ACT Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
If your child has a diagnosed physical, mental, sensory, or learning disability, they may be eligible for ACT testing accommodations. Here's what you need to know about ACT accommodations and how to request them.
Who is Eligible for Accommodations?
In order to receive accommodations, a student must have a professionally diagnosed and documented disability. Additionally, in most cases, the student is currently receiving and utilizing accommodations in school. Visit the ACT website to view the ACT's documentation requirements for requesting testing accommodations.
Note that students requesting accommodations for the first time must register for a test online in conjunction with their school.
What Types of Accommodations Are Available?
National Testing: If your child requires testing accommodations and can test at a national test center or requires English Learner (EL) supports, your child's accommodation will be categorized as National Testing.
Special Testing: If your child requires testing accommodations that do not fall under National Extended Time, their accommodations are categorized as Special Testing. Special Testing accommodations include: receiving more than 50% extended time, testing over multiple days, alternate test formats (Braille, audio, readers, scribes), etc.
How Does My Child Apply for Accommodations?
To apply for accommodations, your child will work with their school counselor to submit the request by the late registration deadline. If your child's request is approved, the ACT will place them in either a National test center or Special Testing, depending on the approved accommodation. Visit the ACT website for more information about requesting accommodations.
If the request is approved, the student must submit photo identification. For National Extended Time, the testing location will be included on the admission ticket. For Special Testing, the approval assumes that the school will test Special Testing and the materials for Special Testing will be sent to the school (unless otherwise noted by the school).
If you're not sure which type of testing your child should apply for, check out the ACT testing accommodations comparison chart.
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