ACT/SAT Accommodation Testing

ACT Accommodations

ACT also offers accommodations to students who have a documented disability. Their accommodation program looks a little different.

Accommodations offered at a “National Test Center” include:
– Large type test booklet (18pt font)
– Printed copy of spoken instructions
– Preferential seating
– 50% more extended time
The following accommodations require you
to find a Special Testing Center in your area:
– More than 50% extended time
– Reader or require Braille format
– Computer or scribe for writing test
– Alternate response mode (oral responses)

How do you receive ACT accommodations?

ACT requires that a school official from the high school registers the student through the Test Accessibility and Accommodation System (TAA). Depending on the requested and approved accommodations, examinees will be placed into a testing center that meets their needs.   For homeschooled students or students not currently enrolled in a high school, an Exceptions Statement Form must be completed to start the request process. 

Like SAT, there are guidelines that must be met in order to be considered for an accommodated test:
– Have a disability that necessitates accommodated testing
– Documentation of the disability that is within the last 3 years
– Currently receive and use the requested accommodation. For students enrolled in school, this can be a copy of a 504 plan or IEP.   For homeschooled students, this can be done through a brief personal statement regarding any previously provided accommodations and supports along with a rationale for the current request.  

Diagnostic Learning Services offers specific evaluations that meet ACT/SAT documentation requirements.  In addition, we will use the assessment information to make relevant recommendations for both high school and college.

Diagnostic Learning Services has been assessing children and adults since 2004  

SAT Accommodations

Students with a documented disability (LD, Dyslexia, ADHD, or Dysgraphia, for example) are eligible to receive accommodations on the SAT.

Some of the accommodations that are allowed include:
– Extended time (50%-100%)
– Extra/extended breaks
– Writer/Scribe for Writing Exam
– Accommodated answer sheet
– Oral administration, having the test read aloud
– Fewer items on a page
– Use of highlighter
– Colored overlays
– Small group setting
– Private room

How do you receive SAT accommodations?

Schools submit the request for the student online through the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) portal.  The school assigns an SSD coordinator who opens the request for accommodations online. They also submit any required documentation to SSD.  Families can also submit requests without the help of their school by submitting a paper Student Eligibility Form from SSD.

There are several guidelines that must be met in order to receive accommodations. Some of those guidelines include:
– Having a disability that necessitates accommodated testing
– Documentation of the disability that is within the last 5 years that justifies the need for accommodations.
– Receiving and using the requested accommodations, due to the disability, on school-based tests for at least four months.

Click here for more information on requesting accommodations on the SAT