Identify if the student has a documented disability. For instance, identify if the student has arthritis or neuromuscular disease, which may prevent him from writing or operating a writing instrument. If the student simply has a sprained arm, a rescheduled exam may be the more appropriate accommodation.
Consider how the student’s disability will affect his performance on the exam. Likewise, consider if the testing accommodation (use of a scribe) will meaningfully improve his ability to perform.
Assess the testing requirements determine if the student is fit to complete the exam independently. For instance, a student with motor impairment may require a scribe for essay exams, which are writing-intensive, but not necessarily for multiple choice tests.
Determine if there's another accommodation that would allow the student more independence to complete the exam. For instance, determine if a tape recorder or other such technology would suffice, as these devices foster independence and are less labor-intensive. Note: a tape recorder may suffice to record general ideas, such as for a reading comprehension test, but a scribe is necessary to record writing that is being evaluated for spelling and grammar.