Accessible Teaching

The Office of Accessibility approves several types of extended‑time testing accommodations administered through the Test Center:

• Extended time in the Test Center
• Extended time in a reduced‑distraction station
• Extended time in a private testing room

Students always retain the choice to use or not use their accommodations. Faculty and students should clearly communicate where tests will be taken. If extended time cannot be reasonably provided in the classroom, the student must test in the Test Center to receive the time extention.

For experiential or hands‑on exams that cannot be administered in the Test Center, faculty must contact the Office of Accessibility to arrange appropriate testing logistics.

Tip: Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Inclusive assessment design—such as flexible timing where appropriate, multiple ways to demonstrate learning, and clearly communicated expectations—reduce barriers for many students and may lessen the need for individual testing accommodations.

Test Center Procedures

• Exam Scheduling 
  Students with approved testing accommodations (excluding private testing rooms) may drop in at the Test Center in Maryland Hall to schedule exams. Students with approved private testing room accommodations must reserve a room through Harford Accommodate Exam Booking.
• Test Center Submission Form
  Faculty must submit exams and instructions using one of the following methods. Timely submission is essential to avoid last‑minute confusion, student stress, and logistical challenges.
  Option 1: Complete the Test Center Submission Form
  Option 2: Email instructions and attach the exam to testcent@harford.edu
  Option 3: Drop off the exam at the Test Center with a completed printed Test Center Submission Form
  Option 4: Send the exam via Inter‑Office Mail (may take one to two business days)
• Planning Ahead
  Faculty are encouraged to share exam dates at the beginning of the semester to support student planning.
• Tests in Audio Format
  Faculty must submit exams requiring audio format to accessibility@harford.edu at least five business days in advance. The Test Center Submission Form must also be submitted before the test date.

• Honorlock‑Enabled Testing
  For exams administered in the Test Center:
  • Disable the Room Scan requirement
  • Enable Public Area Allowed
  • Submit the Test Center Submission Form in advance

The Office of Accessibility provides two types of notetaking assistance accommodations:

Permission to Audio Record

• Default accommodation for students needing notetaking support
• Students use OA’s digital notetaking software, Genio, to record audio and type notes simultaneously on a computer, tablet, or phone

Assigned Notetaker

• Approved when an in‑person notetaker is the most appropriate option
• The Office of Accessibility assigns an Accessibility Assistant
• Faculty and students are notified by email before note‑taking begins
• Accessibility Assistants are College employees and must be allowed to attend class and be seated appropriately
• Accessibility Assistants are not enrolled in the course
• Notetakers are not provided for asynchronous online classes (those without scheduled meeting times).
• Students can access the notes through Harford Accommodate

NOTE: If a notetaker cannot be assigned promptly, the Office of Accessibility will contact the instructor before requesting notes from other students. Faculty may be asked to assist with supplemental notes as needed. Notes must be provided in a timely manner.  

The Office of Accessibility provides accommodations related to accessible instructional materials, including:

• Alternate textbook formats (print, digital, audio)
• Bold or enlarged print materials
• Braille printing
• Electronic format of materials 
• (Electronic versions of course materials originally provided on paper)
• Digital format for tests, quizzes, timed 
  assessments, and in‑class assignments 
  (typically administered in the Test Center using assistive technology)

Materials that include equations, diagrams, or tables may require specialized conversion. Faculty should contact the Office of Accessibility as early as possible, as these adaptations may require additional time.

ASL Interpreters

• Two interpreters are typically assigned per class session
• Interpreters will suggest optimal seating and positioning
• Faculty should collaborate with interpreters to facilitate communication during class
• When speaking to the student, faculty should direct their attention toward the student, and not the interpreters.

Closed Captioning of Media

• All instructional media must be captioned when a student has this accommodation
• Faculty must review course materials for uncaptioned media
• Captioning requests must be submitted through Harford Accommodate using Submit Caption Request and must include due dates
• Requests must be submitted at least 14 working days in advance
• Courses with technical or professional language may require additional processing time
• Faculty receive notification when captioned materials are available in Harford Accommodate