ASD > case stories > Step 3: Deciding on specific accommodations

Step 3: Deciding on specific accommodations

As noted previously, accommodations are designed on an individual and course-specific basis. After Esperanza enrolled in her classes, she met with her DSO counselor to decide on reasonable accommodations she would need for each course.

Many of her courses were at an introductory level and therefore lecture-based. For these, Esperanza would need the text prepared in an alternate format, such as scanned into a computer so that she could manipulate the text accordingly. Esperanza decided to take her notebook computer to classes to enable note-taking by enlarging the font and manipulating the colors.

The DSO counselor also informed Esperanza that the university had many assistive technology (AT)devices that would enhance her ability to access information, such as closed circuit television (CCTV) and “speaking” software. The DSO offered to teach Esperanza how to use the various technologies.

Then, the DSO counselor suggested that Esperanza talk with each professor about obtaining an electronic or hard copy of the lecture notes and PowerPoint presentations in advance of class so that she could use them as a note-taking aid in her preferred format.

More Information

Reasonable accommodations

Assistive/Adaptive technology (AT)

Closed circuit television (CCTV)

Visual impairment