INFORMATION FOR FACULTY: Instructional Oversight

Teaching staff should consider the following strategies when contemplating accessibility:

• Suggested wording to include in a syllabus is:
  Any student needing academic adjustments or accommodations because of a documented disability is requested to present their letter from Accessible Education Office (AEO) and speak with the professor by the end of the second week of the term, (specific date). Failure to do so may result in the Course Head's inability to respond in a timely manner. All discussions will remain confidential, although AEO may be consulted to discuss appropriate implementation.
• Routinely noting in the course syllabus and by announcing at the first class meeting that students who need disability-related accommodations should contact the teaching staff in order to discuss and implement satisfactory arrangements for sectioning, course materials, and examinations.
• Ensuring that lectures, sections, review sessions, etc. are held in physically accessible space when required. The Registrar's Office classroom section (5-1541) can assist when relocation is indicated.
• Calling for volunteers from the class as soon as the need for note taking and scribes for in-class exercises becomes apparent, taking care not to disclose the student's name or disability. Sometimes members of the teaching staff assume the role of scribe for examinations.
• Assisting students who are visually impaired or blind by providing reformatted instructional and testing materials in their accessible format, such as Braille, audio tape, disc, or enlarged print, and honoring adjustable lighting needs as appropriate.
• Cooperating in the provision of accommodations for deaf and hard-of-hearing students who may require the presence of sign-language interpreters and stenographic note takers near the podium. Some students may use FM listening devices which require that teaching staff use a wireless microphone, and many of these students depend on open captioned films and videos.

It should be noted that advanced planning for many accommodations, especially reformatting, is necessary in order for them to be effective and timely. When students make course changes after study card day and before the fifth Monday of the term, significant delays in the preparation of reformatted materials may result, affecting both students and instructional staff.

The course head is responsible for all arrangements and assistance needed for classroom, midterm and hourly examination accommodations, including finding a room for separate exam administration, and providing and paying for a scribe or similar service, if required.

The Office of the Registrar provides accommodations for all scheduled final examinations. The Registrar may consult with faculty and AEO when access and equity questions pertaining to accommodations arise. For questions concerning the administration of final exams (e.g., dropping off/picking up exams, location of students, etc.) for students with disabilities, please contact the Examinations Office, 5-1542. For questions concerning the nature of a student's disability or the accommodations provided, please call AEO (6-8707) or E-mail AEO@fas.harvard.edu.