U S Government Accountability Office

Higher education and disability U S Government Accountability Office

Standardized tests are often requiredto gain admission into postsecondaryschools or to obtain professionalcertifications. Federal disability laws, such as the Americans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA) require entities thatadminister these tests to provideaccommodations, such as extendedtime or changes in test format, tostudents with disabilities. GAOexamined (1) the types ofaccommodations individuals apply forand receive and how schools assistthem, (2) factors testing companiesconsider when making decisions aboutrequests for accommodations, (3)challenges individuals and testingcompanies experience in receiving andgranting accommodations, and (4) how federal agencies enforce compliancewith relevant disability laws andregulations. To conduct this work, GAOinterviewed disability experts;individuals with disabilities; officialsfrom high schools, postsecondaryschools, testing companies; andofficials from the Departments ofJustice (Justice), Education, andHealth and Human Services (HHS). GAO also reviewed testing companypolicies and data, federal complaintand case data for selected testingcompanies, and relevant laws andregulations