Accommodations

Definition

Accommodations are modifications or supports provided to help individuals, especially students with disabilities, access the curriculum and participate in learning activities. These adjustments can include changes to the learning environment, teaching methods, or assessment processes to ensure that all learners have equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their individual needs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Accommodations can be low-tech, like providing extra time on tests, or high-tech, such as using specialized software for writing assistance.
2. They do not alter the content being taught but rather provide support to help students learn the same material as their peers.
3. Accommodations are legally required for students with disabilities under laws such as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
4. Examples of accommodations include preferential seating, extended deadlines, and the use of graphic organizers.
5. Accommodations must be outlined in a student's IEP or 504 Plan to ensure they receive appropriate support throughout their education.

Review Questions

• How do accommodations support students with disabilities in accessing the curriculum?
  • Accommodations support students with disabilities by providing the necessary adjustments that allow them to engage with the same curriculum as their peers. This can include changes in the classroom setup, such as preferential seating to minimize distractions, or adjustments in how assessments are conducted, like offering extended time on tests. By ensuring that these students have the right supports in place, accommodations help level the playing field and promote equity in education.
• Discuss the relationship between accommodations and individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
  • Accommodations are a key component of individualized education plans (IEPs), which are designed specifically for students with disabilities. The IEP outlines the unique needs of each student and specifies the accommodations they require to succeed in their learning environment. These accommodations must be tailored to the individual and can include various types of support, ensuring that the educational experience is accessible and effective. By aligning accommodations with the goals set forth in an IEP, educators can better facilitate meaningful learning outcomes for each student.
• Evaluate the impact of assistive technology as a form of accommodation on language arts instruction for students with diverse learning needs.
  • Assistive technology plays a significant role in providing accommodations that enhance language arts instruction for students with diverse learning needs. Tools such as text-to-speech software, speech recognition programs, and electronic graphic organizers can help these students overcome barriers related to reading and writing. By integrating assistive technology into language arts lessons, educators can offer personalized support that allows all students to engage with content more effectively and develop essential literacy skills. This technology not only aids comprehension and expression but also fosters independence and confidence among learners.

Related terms

Differentiated Instruction: A teaching approach that tailors instruction to meet the diverse needs of students by providing different avenues for learning.

Modifications: Changes made to the content or expectations of a lesson to better suit a student's individual needs, often resulting in altered goals or outcomes.

Individualized Education Program (IEP): A legal document that outlines specific educational goals, services, and accommodations for a student with a disability.