Managing Disability and Actuarial Exams

The CAS strives for diversity in its membership, seeking candidates of all races, gender identities, religions, and more. An often-forgotten element of diversity and inclusion is disability. The standard exam-sitting environment can be a significant barrier to some candidates, but testing accommodations are available. Accommodations help people with disabilities to take an exam as if they did not have the disability.

In fact, both authors of this article take their exams under special conditions. Holley Rouse has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and many related conditions. She currently uses finger and thumb braces in exams, but she may need to request further accommodations as her illness progresses. Agatha Caleo has vestibular migraine, which makes travel difficult; she takes her exam at home with an in-person proctor. You can find their detailed stories on the Future Fellows Hot Topics site (formerly the Future Fellows blog): http://community.casact.org/p/bl/et/blogid=159

Who Receives Accommodations?

Future Fellows (FF) asked CAS Examinations Coordinator Bob Craver (BC) to share his insights on testing accommodations at CAS. Excerpts from that interview follow:

FF: What are common special arrangements that candidates request?

BC: Common arrangements are often for ADHD [attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder] candidates needing extra time. Other common arrangements are for physical disabilities.

FF: Is pregnancy considered a short-term disability?

BC: The CAS does not make time allowances in exams for pregnancy. However, if there's anything the candidates need to bring to their sites to make their exams more comfortable, we allow it. I also tell exam site supervisors to seat pregnant candidates near the door for quicker and easier access to the bathroom.

How To Request a Testing Accommodation

The official Exam Rules regarding exam accommodations state the following:

Special Arrangements for Candidates with a Disability

A candidate with a formally diagnosed disability who needs special testing arrangements must submit a written request for each examination that the candidate intends to write. Documentation of the disability, e.g., physician's statement, diagnostic test results, as well as the need for special arrangements, is required of each candidate. Previous accommodations given to the candidate in an educational program or work setting may be considered.

Requests for special arrangements and supporting documentation must be submitted at the applicant's expense at least two weeks prior to the registration deadline for Exams MAS-I, MAS-II, and 5 through 9; and prior to the first day of the testing window for the exams for Online Courses 1/CA1 and 2/CA2. For Exams MAS-I, MAS-II, and 5 through 9, contact the CAS Examinations Coordinator. For the two online courses, contact The Institutes.

For Exams 1, 2, and 3F, contact the sponsoring organization.

We asked Craver to clarify a few items.

FF: Is the current version on the CAS website the rules that are in practice now?

BC: Yes, however a common misconception is that we require that the candidate submit documentation each time. Once the documentation is on file, they only need to check the ADA box on their application.

FF: Why does the CAS require documentation to be received through standard mail? Why can't it be faxed or sent via encrypted e-mail?

BC: That is a security issue. The documentation requires an actual doctor's signature. It's easier to forge a signature on a fax, etc.

FF: Why is the deadline to request special arrangements two weeks before the exam registration deadline?

BC: This is to give the CAS Staff time to arrange the proctor and site.

FF: If a last-minute special arrangement is needed, what should a candidate do?

BC: They should contact the Examinations Coordinator at the CAS Office as soon as possible.

New to Disability

Not all candidates with disabilities were born with them. A disability could occur suddenly as the result of an accident, or a genetic condition may increase in severity or manifest new symptoms. For those new to disability, we have some additional advice.

1. Acknowledge Your Disability

Rouse is still struggling to acknowledge her disability because she didn't realize most of her symptoms were abnormal until her mid-to-late-20s, when she was diagnosed with hEDS. Now that she knows her symptoms are caused by a rare genetic condition, she is trying to figure out what accommodations she needs to be successful.

In addition to realizing that your experience differs from the norm, it can be difficult to admit that you have a disability due to the associated social stigma, discrimination, microaggressions and the "burden" of requiring accommodations.

However, disabilities should not be hidden or ignored! They are realities that you learn to manage or work around, if possible. Figuring out what you need is challenging, so it's important to seek help from medical professionals who are experienced with your condition to get suggestions for how to manage during the studying process and exam sitting.

2. Adjust Your Study Habits

After four failed attempts at Exam 6, Caleo had to completely overhaul her study methods in order to accommodate her worsening migraines. She had relied on hand-written flashcards for years, but her attacks often come with visual distortions that make these unusable. Her husband got her a hand-held recorder this year, so she can record her own "verbal flashcards" when she is well. Then, during a mild-to-moderate attack, she can often use the recording to study, which has the added benefit of distracting her from the pain. In addition to the new study routine, the Fall 2019 sitting was also the first time Caleo took her exam at home instead of traveling to the exam site. She credits these two things with finally passing Exam 6.

Find out what other people are doing and consider trying a new study technique. You might be surprised to discover that you can change the way you learn.

3. Review ADA Guidelines

Review the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for testing accommodations. It is important to know your rights and be prepared to self-advocate. Visit the ADA.gov homepage to learn not just about access to exams, but also access in employment, technology, health care and other aspects of public life.

4. Find Support

Building a support system is an important part of managing your disability. Friends, family, resource groups at work, other support groups, and therapists are great options. These people can offer emotional support as well as other kinds of assistance you may need as the exam draws closer. Stress is a trigger for many disabilities, so having a good support system to ease some of that stress is crucial to increase your chances of success.

More information on the CAS Diversity Strategy can be found here. We appreciate the efforts by CAS Staff to create a fair exam environment for all candidates, including those with disabilities.