Participation
A participation accommodation provides the learner with an alternative means to participate in classroom settings. This accommodation encompasses participation in cold-calling sessions, and/or in-class discussions.
Who is this for?
A participation accommodation may be necessary to support equitable learning opportunities for learners:
- Who struggle to understand when it is appropriate to speak and interact with others during a lesson.
- Whose disability may require alterations to established classroom protocols.
- Who face challenges to navigating social dynamics and communication.
- Experiencing a persistent health condition, including requiring breaks for medical reasons, including taking medication.
- With a disability impacting communication and speech.
This accommodation supports students to:
- Equitably demonstrate their learning in a course.
- Mitigate barriers to participation.
What it is
An alternative means to demonstrate participation, such as:
- Written responses to specific questions.
- Individual discussion with instructor or with instructor and small group of peers.
- Flexible response options such as a Q&A, written notes, or online discussions.
- Advance notice when a student may be called on, including the question(s) they may be asked so they can prepared their response(s).
- Not calling upon a student.
What it’s not
An exemption from participating or an alteration of learning objectives.
A participation accommodation would not be reasonable if the essential requirements would be altered.
Alternatives to participation may not be reasonable if a course has an essential learning objective related to the ability to engage in extemporaneous analysis and discussion of topics with others.
How can I support this in my classroom?
Provide multiple means of engagement including online discussions, interactive activities, asynchronous participation, and reflective formative assessments.
