Disability Accommodations - Instructor guidance

Accommodations for Disabilities

We remind faculty that University and campus policies (including APM-015: Faculty Code of Conduct) establish specific requirements regarding classroom instruction, examinations, and disability accommodations. Instructors who need assistance with Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) accommodations can access a 10-Point Guide to DSP Accommodations. The guide provides information about common questions that instructors may have about implementing DSP accommodations. Use the DSP services request form to contact DSP staff and reach out to the DSP Faculty Liaisonswith any questions.

Letters of Accommodation (LOAs)

The Disabled Students' Program (DSP) is the campus office responsible for authorizing disability-related academic accommodations for students, in cooperation with the students themselves and their instructors. Students who have been approved for DSP services may provide Letters of Accommodation (LOA's) addressed to their instructor which describe the student's needed accommodations.

If you receive an LOA and have questions or concerns on how to provide the accommodations listed, please contact the Disability Specialist who sent the letter. 

Proctoring

In general, instructors are responsible for providing accommodations for students who receive 150% extended time and/or a reduced distraction environment. DSP reserves its proctoring services for more complex accommodations, such as 200% (or more) time, a room alone, a scribe, or use of a computer.

Syllabus Language and Design

Technology and Accessibility

Fostering an equitable learning experience for all Berkeley students and instructors by supporting accessible academic technology tools is a high priority. We strongly recommend instructors use Research, Teaching, and Learning’s supported learning tools(link is external) which offer the benefits of accessibility, privacy, and security. By using RTL-supported tools, instructors can focus on teaching and learning, knowing they are providing a safe and accessible environment for all students. While alternative tools are available, they may not meet these critical standards. Instructors considering unsupported tools should consult with IT or the privacy office first to ensure compliance and must assume responsibility for reviewing and vetting tools for accessibility, privacy, and security. The campus is unable to provide any assistance for unsupported tools.

Guidance for Digital Accessibility of Web Content

UCOP Guidance and Training

The UC Office of the President (UCOP) has published guidance related to academic accommodations for students with disabilities(link is external). We recommend reviewing the guidance prior to the start of instruction. Instructors can also access a recommended training opportunity(link is external) that is a 10–15 minute read and contains a six-step instructor checklist for preparing for an accessible semester. Instructors are encouraged to complete the deeper dive DSP online training “Disability, Accommodation, and Access in the UC Classroom” (visit the DSP Resources for Faculty webpage(link is external) and click on the “DSP New Online Training” link).

Get help for questions and concerns

Relevant policies

Demystifying Accommodations

An Interview with DSP Faculty Liaisons, Jonah Levy and Justin Davidson

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