CEP Special Education & Accommodations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A college student with dyslexia requests extended time on exams. What must the student typically provide to receive this accommodation?
- Only a verbal statement describing the disability
- Current documentation from a qualified professional diagnosing the disability and describing functional limitations (Correct answer)
- A copy of their high school IEP
- A signed statement from a parent or guardian
Correct answer: Current documentation from a qualified professional diagnosing the disability and describing functional limitations
College disability services offices require current documentation from a licensed professional that identifies the disability and explains how it functionally impacts the student.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a common testing accommodation for students with processing speed deficits?
- Oral exams replacing written tests
- Extended time (typically 50% or 100% additional time) (Correct answer)
- Exemption from standardized testing requirements
- Reduced course load without academic penalty
Correct answer: Extended time (typically 50% or 100% additional time)
Extended time is the most widely used testing accommodation for students with processing speed deficits, typically granted as 50% or 100% additional time.
Question 3: An educational planner is advising a family about a student with significant anxiety disorder. Which standardized test accommodation is most commonly available?
- Test-optional admissions at all universities
- Extended time and testing in a separate, low-distraction environment (Correct answer)
- Elimination of the SAT/ACT requirement by law
- Guaranteed untimed testing on all college admission tests
Correct answer: Extended time and testing in a separate, low-distraction environment
Extended time and a separate testing environment are among the most commonly approved accommodations for students with anxiety disorders on standardized college admissions tests.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a 'Disability Services Office' (DSO) at a college or university?
- To provide therapeutic counseling and mental health services to all students
- To coordinate and implement academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities (Correct answer)
- To enforce ADA compliance for campus physical accessibility only
- To manage federal financial aid for students with disabilities
Correct answer: To coordinate and implement academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities
The DSO's primary role is to review disability documentation, determine appropriate accommodations, and coordinate their implementation across campus.
Question 5: A student with a physical disability needs note-taking assistance at college. Which accommodation would BEST address this need?
- A full-time personal aide attending all classes
- Access to peer notes, smart pens, or recorded lectures through the DSO (Correct answer)
- A separate course section taught at a slower pace
- Exemption from attendance requirements for all lectures
Correct answer: Access to peer notes, smart pens, or recorded lectures through the DSO
DSOs typically arrange note-taking accommodations through peer note-takers, technology tools like smart pens, or access to recorded lectures rather than providing personal aides.
Question 6: Which law gives students with disabilities the right to request accommodations at private colleges that receive federal funding?
- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
- ADA Title II and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Correct answer)
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
- The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Correct answer: ADA Title II and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
ADA Title II applies to public institutions, while Section 504 applies to any private or public institution receiving federal financial assistance, which includes most private colleges.
Question 7: When advising a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) about college selection, which campus resource should an educational planner prioritize investigating?
- The college's athletic programs and social clubs
- Specialized ASD support programs, social skills coaching, and DSO capacity (Correct answer)
- The college's distance learning options only
- The availability of single-occupancy dormitory rooms
Correct answer: Specialized ASD support programs, social skills coaching, and DSO capacity
Students with ASD often benefit from specialized support programs beyond basic DSO accommodations, including social skills coaching, mentoring, and structured peer interaction opportunities.
CEP Special Education & Accommodations 3
A college student with dyslexia requests extended time on exams.
What must the student typically provide to receive this accommodation?