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What is a memory aid?

A memory aid or cue card is a testing accommodation used to provide students with an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of course content and skills. It is a tool used to trigger information that a student has studied but may have difficulty recalling due to functional limitations related to long-term memory and recall.

The cue card allows the student to demonstrate knowledge of course material by helping prompt the student’s memory: not by providing the answer. Cue cards should only provide memory clues for the student to recall the concepts they have studied, and would not be useful if the student hasn't learned the material.

There are specific standards and limitations on when a student may be approved for a memory aid. During the interactive process for approving accommodations, students will need to demonstrate a well-documented functional limitation related to memory due to a disability to qualify for this accommodation.

If remembering specific information is deemed to be an essential learning objective/outcome of the course, the memory aid should not be allowed to include that specific information. For example, if the learning objective/outcome of the course is to know the formula, it should not be allowed on the cue card; however if the learning objective/outcome of the course is to demonstrate the ability to apply the formula, then the formula could be allowed on the cue card.

Cue cards must be reviewed and approved by the Instructor of the course. The reason for this is because the Instructor determines the learning objectives and essential requirements of the class. Instructors must review the cue card. Instructors may choose to remove memory clues that are deemed to modify essential learning objectives/outcomes for the course.

Note: It is understood that some courses may not lend themselves to the use of cue cards, or may require more thoughtful review of what information may be included on a cue card. If you are unsure if your course outcomes would be impacted by the use of a memory aid, please reach out to the Director of Disability Services to discuss.

Instructors are not responsible for devising/creating memory aids--it is the student’s responsibility to prepare the aid and have it approved by the Instructor.

Memory aid requirements

Memory aids are typically small, such as 3”x 5”in index card, but may be up to half a sheet of 8 ½ x11” paper. Accommodation for memory aid size can be adjusted for those with a visual disability who made need a larger amount of space to read, or other alternative format access needs. Memory aids may be electronic or handwritten.

Memory Aids DO NOT:

• Have steps listed for how to work problems
• Exceed one half page of 8 ½ x11” paper
• Include specific examples of how formulas are used
• Include copied pages from textbooks
• Include student’s class notes, lectures notes, or slides
• Include complete terms and definitions
• Include access to homework in the testing environment
• Open textbooks
• Serve as a substitute for studying

Depending on the essential learning objectives of the course as determined by the instructor, memory aids may include:

Acronyms; short phrases; pictures; schematic diagram; formulas; names; shorted definitions; tables; sample questions; key terms/work charts.

Procedures:

1. Student meets with DS office to discuss request and need for memory aid.
2. If approved, the instructor will be notified of the student’s qualification for a memory aid via the Letter of Accommodations. If the instructor believes that this may fundamentally alter the course and its set learning objectives, they should reach out to Disability Services upon reviewing the Letter of Accommodations.
3. The student provides the cue sheet to the instructor for editing and final approval, at least 3 days prior to the test/exam.
4. Instructor then may do one of the following:
   1. Approve the cue card as is
   2. Remove information that they deem as inappropriate based on the course’s learning objectives.
   3. Provide feedback to the student about what may need to be changed, and allows them to resubmit.
5. If there is a disagreement on the contents of the cue card, we advise both parties to reach out to Disability Services and provide material such as the memory aid and course syllabus for review.

Testing Center Role:

1. For students receiving this accommodation who opt to take their exams in the Testing Center, the mutually agreed upon cue card will be sealed with the exam and provided to Testing Center staff. Students cannot bring other course materials into the Testing Center testing room unless previously approved by the Instructor.
2. Once a student completes the test/exam at the Testing Center, the test/exam and cue sheet will be returned to the Instructor.