Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable Accommodations Policy

In accordance with the Equal Status Acts, 2000 to 2004, Hi-Tech Training will provide reasonable accommodation to meet the needs of a learner who has a disability, or any other learners covered by equality legislation.

QQI advise that “Reasonable accommodations are concerned with adapting the assessment approach, not with diluting the standard of learning to be attained, interfering with or amending the intended learning outcomes. Assessments which involve reasonable accommodations should be consistent with those which do not”.

Every effort will be made by the tutor to allow the learner to demonstrate the required level of knowledge, skill, and competence without significantly impacting on the standard or the validity of the assessment. Hi-Tech Training can only provide these supports within the constraints of our ability to do so.

Examples of potential reasonable accommodations include:

  • extended assessment time
    • The amount of additional time will be agreed in advance with all relevant stakeholders (i.e., learner, tutor and the Operations Manager)
  • a scribe
    • The Operations Manager will organise a scribe to assist the learner
    • Assessment will take place in an environment which respects the needs of all learners (this may involve a separate assessment room)
  • audio visual recording
    • The Operations Manager will arrange for all the required equipment to be in place in time for the assessment
    • A test session may be arranged with the learner to ensure that all equipment is function correctly.
    • The tutor/assessor will conduct the assessment ensuring proper invigilation for all participants.
  • computer with assistive technologies (e.g., large text, spoken text)
    • The Operations Manager will ensure that the required assistive technology is in place and functioning correctly prior to the assessment.
    • A test run may be conducted with the learner.
  • dyslexia support (e.g., spelling waiver).
    • The learner, the tutor/assessor, and the External Authenticator will be advised that a spelling waiver is in place and no marks will be deducted for any spelling error.

Reasonable Accommodations Procedure

Reasonable accommodation refers to the provision of additional supports, facilities, resources or amendments to assessment tasks and activities, to enable a learner with a disability or specific learning need have a comparable opportunity to demonstrate attainment of learning outcomes as any other learner.

Any learner with a disability which has the potential to impact their learning or assessment experience is requested to advise the Hi-Tech Training Management Team and recommend the nature of any support that they may require. Requests for Reasonable Accommodation must be accompanied by documentary evidence from a medical or relevant professional. 

In circumstances where specific guidance is required, Hi-Tech Training will consult with organisations such as AHEAD who work to create inclusive environments in education and employment for people with disabilities.

Steps to apply for Reasonable Accommodation(s).

  1. The learner advises Hi-Tech Training during programme registration of any need that they may have for reasonable accommodation. Hi-Tech Training may require evidence of need.
  2. The Hi-Tech Training Operations Manager will log the request ensuring that confidentiality and compliance with GDPR is observed at all times. The application will be screened to review the evidence of need and the capacity of Hi-Tech Training to provide the requested supports.
  3. Screening decision. The outcome of the screening will be a decision to grant, request further information, or deny the request. The learner will be provided with a written screening response from the Hi-Tech Training Operations Manager.
  4. Depending on the screening response, the learner may accept the accommodations as offered, may provide additional information if required, or they may accept the screening decision to deny the requested accommodation. Assuming the accommodation is granted, the Hi-Tech Training Operations Manager will take all necessary steps to put the support in place.
  5. If the learner does not agree with the screening decision, they have the right to appeal. The learner should advise the Hi-Tech Training Operations Manager of their decision to appeal. The Training Team will prepare a report for consideration by the Appeals Committee. The Committee will consider all the evidence provided. The learner has the right to make direct representations to the Committee. The decision of the Committee will be final and will be advised to the learner in writing by the Operations Manager.

Reasonable Accommodations Request Form

A Reasonable Accommodations Request Form is available on request from admin@hitechtraining.ie or through download.