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Testing Accommodations For Persons With Disabilities

INTRODUCTION:

ASWB is committed to providing all qualified candidates with an equal opportunity to successfully complete the examinations, while assuring the validity and security of the exams.

POLICY:

1. Uniformity of the provisions of accommodations to persons with disabilities, including the application of the provisions of the ADA and human rights legislation in Canada by the association and member boards is of primary importance.
   
   
2. The association will cooperate with and aid the member boards to comply with any and all applicable federal, state, provincial and local legislation, including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
   
   
3. Through its test contractor, ASWB will assure that accommodations such as extra time, special proctoring, separate rooms, if needed, readers or writers, or large print versions of the examinations, will be provided at no cost to member boards or candidates.
   
   
4. In consultation with the member board and the test contractor, other requests for accommodations that may arise under unique circumstances will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
   
   
5. Member boards and the association will cooperate in making all necessary determinations of reasonable and appropriate accommodations, including those provided under the ADA and human rights legislation in Canada. No extraordinary accommodations will be made by member boards without notification of the association.
   
   
6. ASWB must be assured by member boards of the qualification of a candidate requesting special accommodations. The candidate must substantiate in writing any disability that limits one or more of life's major activities, i.e., walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, etc. The candidate must submit written verification of the disabling condition signed by a health care provider who has expertise in the area of the disability and who has evaluated the candidate and is familiar with the candidate's condition. This written verification must include the following information:
   · Formal medical or mental heath diagnosis made or confirmed within the previous three years
   · Date of onset
   · Limitations caused by the disabling condition
   · Circumstances under which accommodations were previously granted and dates of these occurrences
   · Requested accommodations in the testing situation
   · If the accommodations requested were not provided before, the reason that the accommodations are being requested now

   If the disability is related to a learning or psychiatric disorder, the candidate must also submit written verification of the accommodations provided through student disability services at the educational institutions attended.

   In no circumstances will a diagnosis of anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (as listed in the current editions of the DSM and ICD) related to an examination situation be accepted as a valid reason for accommodations.

7. ASWB must receive from the member board recommendations of accommodations which are deemed reasonable after qualification of the candidate and investigation of the disability. In consultation with the member board, ASWB must be assured that such accommodations do not adversely affect the integrity, validity and/or security of the examination. ASWB reserves the right to reject the administration of an examination in a manner that, in the sole opinion of association, would jeopardize the integrity, validity and/or security of the examination.
   
   
8. In the event that an accommodation is deemed by ASWB to be inappropriate or not reasonable because of security or validity issues, and should the matter be contested by the candidate, ASWB shall provide professional advice and legal consultation in support of the decision.
   
   
9. The examinations must be maintained and administered under secure conditions. Accommodations may not breach security or alter the validity of the examination to test minimum competencies. Member boards and ASWB will consult one another in determining reasonable accommodations.
   
   
10. Expenses related to accommodations provided to persons with disabilities, including those under the ADA and human rights legislation in Canada will be monitored by staff and reported to the treasurer of the association.
    
    
11. The Disability Accommodations Form will be valid for one year.