yes |
Instructors should upload an accessible document in Blackboard. The material will be converted in Blackboard Ally into Braille Ready Format. The student can use assistive technology (e.g. Apex machine or Braille display) to access the material. |
Enlarged font |
Yes |
Yes |
Students will be able to enlarge digital format exams in the online environment using assistive technology. |
Audio format |
Yes |
Yes |
Instructors should upload an accessible document in Blackboard. The material will be converted in Blackboard Ally into audio format. The student can use assistive technology to access the material. |
How do I go about setting extended time for online tests?
Do I honor attendance accommodations which had already been approved for a face-to-face course?
What do I do for students with an approved accommodation for audio format of course materials and exams?
OR
What is an accessible document?
Accessibility Resources
For resources related to online accessibility, please consult the Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology (COLTT) website at https://www.utrgv.edu/online/index.htm
Additional resources:
The following is designed to assist faculty in understanding academic accommodations for students with disabilities at UTRGV. Faculty are always welcome to contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) with any questions or concerns. In Brownsville, visit BMSLC 1.107 or call 956-882-7374. In Edinburg, visit UCTR 108 or call 956-665-7005. Our e-mail address is ability@utrgv.edu.
What is an Accommodation Letter?
What office is responsible for determining academic accommodations?
When is a student required to notify faculty of a need for accommodations?
Should I provide accommodations to a student who does not have an accommodation letter?
Am I responsible for identifying a volunteer note taker for a student with an approved accommodation? What if I can’t find one?
Does the student’s disability information need to remain confidential?
Do I have to allow students to use technology in class?
Should I lower academic standards because a student has a disability?
A student is experiencing academic difficulty in my class. I think the student may have a disability. What should I do to assist the student?
Should I alter my course attendance requirements when a student has an accommodation for flexible attendance?
What should I do if an accommodation listed in the Accommodation Letter appears to fundamentally alters an essential element of the course?