1. Exam Accommodations
- Special seating arrangement
- Time extension
(This is only applicable to in-class timed graded papers, such as class quizzes, mid-term paper, final paper, and not to take-home assignments (individual or group), projects or presentations.) - Breaks
- Separate venue
- Use of laptop
- Handwritten answers
- Use of assistive devices/ tools
- Alternative format
- Modified assessments
- Scribe/reader
- Accessible instruction
- Non-penalty for spelling and grammar
- Others
2. Classroom Accommodations
- Special seating arrangement
- Use of laptop
- Use of assistive device/tools
- Instruction/ communication/ course materials
- Note-taker/ scribe
- Others
3. Student Assistants
Student Assistants provide note-taking support in the classroom environment and can also serve as reader/scribe during assessments and examinations if required. They facilitate accessible classroom learning by helping to translate or describe class materials, objects, audio-visual elements, and other interactions in classes.
Note: The main role of student assistants is to support classroom learning. Unless during stipulated class timing, student assistants are not obligated to be present in other settings, such as site visits and project group discussions. The exception to this is the student assistant acting as a reader/scribe during assessments and examinations. In the case where a student assistant is absent on short notice (e.g. medical leave), SAS will not be able to provide a replacement.
1. Glade room
The Glade room is located centrally at Li Ka Shing library basement, and provides students a safe space to rest.
2. Campus orientation and mobility support
Navigating and way-finding around campus may be intimidating for some, especially our freshmen who may have specific accessibility challenges. The Student Accessibility Support team provides individualised or group campus orientation tours to help students familiarise with the campus buildings and learning facilities.
3. Accessibility communication support
Students who may be faced with any accessibility challenges, be it physical, sensory, digital, may approach our team for support. Through exploring solutions jointly and partnering internal as well as external stakeholders, we strive to reduce barriers to students reaching their full potential.
4. Special Education Needs (SEN) Fund
Under the Special Education Needs (SEN) fund, Singaporean students with disability within SMU may be allowed to purchase assistive equipment or technology that will help improve their accessibility to education. The applicant will be required to undergo an assessment to identify the suitable type(s) of assistive technology devices and be medically certified to require devices or support services for their education.
Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a Singapore Citizen.
- Applicant is a registered student in SMU.
- Applicant must provide a statement of diagnosis (PI, VI or HI) from relevant medical professionals.
To apply, please download the application form and email the completed form to accessibility@smu.edu.sg .
1. Make a Request
Applicants are to submit an official request for disability support through our student portal. If you have problems accessing the portal due to having no prior declaration of special needs during matriculation to SMU, please email directly to accessibility@smu.edu.sg.
All accommodation requests will be reviewed and are subject to approval. To ensure there is adequate time to process applications for academic accommodation, please submit your application as early as possible. Please take note, for final examination accommodations, your application must be submitted before Week 8.
Important notes:
- General Practitioner (GP) letters are not accepted.
- Documents should be original and issued by registered and licensed practitioners. Issuing institution and professional’s information and contact details should be included.
- Medical memos should indicate the affected individual's condition, functional impediments and specific recommendations for exam conditions (e.g. extra time, separate venue, etc).
- Diagnosis/condition is clearly stated (in English or supplemented with an English translation).
- Access arrangements from former educational institutions, if any.
- Access arrangements request will not be considered until appropriate document is received.
- SAS supports students with disabilities and special educational needs. For common ailments, please submit your Medical Certification (MC) to your school administrators directly.
2. Schedule a Meeting
Upon your successful submission of a request, the SAS team will reach out to you to arrange for a meeting to help better understand your condition and needs. During this meeting, we will discuss on the types of academic accommodations that can support you in your educational journey.
3. Letter of Accommodation
Successful applicants will be issued an official Letter of Accommodation, which will be shared with the relevant instructors and school administrators to facilitate the special arrangements.
Note: Students are expected to communicate directly with your instructors to inform and discuss your approved access arrangements at the earliest opportunity.