Testing is an important part of the educational process, but it can be challenging for deaf students. Fortunately, there are a number of testing accommodations that can help them demonstrate their true aptitude and achievement level. Disability service professionals play a vital role in helping deaf students access the testing accommodations they need.
By following these tips, disability service professionals can play a vital role in helping deaf students succeed on tests and achieve their academic goals.
Tips on How to Best Support Deaf Students During Testing
Get to know the students you support
What are their individual needs and strengths? What testing accommodations have they used in the past?
Collaborate with instructors and testing coordinators
Make sure that everyone involved in the testing process is aware of the deaf student and their testing accommodations.
Provide students with information about the testing process and their testing accommodations
This will help them feel more confident and prepared on test day.
Practice testing accommodations with students in advance
This will help them learn how to use the accommodations effectively and identify any potential challenges.
Be available on test day to answer questions and provide support
Continue to engage the student in the interactive process regarding test accommodations. Check in with students frequently regarding testing and provide support when barriers arise.
Specific Testing Accommodations That May Benefit Deaf Students
Extended time
Deaf students may need more time to read and understand test questions and to respond to them.
Reduced distraction environment
Deaf students may benefit from taking tests in a quiet room with minimal distractions.
Use of a sign language interpreter
Students who use sign language may benefit from having an interpreter present during testing.
Use of assistive technology or captioned media
Deaf students may benefit from using assistive listening systems or captions on audiovisual media during testing.
Modified test format
Depending on the goal of the assessment, it may be reasonable to modify the test, such as the provision of written or visual instructors or allowing the deaf student to respond to questions expressively. Such determinations should be made on a case-by-case basis with the instructor, deaf student, and the DS professional.
DSPs can also help deaf students prepare for tests by providing them with the following resources and support:
Study materials in accessible formats
DSPs can help deaf students obtain study materials in accessible formats, such as large print, electronic text, or video recordings.
Test-taking strategies
Collaborate with your campus tutoring or success coaching/student success office on providing accessible services for deaf students on campus.
Cross-campus collaboration
Collaborate with your campus tutoring or success coaching/student success office on providing accessible services for deaf students on campus.
Share This with Your Students: Test Accommodations Tips
Start planning early
You can usually find registration information, testing dates, costs, and accommodation request procedures on the testing company’s website. Sometimes you may find a testing guide or other resources online or at bookstores that you can buy.
Understand which testing accommodations are the best fit for you
Talk with your parents, teachers, or school counselors to explore which test accommodations are right for you. If you have already used test accommodations, think about what has been helpful. Before requesting accommodations, make sure you know how to describe the accommodations you need and why you need them.
Create a study plan
Often, testing companies provide practice questions and/or practice tests. Use these materials to get an accurate feel for the test. If possible, practice with the accommodations you will use so that you feel more comfortable during the real test.
Be prepared to advocate for yourself
If an accommodation that was already approved for you is not available on the day of the test, you should not feel that you need to complete the test without accommodations.
To learn more about testing accommodations, view this additional resources:
