All disability-related accommodations are designed to provide equal access to the student.  A reasonable accommodation preserves both the integrity of the course and the student’s right to participate in classroom activities.  Appropriate accommodations do not change or lower the essential elements of the course. 

There are a number of ways for the student to meet essential course requirements while using this accommodation.  Flexibility may be accomplished by adjusting course policies on attendance, work deadlines, or exam or quiz schedules. It is an expectation that a student be able to show progress toward completing the assignment when flexibility is requested.     

Because courses have specific syllabus requirements regarding attendance, exam schedules, and assignment deadlines, this accommodation requires a course-by-course assessment to determine what is reasonable and appropriate.  Not every class can or will be flexed in the same way.  There may be reasonable limits to flexibility based on the design and structure of each course and the specific course learning objectives. This accommodation should not result in a fundamental alteration of the course.  

Instructors are responsible for analyzing course requirements and determining essential course standards.  Developing a Disability-Related Absence and Deadline Modification (DRADM) Agreement is an interactive process between the student and instructor. SDS recommends using the DRADM Agreement Form. Once developed, a DRADM Agreement should be shared in writing between the instructor and the student. It is important not to rely only on an oral understanding of this agreement. This protects both the student and the instructor from any misunderstandings and ensures that the details of the agreement are clear to both parties.  The Disability-Related Absence and Deadline Modification accommodation is not retroactive. Once the DRADM Agreement is in place, SDS students receiving this accommodation should not also be required to submit Absence Forms for Disability-Related Absences.

  • Expectations regarding how student and instructor communicate related to this agreement 
  • Maximum number of allowed absences 
  • Limits to the length of deadline extensions regarding assignments, including papers, presentations, etc. 
  • Flexibility regarding scheduling of quizzes and exams 
  • Expectations regarding participation in class and with group projects 

  • Is there classroom interaction between the instructor and students, and among students? 
  • Do student contributions constitute a significant component of the learning process? 
  • Does the fundamental nature of the course rely upon student participation as an essential method for learning? 
  • To what degree does a student's failure to attend constitute a significant loss to the educational experience of other students in the class? 
  • What does the course description and syllabus say? 
  • What is the method by which the final course grade is calculated? 
  • What are classroom practices and policies regarding attendance? 

  • To use this accommodation as only related to your disability and not for any other reason. 
  • To initiate conversation early with your instructor regarding the specifics of this accommodation.  
  • To understand that there may be limits to flexibility depending on the course.  
  • To complete all coursework.  
  • To follow the agreement you have reached with your instructor.   
  • To contact SDS if you have any questions or concerns about this accommodation. 

  • To be available to discuss the accommodation with the student. 
  • To determine how essential attendance is to your course. If you determine, through a deliberative consideration (using the bullet points listed above), that attendance is an essential requirement this accommodation may not be applicable. 
  • To be very clear in your expectations when you meet with the student. 
  • To follow the agreement you have reached with your student. 
  • To contact SDS if you have any questions or concerns about this accommodation. 

  • To approve this accommodation only when appropriate. 
  • To provide support to students and instructors regarding the specifics of this accommodation.   
  • To provide consultation as needed to assist both instructors and students in this process.
  • To respond to concerns when the DRADM Agreement is not being met.