In course Accommodation Tool

In course Accommodation Tool

This is a tool to guide teaching staff on suitable accommodations in assignments for disabled students.

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Introduction and disclaimer

This tool is designed to support staff in making assignments more inclusive for students with disabilities. It offers practical guidance on suitable in-course assessment accommodations aligned with Trinity students needs.​

Please note:​ -The examples of disability impacts and recommended accommodations are not exhaustive.​ -Flexibility and professional judgment are encouraged to meet diverse needs.​ For further information and support, visit: tcd.ie/disability/

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Policy Alignment​

According to Trinity’s Reasonable Accommodation Policy (2023), staff are obligied to provide in course accommodations to students who require them.

This toolkit also supports your adherence to:The Equality Act 2004 (Ireland) and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles

Click here to read the Reasonable Accommodation Policy.

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Accessibility Checklist

Click on the questions to learn more

Are the learning outcomes assessable by multiple means?​

Are accommodations built into the design?​

Is the assessment brief clear and free from jargon?​

Are students offered a choice of format or modality?​

Are digital materials accessible?​

Are marking and feedback policies inclusive?​

Do students know who to contact for support needs?​

Is time scaled appropriately?​

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Accessibility Checklist

Is the assessment equitable and accessible to all students?​

Is there flexibility in how students can demonstrate their learning?​

Is the assessment culturally sensitive and inclusive?​

Does the assessment support learning, not just measure it?​

Is the purpose and structure of the assessment transparent and clear?​

Next

Have you experience with correctly implementing LENS accommodations?

No

Yes

What in course assessment are you implementing in your module?

Essay

OSCE

In class Exam

Practical Assessment

Online Exam

Presentation

Attendence and participation

Reflective Journal

Group work

Peer reviews

Oral/Viva voce

MCQ/Quizzes

Disability Impact - Essay

Dyslexia

The disability impacts listed here are just examples - choose which one is most closely related.

ADHD

Fatigue

Visual Impairment

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Extended deadlines
• Alternative format - e.g. video/audio recording
• Assistive Technology (More information on the DS website)
• Access to resource material in accessible format

Anxiety

Disability Impact - In person exam

Processing difficulties

The disability impacts listed here are just examples - choose which one is most closely related.

Visual impairment

Dyslexia

Concentration difficulties

Sensory sensitivities

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Low distraction venue
• Extra time
• Alternative formats of assessment

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Low distraction venue
• Extra time
• Alternative formats of assessment
• Scribe/ assistive technology
• Adjustment of presentation of questions

Disability Impact - Online Exam

Anxiety

Processing difficulties

The disability impacts listed here are just examples - choose which one is most closely related.

Visual impairment

Concentration difficulties

Disability Impact - Attendance and Participation

Anxiety

The disability impacts listed here are just examples - choose which one is most closely related.

Disability related impact affecting attendance

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Designated speaking times
• Recognition of Non-verbal Participation
• Alternative formats of assessment
• Allow students to ask for clarification

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Alternative formats of assessment/ participation - Allow students to participate in ways that suit their needs and abilities, such as written reflections, online discussion posts, or small group discussions

Disability Impact Group project

Anxiety

The disability impacts listed here are just examples - choose which one is most closely related.

Processing difficulties

Communication difficulties

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Provide structured activities or guidelines for peer interaction.
• Flexible Contribution Formats.
• Explicit Instructions and Feedback.
• Choice in group selection.

Disability Impact - Orals/Viva voce

Anxiety

The disability impacts listed here are just examples - choose which one is most closely related.

Processing difficulties

Communication difficulties

Hard of hearing

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Allow one to one orals.

• Allow extra time for answering.
• Flexible contribution formats.

Disability Impact - OSCE

The disability impacts listed here are just examples - choose which one is most closely related.

Physical impairment

Visual impairment

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Extended time
• Adapted equipment
• Simulation-based assessments
• Presence of a clinical assistant
• Modified physical environment

Disability Impact - Practical Assessment

Processing difficulties

Visual impairment

The disability impacts listed here are just examples - choose which one is most closely related.

Physical Impairments

Concentration difficulties

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Extended time
• Adapted equipment
• Simulation-based assessments
• Presence of a clinical assistant
• Modified physical environment
• Breaks during assessment

Disability Impact - Presentations

Processing difficulties

Anxiety

The disability impacts listed here are just examples - choose which one is most closely related.

Physical Impairments

Communication difficulties

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Allow for 1 to 1 presentations
• Flexible communication formats

• Extended preperations time
• Adapted physical environment

Disability Impact - Reflective Journals

Processing difficulties

Dyslexia

The disability impacts listed here are just examples - choose which one is most closely related.

Communication difficulties

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Flexible communication formats
• Structured prompts
• Allow for clarification
• Extended deadlines

Disability Impact - Peer Reviews

Processing difficulties

The disability impacts listed here are just examples - choose which one is most closely related.

Anxiety

Communication difficulties

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Flexible communication formats
• Structured feedback templates
• Allow for clarification
• Extended deadlines
• Annonymous feedback options

Disability Impact - MCQ/Quizzes

Processing difficulties

The disability impacts listed here are just examples - choose which one is most closely related.

Anxiety

Visual Impairments

Suggested Reasonable Accommodations

• Extra time
• Low distraction venue
• Alternative formats
• Allow for clarification of questions
• Allow the use of Assistive Technology

Case A.A

Did you know that images are an aesthetic resource that tell stories all by themselves and, what’s more, they keep the brain awake?

Write the answer

Yep, you read that right. Interactivity and animation can turn even the most boring content into something super fun. In Genially, we use AI (Awesome interactivity) in all our designs so that you can level up with interactivity and turn your content into something that engages and provides value.

Write the answer

Case A.B

Did you know that multimedia content is essential for achieving that Wow effect in your creations?

Write the answer

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience.

Write the answer

Case B.A

Did you know that images are an aesthetic resource that tell stories all by themselves?

Write the answer

Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Write the answer

Case B.B

Did you know that windows allow you to add more extensive content?

Write the answer

Did you know that Genially allows you to share your creation directly, with no need to download? All ready for your audience to view it from any device and share it anywhere.

Write the answer

Case C.A

Did you know that images illustrate what you want to say and allow you to add additional info?

Write the answer

Pose a dramatic question; this is the essential ingredient for holding the audience's attention. It is usually posed in an intriguing way at the beginning of the story to captivate the audience and is resolved at the end.

Write the answer

Case C.B

Did you know that images are an aesthetic resource that tell stories all by themselves and, what’s more, they keep the brain awake?

Write the answer

Visual content is a transversal, universal language, like music. We can understand images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures.

Write the answer

An awesome title

A.a.a

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience. If you want to add additional information or develop the content in detail, you can do this with your verbal presentation. We recommend training your voice and rehearsing; the best improvisation happens when you’re prepared! Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Restart

An awesome title

A.a.b

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience. If you want to add additional information or develop the content in detail, you can do this with your verbal presentation. We recommend training your voice and rehearsing; the best improvisation happens when you’re prepared! Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Restart

An awesome title

A.b.a

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience. If you want to add additional information or develop the content in detail, you can do this with your verbal presentation. We recommend training your voice and rehearsing; the best improvisation happens when you’re prepared! Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Restart

An awesome title

A.b.b

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience. If you want to add additional information or develop the content in detail, you can do this with your verbal presentation. We recommend training your voice and rehearsing; the best improvisation happens when you’re prepared! Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Restart

An awesome title

B.a.a

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience. If you want to add additional information or develop the content in detail, you can do this with your verbal presentation. We recommend training your voice and rehearsing; the best improvisation happens when you’re prepared! Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Restart

An awesome title

B.a.b

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience. If you want to add additional information or develop the content in detail, you can do this with your verbal presentation. We recommend training your voice and rehearsing; the best improvisation happens when you’re prepared! Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Restart

An awesome title

B.b.a

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience. If you want to add additional information or develop the content in detail, you can do this with your verbal presentation. We recommend training your voice and rehearsing; the best improvisation happens when you’re prepared! Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Restart

An awesome title

B.b.b

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience. If you want to add additional information or develop the content in detail, you can do this with your verbal presentation. We recommend training your voice and rehearsing; the best improvisation happens when you’re prepared! Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Restart

An awesome title

C.a.a

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience. If you want to add additional information or develop the content in detail, you can do this with your verbal presentation. We recommend training your voice and rehearsing; the best improvisation happens when you’re prepared! Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Restart

An awesome title

C.a.b

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience. If you want to add additional information or develop the content in detail, you can do this with your verbal presentation. We recommend training your voice and rehearsing; the best improvisation happens when you’re prepared! Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Restart

An awesome title

C.b.a

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience. If you want to add additional information or develop the content in detail, you can do this with your verbal presentation. We recommend training your voice and rehearsing; the best improvisation happens when you’re prepared! Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Restart

An awesome title

C.b.b

When giving a presentation, you need to go after two main objectives: to convey information and avoid yawns. To do this, it can be good practice to make an outline and use words that will be imprinted in the memories of your audience. If you want to add additional information or develop the content in detail, you can do this with your verbal presentation. We recommend training your voice and rehearsing; the best improvisation happens when you’re prepared! Showing enthusiasm, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with your audience can be your best allies when it comes to telling stories that excite and capture the audience's interest: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Knock their socks off!

Restart

Assessments should teach as well as test.​

What That Means in Practice​

Use tasks that encourage critical thinking, feedback, and application of knowledge — not just recall. Include low-stakes or formative elements where possible.

Inclusive Tip

Students learn more when they see assessments as opportunities to grow, not just prove.​

If it disadvantages those with slower​ processors or those needing breaks, it is too rigid.

What That Means in Practice​

Add 25% buffer time beyond what a ‘typical’ student would need to complete the task for ​all timed in-class assessments.

Inclusive Tip

Ask yourself : “Looking at the learning outcomes, is this a test of speed or understanding ?”

If a student cannot access the task due to a barrier you can remove, the assessment is not inclusive.​

What That Means in Practice​

Consider physical, sensory, digital, and cognitive accessibility. Use clear layouts, accessible formats, and avoid unnecessary barriers like complex instructions or inaccessible tools.​

Inclusive Tip

Ask: “Would a student using assistive tech or facing fatigue complete this fairly?”

If screen readers cannot read it correctly, it is ​not accessible.

What That Means in Practice​

Ensure that any digital files are created with accessibility in mind. This includes using tagged PDFs, headings formatted properly, alt text for images, sufficient colour contrast, and readable fonts.

Inclusive Tip

Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat have built-in accessibility checkers that can be used to identify and fix issues before sharing materials with students.

If students cannot easily find this info and it is not mentioned at the beginning and end of lectures where the assignment is mentioned, students will not ask.​

What That Means in Practice​

Clearly state contact details for support in assessment briefs and module guides – this will be Disability Service contact details ​

Inclusive Tip

Repeat this info in assessment discussions verbally and in writing.​

If there is only one way to complete the task, some students may be unfairly excluded.​

What That Means in Practice​

Consider whether students can demonstrate their understanding through different methods that still meet the same learning outcomes - offer options like written, oral, or visual outputs when possible.​

Inclusivw Tip

If the core skill being assessed is not tied to the format (e.g., knowledge of a concept vs. ability to write an essay), allow choice in how students show what they have learned.​

If students do not understand what is expected, they cannot succeed.​

What That Means in Practice​

Provide clear rubrics, explain criteria in plain English, and discuss expectations in class or online. Use examples or model answers where appropriate.

Inclusive Tip

Ask: “Could a student unfamiliar with this discipline still understand what is being asked?”

Avoid assumptions about background knowledge or lived experience.​

What That Means in Practice​

Use examples, language, and scenarios that do not rely on specific cultural references, idioms, or norms. Avoid content that may alienate or stereotype.

Inclusive Tip

Diversify your examples to reflect your actual student cohort. Test for unconscious bias.​

Do you want to customize your branching scenario? Here are some tips:

• Before editing the branching scenario itself, edit in the outline first. This way you’ll get an overview and know which questions and answers go on each page.
• When editing, follow the order of the pages, from the first page or question until you reach the final pages.

If spelling or grammar is marked without it being a learning outcome, it may be unfair.​

What That Means in Practice​

Focus rubrics on content/ideas. Provide criteria in advance.​

Inclusive Tip

Ask yourself : “Looking at the learning outcome, am I assessing what the student knows, or how they express it?”​

Design assessments to be inclusive by default, not just when a student discloses a need.​

What That Means in Practice​

Instead of waiting for individual requests, proactively include features that benefit a wide range of students. For example: offer flexible deadlines and multiple submission formats.​

Inclusive Tip

Inclusive design reduces the need and pressure for last-minute changes.​

One-size-fits-all rarely fits everyone.​

What That Means in Practice​

Offer more than one valid way to meet the learning outcomes when possible — e.g., allow visual, oral, or written formats.

Inclusive Tip

Flexibility does not lower standards; it just allows students to show what they know in ways that suit their strengths.​

If you would not use the phrase with a first-year student, it is too complex.​

What That Means in Practice​

Use plain English; avoid idioms, long sentences, or specialist terms.​

Inclusive Tip

Use a readability tool or get peer feedback on clarity.​

Take a look at the structure of this branching scenario. Each page has a number associated with it, contains a question, and leads to several answer options. If on page 4 they choose option A, they go to page 5. But if they choose option B, they go to page 6, which contains a different question. This branching scenario is set up so that if you keep the structure the way it is, there’s no need to edit the interactivity or connections between pages. But you can also modify them. For example, imagine you want to add an option C to the question on page 5, and if they choose this option, they skip to the question on page 10. You’ll just need to set up the 'Go to page' interactivity from option C so that it jumps directly to page 10. As you can see, the most important thing when creating your branching scenario will be planning it well and assigning a number to each page before beginning to edit it. This way, you’ll be able to modify the connections very easily.

If everyone must submit the same way, some may be disadvantaged.​

What That Means in Practice​

Allow other options where learning outcomes allow.​

Inclusive Tip

Even a small degree of choice can boost accessibility and engagement.​