What are Non-Standard Reasonable Accommodations?
In an event where standard Reasonable Accommodations are not sufficient to meet the needs of the student and they cannot undertake the standard teaching, learning, and assessment, the University recognises that schools may need to consider providing alternative non-standard teaching, learning, and assessment methods, while maintaining academic standards. These are referred to as ‘non-standard Reasonable Accommodations'
The Disability Service (DS) will explore appropriate non-standard Reasonable Accommodations with the individual student and the School/Course to ensure they are not placed at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to their peers.
A recommendation by the DS to grant alternative non-standard teaching, learning, and assessment will be discussed with the School’s Director of Teaching and Learning (undergraduate or postgraduate as appropriate) and/or Programme/Course Director in the case of multidisciplinary programmes/PG taught programmes.
If non-standard Reasonable Accommodation (RAs) are approved by the School/Course this shall then be forwarded by the Disability Service to the relevant Dean for consideration and/or approval.
If the School/Course is unable to implement the recommended non-standard RAs, the School/Course may propose alternative RAs. This recommendation shall then be forwarded by the Disability Service to the relevant Dean for consideration and/or approval.
Non-standard Teaching and Learning Reasonable Accommodations
- Flexible Assessment Deadlines
All Schools within the University accept that students may require additional time to complete some aspects of their coursework arising from their disability. The reasons may include a period of illness for someone with a fluctuating medical condition or difficulties completing a high level of reading within a standard timeframe for students with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. The individual needs of each student are considered alongside specific course requirements, meaning the length of an extension may vary. Flexibility of assessment deadlines is normally granted for a limited duration and/ or for specific circumstances. Repeated or ongoing requests for flexibility shall be reviewed by the relevant Director of Teaching and Learning and will be subject to consideration and approval by the Dean of Undergraduate Studies or Dean of Graduate Studies, as appropriate.
- Flexibility with course attendance
Attendance at lectures, tutorials, labs and other teaching and learning activities is a requirement for all students as per Trinity regulations. However, where a student is unable to attend due to their disability (for example, students with mental health difficulties who are registered with the Disability Service who are unable to participate in small group tutorials for a period of time), they should not be penalised or be required to provide additional medical documentation for non-attendance.
Students with disabilities should be treated differently in this regard when a request for flexibility with attendance is deemed a Reasonable Accommodation for a fixed period of time as stated in the LENS report. Trinity has a Non-Satisfactory Attendance and Course Work Policy College Calendar General Regulations p. H6 section 24, point 25. However, in the case of a student registered with the Disability Service, where the LENS report identifies that flexibility with course attendance is a Reasonable Accommodation, the School should wherever possible provide an alternative assessment for the particular student. This Reasonable Accommodation must be negotiated with the particular School on a case-by-case basis and will be recommended to the relevant Dean for consideration.
- Splitting course over 2 years
A small number of students with life-long and enduring disabilities are impacted significantly in that they cannot participate effectively without splitting their modules over two years. This will allow the student to work at a more manageable pace that will not adversely impact the student.