Chapter 9 – Guidelines for Reasonable Accommodations for Calculators

Overview

For students who have a documented learning disability that impacts mathematical computation, using a simple calculator could be a reasonable accommodation (refer to Chapter 4). The academic decision of whether or not mathematic computation is essential to the course is typically determined by the faculty and/or academic department involved. However, this decision must be made within legal parameters and in consultation with the SAR Center.

If the faculty is concerned this accommodation is unreasonable because it will lower standards, compromise an essential component of, or fundamentally alter a course or program, such concerns should be addressed to the SAR Center upon receipt of the “Faculty Notification Letter” email.

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

Process

1. The SAR Center will notify faculty of any calculator accommodations.

2. The faculty should contact the SAR Center if they have any concerns regarding this accommodation.

3. If the faculty believes this accommodation is not reasonable, they should follow the process for an accommodation dispute.

4. If the exam will be proctored at the Alternative Testing Center, the faculty must complete an Alternative Testing Agreement and should identify whether a simple, four‑function calculator is sufficient or if an alternative calculator is needed to complete the exam. Students must select this accommodation (calculator) when scheduling course exams.

5. If the exam is proctored by the faculty or teaching assistant, then the faculty will need to identify the appropriate calculator that can be used on the exam and provide this information to the student.

6. If the exam is taken through a third-party online proctor, then the faculty or teaching assistant will need to adjust security parameters to allow for the calculator.

Important Note

It is important to note:

1. Given the specific analysis for each course, it is entirely possible that the use of a calculator will be allowed for some exams but not allowed for others. It is also possible that a calculator will be used for one section of an exam but not the full exam.

2. The SAR Center will consider requests for use of a simple, four-function calculator on a case-by-case basis.

3. The SAR Center will not approve use of calculators as a reasonable accommodation when using one would be a fundamental alteration of academic standards or learning outcomes.