Navigating Accessibility: A Comprehensive Guide to UCF Student Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) plays a vital role in ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and resources. SAS is responsible for determining reasonable disability-related accommodations for students with disabilities at UCF. This article provides an overview of the services offered by SAS, the processes for requesting accommodations, and the technologies available to support student success.

Understanding the Philosophy of SAS

SAS operates under the core belief that disability is often a result of the interaction between an individual and their environment. This perspective emphasizes the importance of creating accessible and inclusive environments for all students. The goal is to encourage a proactive approach to designing environments and fostering a campus community that is mindful of disability. Accessibility is not solely the responsibility of SAS but a shared commitment across UCF. By asking "What is the real barrier here?", the UCF community can work together to create better access and inclusion for everyone.

Initiating the Accommodation Process

Students who believe they may need reasonable accommodations due to a disability are responsible for contacting Student Accessibility Services to initiate a review of accommodation requests. Notifying other campus personnel of disability status does not initiate the recognized UCF accommodation review process. The official accommodation request starts with completing an appropriate SAS accommodation application.

Application Process

To begin the accommodation process, students must complete the appropriate SAS accommodation application. SAS consultants will only discuss housing accommodations for the applications completed prior to the meeting. For example, students should complete the Floorplan Accommodation Application and Lottery Exemption/Waitlist Priority Application if seeking both prior to their meeting. To streamline the experience, please submit both applications around the same time. If only one application is submitted, SAS may only review that type of accommodation during your initial meeting.

Exam Accommodations

SAS provides accommodations for students who require them for in-person and online exams. The process varies slightly depending on the exam format.

In-Person Exams

This information is for students connected with SAS who are approved for testing accommodations and who want to use the accommodations for a course exam administered to the class in-person on campus. Students must submit their accommodation requests (Course Accessibility Letter request) before booking a test. Students should book their exam with SAS in the Knights Access portal if they wish to receive accommodations for exams that would normally be proctored in class. If you modify your exam request less than 5 business days before your exam, the request will be considered late and will have to be approved by the testing staff. SAS cannot guarantee we will be able to process late requests. Students must receive permission from their professor to test at a date or time other than when the class is testing. This includes early start times. For example, if a student has back to back classes and needs to start early to allow for the accommodation of extra time, the student must communicate with the professor and receive permission for a different start time than the class. When submitting a test request, please be sure to select the appropriate accommodation that you will need specifically for that exam/quiz. The testing accommodation process is the same for students taking classes Downtown, with some changes to the Testing Center rules. The testing accommodation process is the same for students taking classes on the Rosen campus. Be sure to submit test requests on time. The Rosen Testing contact will let you know where to report for your test.

Online Exams

This information is for students connected with SAS who are approved for exam accommodations and who want to use the accommodation for courses in which exams are taken at home using a proctoring service, Zoom or Webcourses. Students must confirm the need to use extended time for EACH online exam or quiz with their professor at least two business days prior to the exam. The professor (not SAS) programs the extra time through the online format being used. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate communication with the professor. Be sure that you have requested your accommodations and your Course Accessibility Letters have been sent first. Students should receive confirmation before the exam that the extra time will be added rather than assume the time will be programmed. If the student did not request extra time two or more business days in advance of the online test, and if the exam is not programmed to include extra time on the day of the test, the student is expected to take the exam under standard time conditions.

Extended Time in EPC or CBA Keon Testing Center

Students connected with Student Accessibility Services who have the accommodation of extended time are able to take their exam in the EPC if they contact their professor at least two business days in advances to request the extra time be set up. Please be aware that the EPC cannot guarantee a distraction-reduced environment or any other accommodation(s) other than extended time. The CBA Keon Testing Center allows students connected with Student Accessibility Services who have the accommodation of extended time to take their exam in the facility. Please be aware that the CBA Keon Testing Center cannot guarantee a distraction-reduced environment or any other accommodation(s) other than extended time. If you would like to receive extended time while completing your exam in the Keon Testing Center, please submit the form below.

Accessible Education and Attainment Agreement (AEAA)

This accommodation allows for limited flexibility, such as occasional absence allowances or short assessment extensions, in the event of abrupt, unexpected health issues. However, it is not intended to address every instance related to a chronic illness. Students who expect their health to affect their coursework in this way should contact SAS to discuss whether this accommodation may be reasonable relative to the specific situation. If approved, AEAA will be coordinated with instructors. The level of flexibility will vary depending on the course structure and learning objectives. Start this option by completing the AEAA Course Request Form. Deadline for AEAA - SAS and Faculty Coordinated is the respective semester’s withdrawal deadline ( found on the UCF Academic Calendar). AEAA is not intended to support extended absences (more than one week), frequent missed classes, or numerous missed deadlines. In such cases, students and instructors should discuss whether course requirements can still be met. If an AEAA plan exists, it may need to be revised, or replaced, based on the situation. In some cases, reasonable adjustments may not be possible, and the student’s final grade may be impacted should the student choose to stay in the course.

Course Substitution

Students may request to have a course substituted, typically a math or foreign language course, if they are unable to complete the course due to their disability. Students must provide information that supports the case that the student would not be able to pass the course, even with reasonable, appropriate accommodations.

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Priority Registration

Priority registration requests are routed through our SAS reasonable accommodation analysis process. The process may take up to 7 business days to complete after SAS has received all information for our consideration. Priority registration will be considered as a reasonable accommodation in select instances. With this accommodation, students are eligible to register at the beginning of the fall (for spring classes) and spring (for summer and fall classes) registration cycles. Priority registration is not an option in the summer for incoming students. Requests are considered but not guaranteed. Students with priority registration will be able to register on the first day that registration opens for a given term. The UCF Academic Calendar has registration dates for each term, as well as when a student’s enrollment date and time will be available in myUCF.

Accessible Technology (AT)

Accessible technology (AT) can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. It incorporates the principles of universal design. Each individual is able to interact with the technology in ways that work best for them. Certain assistive and accessible technology is available for loan to students registered with SAS or to UCF Departments. Quantities of items available for loan are limited and issued on a first come, first served basis. To request hardware, please fill out the Technology for Loan Request Form. We work hard to keep our technology offerings current and reliable.

Software and Applications

Kurzweil 3000: offers a multisensory approach and multiple means of access to text; whether in print or in digital formats. To request to download, complete the Kurzweil Software Request form.
Genio Notes (formerly Glean for Education): is a Chrome and mobile device based notetaking app with many of the core features of Sonocent’s Audio Notetaker designed with user ease in mind. To request a license complete the Genio License Request form.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking: Student Accessibility Services has Dragon NaturallySpeaking software for testing access only for SAS proctored exams.

Assistive Listening Devices

The LR-4200-IR assistive listening receiver from Listen Technologies offers outstanding audio clarity and quality with the best range and reception in its class. Please Note: UCF ID’S or OFFICIAL PICTURE ID’S are REQUIRED for testing.

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