Supporting equal access through comprehensive learning and neuropsychological assessments
At Ubuntu Psychological Services, we specialize in providing evidence-based evaluations that meet the documentation requirements of school districts, colleges, universities, and national testing boards.
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What is an academic accommodation evaluation?
An academic accommodation evaluation—also known as a psychoeducational or neuropsychological assessment—is a comprehensive evaluation used to determine whether a student has a learning, cognitive, or psychological condition that significantly interferes with academic performance. The results of this evaluation may support eligibility for accommodations through a 504 Plan, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or postsecondary testing accommodations (e.g., SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, USMLE).
What conditions may qualify for testing accommodations?
Testing accommodations are not automatically granted based on diagnosis alone. However, the following conditions are frequently associated with accommodations when properly documented through an evaluation:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning Disorders - such as:
1. Dyslexia (reading disorder)
2. Dysgraphia (writing disorder)
3. Dyscalculia (math disorder)
4. Auditory or visual processing disorders - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Psychiatric Conditions, such as:
1. Anxiety disorders
2. Major depressive disorder
3. Bipolar disorder
4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
5. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Types of testing accommodations
Accommodations are tailored to level the playing field—not to provide an unfair advantage, but to ensure equitable access to the test material.
The types of accommodations granted depend on the student’s specific needs and the nature of the disability. Examples include:
- Distraction-reduced or private testing environments
- Extended testing time (e.g., 50% or 100% extra time)
- Frequent or extended breaks during testing
- Multiple-day testing sessions for individuals with fatigue, attention, or processing challenges
- Use of assistive technology, such as:
1. Screen readers or text-to-speech tools
2. Speech-to-text software
3. Calculators or spell-checking tools (when applicable) - Alternative test formats (e.g., multiple choice instead of essay, or oral exams)
- Clarification of test directions or questions (without altering content)
- Scribes or readers to assist with the physical act of writing or reading
Benefits of academic accommodations
Academic accommodations help ensure:
- Equity in testing environments, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge without being hindered by their disability
- Reduced stress and anxiety during testing situations
- Improved academic performance, focus, and confidence
- Fair eligibility for academic advancement, including access to gifted programs, college entrance exams, graduate-level programs, and professional licensure exams
Our evaluation process
At Ubuntu Psychological Services, we offer comprehensive evaluations for individuals ages 5 and up. Each evaluation is personalized based on age, concerns, and testing needs and may include:
- Initial Intake & Consultation - We begin with a detailed interview with the student (and parents or caregivers, if applicable) to understand presenting concerns, academic history, and any prior interventions.
- Review of Educational and Medical Records - Including report cards, prior evaluations, teacher observations, IEPs or 504 Plans, and medical or psychological histories.
- Standardized Testing - Depending on the need, assessments may include:
1. Cognitive functioning (e.g., IQ testing)
2. Academic achievement (reading, writing, math)
3. Executive functioning (attention, planning, memory)
4. Processing speed and working memory
5. Social-emotional and behavioral functioning
6. Autism-specific screeners, when appropriate - Collaboration with Schools  - With permission, we may gather information from teachers or school staff to understand performance across different settings.
- Feedback Session & Written Report - After testing, we provide a comprehensive, easy-to-understand report and offer a feedback session to review:
1. Diagnosis (if applicable)
2. Accommodation recommendations
3. Strategies for support at school and home
4. Guidance on submitting documentation to school districts or testing boards
Who can benefit from this evaluation?
Academic accommodation evaluations can benefit:
- Elementary, middle, and high school students experiencing academic struggles
- College and graduate students seeking accommodations for standardized exams or coursework
- Adults returning to school or applying to professional programs
- Students seeking to understand their learning profile, even without a known diagnosis
ADHD Testing Accommodations and Workplace Support
Ubuntu Psychological Services works collaboratively with families, schools, and employers to help implement these supports. A formal diagnosis of ADHD can open the door to supportive accommodations at school and work:
Why choose Ubuntu services?
Ubuntu Psychological Services is committed to empowering students through compassionate, culturally competent, and evidence-based assessment services. We understand the significant impact of unrecognized learning differences, and we advocate for students’ rights to equitable educational opportunities.
We offer:
- Prompt scheduling and timely reporting
- In-person and virtual assessments (when appropriate)
- Evaluations that meet documentation standards for ADA, IDEA, and Section 504
- Support in understanding your results and next steps for school-based services or accommodations