Chapter 7 - Accommodation For Spelling

Guidelines for Reasonable Accommodations for Spelling

Correct spelling is expected of all students at the university level. For students who have a documented learning disability that impacts spelling, using a spelling aid may be a reasonable accommodation for in-class assignments and in-class exams. Typical accommodations have included spell-check devices, access to spell check in Microsoft Word, or not penalizing a student for spelling errors. The academic decision of whether or not spelling is essential to the course is typically the prerogative of the instructor and/or academic unit involved.

If the instructor is concerned this accommodation is unreasonable   because it will lower academic standards, compromise an essential component of, or fundamentally alter a course or program, then the instructor should contact DAS upon receipt of the “Notification of Academic Accommodations” email.

The determination that an accommodation is unreasonable is an institutional decision that must meet legal and educational requirements. Instructors should not unilaterally render and attempt to implement a judgment that an accommodation is unreasonable.

Process

  • DAS will notify instructors if the student is eligible for this accommodation.
  • The instructor should contact DAS if they have any concerns regarding this accommodation.
  • If the instructor believes this accommodation is not reasonable, then the process for an accommodation dispute should be followed.
  • If the exam will be proctored at the DAS Testing Center, the instructor must complete a Course Instruction Template and should identify the method that will be used to accommodate the disability: spell check device, list of words, or the student will not be penalized for spelling errors.
  • If the exam is proctored by the instructor or teaching assistant, then the instructor will need to identify the appropriate spelling aid.
  • If the exam will be taken in Proctorio, then the instructor or teaching assistant will need to adjust security parameters to allow for the spelling aid.  If the student/instructor selects a hand-held spell checker or spell check access as the accommodation, the student will be held to the same spelling standards as other students.
  • The spell-checking device should not provide access to definitions, synonyms or antonyms.
  • This accommodation pertains to in-class assignments and in-class (seated) exams.
  • Students must select this accommodation (spelling aid) when scheduling course exams.

It is important to note:

  • Given the specific analysis for each course, it is entirely possible that the use of a spelling aid will be allowed for some exams, and not allowed for others.
  • DAS will consider requests for use of a spelling aid on a case-by-case basis.
  • DAS will not approve use of a spelling aide as a reasonable accommodation when using the spelling aid is a fundamental alteration of academic standards/learning outcomes.

 

Page Updated: 10/2024