SAT Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Types of SAT Accommodations

The College Board provides various accommodations for students with disabilities, based on their specific needs. Below are the most common accommodations:

Extended Time: Students with ADHD, learning disabilities, or processing disorders may qualify for extra time. Options include 50% extended time or 100% extended time (double time) for severe cases. Multi-day testing is available for those who need extended breaks.

Breaks: Additional or extended breaks are available for students with medical conditions or those who require frequent rest. This includes extended breaks between sections or breaks as needed throughout the test.

Assistive Technology: Screen readers, Braille materials, and assistive technology devices are provided for students with visual impairments or physical disabilities. Word processors are also allowed for the essay portion for students with motor impairments or writing disabilities.

Scribe or Reader: For students with severe physical or visual impairments, a scribe or reader may be granted to help with test completion.

Calculator Use: Students with disabilities like dyscalculia may be allowed to use a calculator on the entire math section, even where calculators are typically prohibited.

How to Apply for SAT Accommodations

Applying for accommodations requires a formal request through the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). This process can take several weeks, so it’s recommended to start early.

Step 1: Gather Documentation: Students must provide recent evaluations from professionals that verify their disability, including documentation of how it affects their ability to take the SAT.

Step 2: Submit the Request: Students or their school’s SSD coordinator can submit accommodation requests online through the College Board’s SSD portal.

Step 3: Wait for Approval: The approval process usually takes around 7 weeks, though it may take longer if additional information is needed. Once approved, the accommodations apply to all future College Board exams.

Eligibility Criteria for SAT Accommodations

Not all students with disabilities automatically qualify for accommodations. To be eligible, students must demonstrate that their disability substantially limits their ability to participate in the SAT under standard conditions.

The College Board requires that the requested accommodations align with what the student uses in their daily learning environment, such as extended time for school exams. Additional evaluations may be required if the provided documentation is insufficient.

What to Expect on Test Day

Once accommodations are approved, it's essential to understand how they’ll be implemented on test day. Here’s a breakdown of what students can expect:

Separate Testing Room: Students with extended time or frequent breaks may be tested in a separate room to avoid distractions and allow for their accommodation needs.

Flexible Timing: For students with extended time, the test will follow a modified schedule with designated breaks. Multi-day testing accommodations split sections across different days.

Access to Accommodations: Ensure that any approved assistive devices or tools are brought to the test. Testing centers will provide necessary accommodations, such as large-print books or scribes.

Test Security: All standard test security protocols still apply. Students must follow all SAT rules, and accommodations do not exempt them from standard security measures, such as prohibitions on electronic devices.

Additional Resources for Students with Disabilities

Students seeking further assistance can utilize the following resources:

College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD): The official resource for information on accommodations, application processes, and more.

School SSD Coordinator: Many schools have designated staff who can help with the accommodation process and provide necessary support.

Practice with Accommodations: Students should practice taking the SAT with their approved accommodations, such as using extended time or assistive tools, to become familiar with the testing experience.