A blind student will generally need to accomplish testing in an alternate format and will need extended time to complete the test. Testing accommodations should be designed to allow the student to display the knowledge gained in an appropriate format, not to diminish academic requirements. The disAbled Student Support Services office has a testing room, and disabled students may have testing done by this office. Faculty and students are encouraged to make arrangements for special testing through this office well in advance of the test date so that appropriate adjustments may be made. This is often beneficial to the student because it does not add anxiety to what is already an anxiety-producing situation.
Some professors prefer to administer tests themselves or to have a teaching assistant do it.
Although this approach is certainly within the prerogative of the instructor, it can be an uncomfortable situation for the student. Another method that may be used is to administer the test by audio tape to the blind student who either records answers orally on another tape recorder or types the answers. It is possible to have tests brailled or tape recorded by the disAbled Student Support Services office. In any case, the teacher and student should agree early in the course on how the student's progress will be evaluated. Some blind students use dog guides .