Examination Accommodations for Community College Students With Learning Disabilities: How Are They Viewed by Faculty and Students?

As increasing numbers of students with learning disabilities enroll in colleges and universities, the need to provide accommodations for these students also increases. Both federal and state laws mandate that appropriate accommodations be provided for these students, but little is known about how accommodations are accepted on campuses. Faculty and students at a California community college were asked to respond to surveys targeting their feelings about examination accommodations. Results indicated that faculty are very receptive to a variety of accommodations and that they are sensitive to students’ feelings. However, although students use exam accommodations, many appear apprehensive about asking for accommodations and most do not clearly explain their learning disabilities to their professors.