Mentoring, Student Disabilities, and Accommodations

The Accessibility Services Office is committed to providing equal access and reasonable accommodations to support your student’s participation in the academic environment.

Providing Reasonable Accommodations

When creating accommodations for students with disabilities, remember that disability law states that accommodations must be within reason, which means the accommodations must:

Not lower standards of the course
Not create an unfair advantage
Not alter a fundamental component of the curriculum

If you feel that a student is asking for an accommodation that is either lowering the standards of the course, creating an unfair advantage or altering a fundamental component of the curriculum, please contact the Accessibility Services Office for guidance on how to best support your student.

Common Accommodations

Providing More Time On Tests And Assignments

Providing More Time On Tests And Assignments: Allowing students with disabilities more time to complete exams and assignments generally does not create an unfair advantage, rather provides equal access and may be considered a reasonable accommodation.

Extra Clarification on Assignments from Instructor

Some students may need extra clarification on assignments, projects, group work etc. Allowing students to communicate with you more frequently can help ensure that the student is keeping up and understanding the assignment.

Private Room for Exams

Some students need access to a private room with reduced distraction to take exams and quizzes. The private room should be a place with limited noise and visual distraction. This can be accomplished by having the student use one of the testing centers private rooms or by using a private room in your office or department.

Possible questions to ask students with suspected disabilities:

“I see you’re struggling with the reading in my class, could you please come to my office so we could talk about what I can do to help you?”

"I have noticed that you do not finish the I-Learn quizzes in the allowed time, is there anything I can help you with?"

”I see that there are some barriers to your learning. What is it that is hard for you?”

Fall colors on the Northwest corner of the Manwaring Center.

Although it can be difficult to talk to students about disabilities, there are easy ways to implement these conversations. Ask questions that allow students to open up about their struggles in a safe environment.

Possible follow up questions:

“Do you feel like our arrangement is helping you learn?”

“How are you feeling about the class since the last time we met?”

Mentors should not ask students if they have ever been tested for learning disabilities. If a student shares that type of information with a mentor then make a referral to the Accessibility Services Office.

Grading Students with Disabilities

If you are having trouble deciding how to grade students with disabilities, download the Grading Students with Disabilities document. For any other questions, contact the Accessibility Services Office directly.

Medical Challenges

Medical Challenges: Temporary disabilities and temporary absences (broken bones, illnesses, surgeries, etc.) are handled through the Dean of Students Office, 290 Kimball Building, dos@byui.edu or (208) 496-9200.