What are accommodations?
Accommodations are alterations in the way tasks are presented that allow children with learning disabilities to complete the same assignments as other students. Accommodations do not alter the content of assignments, give students an unfair advantage or in the case of assessments, change what a test measures. They do make it possible for students with LD to show what they know without being impeded by their disability.
How does a child receive accommodations?
Once a child has been formally identified with a learning disability, the child or parent may request accommodations for that child’s specific needs. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act states that a child’s IEP (Individualized Education Program) team — which both parent and child are a part of — must decide which accommodations are appropriate for him or her. Any appropriate accommodations should be written into a student’s IEP.
Here are some examples of possible accommodations for an IEP team to consider, broken into six categories:
- Presentation:
- Provide on audio tape
- Provide in large print
- Reduce number of items per page or line
- Provide a designated reader
- Present instructions orally
- Response:
- Allow for verbal responses
- Allow for answers to be dictated to a scribe
- Allow the use of a tape recorder to capture responses
- Permit responses to be given via computer
- Permit answers to be recorded directly into test booklet
- Timing:
- Allow frequent breaks
- Extend allotted time for a test
- Setting:
- Provide preferential seating
- Provide special lighting or acoustics
- Provide a space with minimal distractions
- Administer a test in small group setting
- Administer a test in private room or alternative test site
- Test Scheduling
- Administer a test in several timed sessions or over several days
- Allow subtests to be taken in a different order
- Administer a test at a specific time of day
- Other
- Provide special test preparation
- Provide on-task/focusing prompts
- Provide any reasonable accommodation that a student needs that does not fit under the existing categories
Should accommodations have an impact on how assignments are graded?
School assignments and tests completed with accommodations should be graded the same way as those completed without accommodations. After all, accommodations are meant to “level the playing field,” provide equal and ready access to the task at hand, and not meant to provide an undue advantage to the user.
What if accommodations don’t seem to be helping?
Selecting and monitoring the effectiveness of accommodations should be an ongoing process, and changes (with involvement of students, parents and educators) should be made as often as needed. The key is to be sure that chosen accommodations address students’ specific areas of need and facilitate the demonstration of skill and knowledge.
To find specific technology for particular accommodations, go to Tech Matrix(opens in a new window). Choose a subject area and /or a learning support need. The matrix will generate a list of products to consider.
Copyright 2006 by National Center for Learning Disabilities, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Source
LD Essentials (NCLD Newsletter)
FAQs
Alternatively, you could provide the student with a copy of your lecture notes or outline. allow the student to tape record lectures. allow the student additional time to complete in-class assignments, particularly writing assignments. provide feedback and assist the student in planning the workflow of assignments.
How do you accommodate students with reading disabilities? ›
How does a child receive accommodations?
- Provide on audio tape.
- Provide in large print.
- Reduce number of items per page or line.
- Provide a designated reader.
- Present instructions orally.
Accommodations
- Note takers to allow for full attention to speaker or interpreter.
- Use of an interpreter if appropriate.
- Use of Real-time Reporting if appropriate.
- Use of an amplification system if appropriate.
- Front row seating to maximize the intake of visual cues.
Accommodations can include:
- Preferential seating, near door.
- Prearranged or frequent breaks.
- Audio recorder, note taking assistance.
- Text, assignments in alternate formats.
- Personal and private feedback.
- Permit use of computer software.
- Extended test taking time.
- Separate, quiet room for testing.
Accommodations are typically grouped into four categories: presentation, response, setting, and timing and scheduling. Teachers can use the table below to determine the type of accommodation that would best support the student given the student's barrier.
What are the ways in accommodating and modifying a learners with LD and AD HD? ›
Accommodations
- Extra time on tests;
- Instruction and assignments tailored to the child;
- Positive reinforcement and feedback;
- Using technology to assist with tasks;
- Allowing breaks or time to move around;
- Changes to the environment to limit distraction; and.
- Extra help with staying organized.
Common accommodations
- Hear instructions spoken aloud.
- Record a lesson, instead of taking notes.
- Get class notes from another student.
- See an outline of a lesson.
- Use visual presentations of verbal material, such as word webs.
- Get a written list of instructions.
The following are IEP examples of modifications for students:
- Reducing classwork or eliminating homework.
- Reducing assignments or only requiring students to "do what they can."
- Changing tests to a lower level.
- Allowing students to use notes, visuals, or other supports such as a calculator on exams.
Examples of modifications include use of alternate books, pass/no pass grading option, reworded questions in simpler language, daily feedback to a student.
What does LD mean on an IEP? ›
Learning disability (LD) is a general term that describes specific kinds of learning problems. A learning disability can cause a person to have trouble learning and using certain skills. The skills most often affected are reading, writing, listening, speaking, reasoning, and doing math.
Consequently, identifying the skills that lead to success in reading is extremely important. Reading difficulties are observed among students with learning disabilities more than any other problem area of academic performance. It is the most prevalent type of academic difficulty for students with learning disabilities.
What accommodations are available for students with language disorders? ›
Accommodations for students with speech or language impairments may include having material read aloud; having the assessment broken down into smaller parts; additional time; use of a text book or dictionary; an assistive augmentative communication device; or a variety of other accommodations.
What are the five categories of accommodations? ›
Accommodations can be categorized into at least six types: setting, presentation, timing, response, scheduling, and other.
How do accommodations help students with disabilities? ›
The term "accommodation" may be used to describe an alteration of environment, curriculum format, or equipment that allows an individual with a disability to gain access to content and/or complete assigned tasks. They allow students with disabilities to pursue a regular course of study.
How can teachers accommodate students with intellectual disabilities? ›
It can be helpful to give clear and specific instructions about the task or behaviour expected, and how much time they have to work in. Visual instructions about a task or behaviour may help support some students. Consider demonstrating the task or behaviour, or asking another student to demonstrate.
What accommodations are available for students with language impairment? ›
Accommodations for students with speech or language impairments may include having material read aloud; having the assessment broken down into smaller parts; additional time; use of a text book or dictionary; an assistive augmentative communication device; or a variety of other accommodations.
How can people with learning disabilities be supported? ›
People with a learning disability and hearing or sight problems can use special computer apps to help them understand information. There are special computers, tablets and mobile phones that are easier for people with a disability to use. GP surgeries should make information accessible for everyone.
How can the education system better accommodate people with intellectual disabilities? ›
Students with disabilities should receive reasonable accommodations within the classroom. Schools should address the academic, social, and life skills needs of each student. If needed, alternative learning methods should be used, such as braille instruction or alternative communication devices.
