Reasonable accommodations enable you to participate in the academic assessment process on a fair basis, and according to your preferences. Find out how to apply for reasonable accommodations, what these are and how they work for you.

Reasonable accommodations allow you to fully participate in learning, assessment, university facilities and services. When it comes to assessments, for example, a reasonable accommodations could be having extra time in an exam, or showing your work to the learning support tutor for proof reading in ASC, assistive technology in class or during an exam to support you.

Reasonable accommodations are required where disabled students experience substantial disadvantage in comparison with non-disabled people.  Universities have a duty to provide reasonable adjustments for students. This means your university needs to plan ahead and address any barriers that may potentially affect your studies and well-being. So make sure to contact the disability office for information and to make an appointment to meet the Disability Officer for your needs assessment.

• SETU policies relating to students with disabilities, refer to a Reasonable Accommodation  as any action that helps to alleviate a substantial disadvantage due to a disability and/or a significant ongoing illness. A “reasonable accommodation” (as it is referred to in the Equal Status Act, 2000) is an amendment to the student’s course of study which enables her/him/them to participate fully in their education.

To be eligible for individual reasonable adjustments you need to have had an autism diagnosis, contacted the disability office for a needs assessment appointment and uploaded your evidence of disability to the disability office. The university’s disability officer then meets with you at your Needs Assessment appointment. This can take 30 minutes and allows you time to discusses your needs.

Please see the section on registering with the disability office.

It is important that you are actively involved in this process, and also in making decisions regarding reasonable adjustments that work for you. This is not about being singled out – it’s about getting the best, personalised support for you.

• Discuss your reasonable accommodations,  – what works for you individually?
• Think about letting your lecturer’s know you are registered with the disability office after the needs assessment appointment.
• Remember that the disability team is always there to support you.
• Use the Autism&Uni toolkit to help you with any questions or information you need.
• Reply promptly to all communications (This is very important as all correspondence is on your student email) regarding your support and reasonable accommodations.

SETU | Examination Accommodations