Helpful Hints Regarding Tests/Exams

Test/Exam Forms

Please fill out the Test/Exam form (also known as a Particular Form) as completely as possible. We are here to invigilate the exam, so the more information we have the better we can make sure we are following your instructions for the test.

Dropping Off Tests

Please make sure to drop off/fax/e-mail the test to Student Accessibility Services as early as possible, PRIOR TO the exam. Some students who use our office require large printed tests or audio taped tests, so receiving the exam in advance helps us make sure that the student's materials are ready for them on the test day. If it is a final exam that is being printed by Registrar's Office we will make arrangements to get the test from that office.

Supervision During the Test/Exam

Students will usually write in private rooms within the SAS offices. These rooms have full length windows in the doors so that SAS staff can monitor the student who is writing. Students are not allowed to bring any books, bags, or other materials into the room with them unless the instructor has approved this on the test/exam form. All students will be asked if they have anything in their pockets, and will be asked to leave any materials with the SAS front desk, including any electronic communication devices such as cell phones, pagers, etc.

Questions During the Test

If the student has a question during the test/exam, we will either walk with the student to the classroom where the test is being written or we will ask the student to write down the question and an invigilator will bring the question to you. If the student is writing at a different time from the class, it is helpful if you have a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. We welcome instructors to stop by the office at anytime during the test/exam to see if there are any questions!

Delivery of Tests/Exams

Unless told otherwise, we will deliver the completed test/exam to your department's general office the following day (except Fridays). This is a service provided by volunteers on campus. If you prefer to pick the exam, please inform the front desk staff and we will keep it on file until a member of your department is able to pick it up. If you require the test/exam to be returned to you quickly, we can send it to you via on-campus courier.

Final Exams

Final exams will be requested from the Registrar's Office when SAS receives a signed Particular Form. If an exam is not being printed by Registrar's Office, we will call instructors to request a copy of the exam.

If you have any other questions or comments, or would like a tour of the Student Accessibility Services office, please call us at (204) 474-6213. Thank you for all your help.

Tips for Creating an Inclusive Classroom

Be flexible… Students with disabilities face many barriers to participating in university, including scheduling of transportation, medical appointments, fatigue, side effects from medication, fluctuations in health status, availability of textbooks in the correct format, and many other complications that make it difficult for them to conform to rigid schedules. Please demonstrate flexibility when considering attendance in class, due dates for assignments, and tests/exams.

Don't single out students…Students with disabilities appreciate being accommodated, however, they don't wish to be pointed out in front of their peers. If you need to discuss an accommodation with a student, try to do it in private or outside of class time.

A student like any other… Treat students with disabilities as you would treat any other student in your class. Students have a right to accommodations, but they don't want a free ride. Students are required to meet academic standards of each course, regardless of their disability status.

Offer course material in multiple formats…Make sure all printed materials for your class can be easily converted to other formats (such as large print or electronic) so that all students can access them. Consider posting all material on a web site so that students can use their own specialized computer equipment to access the material.

Incorporate multiple teaching styles…Utilize as many different formats for your teaching as possible. For example, try lectures, examples, videos, overheads and other visual displays, handouts, stories, case studies, group projects, presentations, and any other creative way to deliver your information.

Textbook ordering…Order your textbooks well in advance of the beginning of classes, and ensure that the publishers you work with are willing to release copies of the text in electronic format. Some students require their books to be audio taped or large printed in advance of the class, and this process can take up to 3 months to complete.

Choose your words wisely…Avoid casting disability as a negative or pitiful condition. Don't use phrases such as "suffering from blindness" or "confined to a wheelchair". These phrases invoke a negative connotation of disability and fail to recognize the independent and fulfilling life that most persons with disabilities enjoy.

Refer to SAS in your course outline…Include a reference to Student Accessibility Services in your course outline. You can direct students to contact the office or to approach you directly in order to arrange accommodations.

Sample statement for course outline:

If you are experiencing difficulties with your studies or assignments, or have a disability or illness which may affect your course of study, you should discuss these issues with your instructor and/or one of the following Student Affairs offices as soon as possible:

Student Accessibility Services, 155 University Centre, Ph: 474-6213 (voice), 474-9690 (TTY)

Student Counselling and Career Centre, 474 University Centre, Ph: 474-8592

University 1, 205 Tier Building, Ph: 474-6209

Learning Assistance Centre, 201 Tier, Ph: 480-1481

Tips on making accessible documents

For staff and students looking for information on how to ensure that their documents (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, web content, etc.) are made to be accessible, you can check out this link to the University of Minnesota's webpage.

Please also go to the following links for more information on creating an inclusive classroom:

University of New Brunswick's "Guide for Accommodating Students with Disabilities"

"Accommodating Students with Disabilities," "Universal Instructional Design," "Interacting with Persons with Disabilities" and "Words With Dignity" on the University of Alberta website

UNBC "Instructor's Handbook for Accommodating Students with Disabilities"

Services for Staff & Faculty

Staff and faculty should contact Bryan Wiebe at Human Resources for assistance on-campus at: (204) 474-7897.

On-Campus Van Service is booked through SAS for students or staff with mobility disabilities; please call our main office at (204) 474-6213.

Interpreting Services

Sign Language interpreters and Computerized Note-takers are available for other events on or off campus on a fee for service basis. Please contact the SAS office to find out more details if you have an event that requires an interpreter.

Accessibility – how is the U of M doing?

Have you noticed areas on campus that are not accessible? Are you having problems within your department or any other areas or issues you would like to discuss– contact us at student_accessibility@umanitoba.ca