Acadia University - Enrolled Students

Testing Services

Unless otherwise specified, Accessible Learning Services is responsible for coordinating all testing logistics including room bookings, Proctor services, and any additional steps required to maintain academic integrity during accommodated tests.

However, in some cases Instructors may have designed the test in a way that incorporates principles of UDL (Universal Design for Learning) and reduces the need for individual accommodations. We recommend that Students confirm if the Instructors are able to provide additional time in the classroom setting at the beginning of each course so they can make an informed decision about whether they need to write in an alternative location with Accessible Learning Services.

Accessible Learning Services requires reasonable notice to coordinate Test Requests. Unless otherwise noted in this document, the required minimum notice is:

• Tests, Midterms, & Quizzes must be submitted at least 7 days in advance
• Final Exams must be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance

We recommend that Students submit all of their Test Requests at the beginning of the course to reduce the opportunity of passing this deadline.

Unless due to unforeseen circumstances, Accessible Learning Services is unable to schedule late Test Requests. If a Student believes that their situation qualifies, they should contact Accessible Learning Services to review options.

Testing Procedures & Expectations

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology refers to devices or services used to prevent and remove accessibility barriers in learning and to help students with disabilities navigate their learning challenges and achieve their goals in the classroom.

Accessible Learning Services currently offers the following devices during tests:

• C-pen reader: a pen-like device that scans text and reads printed words aloud to its users.
• Single-use ear plugs: used to prevent and help with noise sensitivity and concentration issues during tests.
• Portable Standing desk: placed on a desk with adjustable height for different accommodations

Please reach out to us at accessible.learning@acadiau.ca if you require these devices during tests.

We recognize that our assistive technology available option is limited. Our team is working on getting more assistive technology for student use and creating a lending library.

We encourage you to learn more about Windows Accessibility Features and/or Mac Accessibility Features based on the devices you use to further assist you in studies.

Accessible application options

• Windows Text to Speech function (free): Turn on the functionality when inside a web page, document, or file. Move your cursor to the area of text you want Narrator to start reading. Press Windows key + Ctrl + Enter, and Narrator starts reading the text on the page to you. Stop Narrator from speaking by pressing the same shortcut.
• Speechify (paid): a Text to Speech software.
• Kurzweil (paid): an accessible software includes Text to Speech, writing composition, highlighter, etc.
• Google Read and Write (free): a Text to Speech extension software.
• Notability (paid): a note-taking software with accessible functions.
• Grammarly (free & paid): a software to check grammar mistakes and sentence structures.

Please note that our services are not affiliated with these applications. The recommendations come from student experience with the software.

Work Integrated Learning Program

The Work Integrated Learning Program at Acadia helps students registered with Accessible Learning Services gain employment readiness skills. In addition, Nova Scotia students have the opportunity of subsidized employment placements, while also helping on and off campus employers to build their capacity. Interested in learning more? Click one of the links below:

Academic Success Resources

Accessible Learning Services has developed a series of workshops and other resources to support students' academic success. Topics include time management, note-taking skills, memorization techniques, test-taking strategies, and more. All students are welcome to attend any of our workshops , however drop in space is limited. If capacity is reached we will schedule additional date(s) as possible.

See all Success Resources