SECTION 4.40 ACCOMMODATIONS FOR EXAMINATIONS

Last Update: 7/01

GENERAL PROCESS FOR REQUESTING A TESTING ACCOMMODATION

· It is the responsibility of the applicant to request an accommodation.

· Those accommodations which may require substantial advance preparation time, such as scheduling participation of interpreters should be made at least two weeks in advance.

· Applicants with a disability may request testing accommodations by calling 515-281-6294 or by writing or faxing to us at the Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise, Grimes Building, East 14^th Street and Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319-0150, fax number 515-281-7970.

ACCOMMODATIONS

· Accommodations for applicants with disabilities taking an examination will be considered if they meet the needs of the applicant by allowing effective participation and if they do not create an undue hardship on the department.

· Accommodations can include, but are not limited to:

- A sign language interpreter to assist with instructions and examinations

- A typewriter, computer or helper to complete test responses

- Large print versions of tests

- Braille test booklets

- Use of a reader to give instructions

-- Other accommodations as reasonable

· Applicants may choose to be accompanied by an attendant or sign language interpreter at their own expense at a point in the selection process when it is appropriate.

THE CERTIFIED DISABILITY PROGRAM (CDP)

· If an applicant cannot take an examination without adversely affecting their score because of a disability, that applicant can be evaluated through the "Certified Disability Program."

· Candidates in this program are evaluated by professional staff from the Department for the Blind or the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the Department of Education.

· Candidates evaluated and judged able to perform the duties of the job class must notify the hiring authority of this eligibility at the time of interview for a vacancy in that job class.

PROCESS FOR CERTIFICATION

· The applicant must meet minimum qualifications for the job class.

· The applicant must be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services or services from the Department for the Blind or have previously met eligibility requirements.

· An Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise application must be completed.

· The applicant must meet with a rehabilitation counselor from Vocational Rehabilitation Division of the Department of Education or a counselor from the Department for the Blind to complete DAS-HRE CDP form CFN 552-0450 and identify the job class(es) applied for.

· The counselor will forward the signed and completed CDP form and the application to DAS-HRE.

· DAS-HRE will review the application for minimum qualifications and forward an approved copy of the CDP form to the counselor and the applicant.

· The applicant must provide the approved form to the hiring agency at the time of interview.