What Are Accommodations And Do They Work?
Linda Wechter-Ashkin PhD NCSP BC-TMHC ADHD-CCSP
If your child is struggling in class, the good news is that there is a great deal that can be done about it. Children who are struggling in school are able to receive accommodations in class to help them to meet with success. The bad news is that to get the accommodations for them you need documentation indicating the need for them. That’s where we come in. After a full evaluation we can create a list of accommodations that are specific to your child’s academic and social needs, that can be implemented by the teacher or teachers. Give Kelly a call at 561-767-6802 to get that started if you think it will help your child.
So if you’re wondering what accommodations may be available here are a few. The list is not exhaustive by any means, but it gives you an idea about what can be done.
CLASSROOM ACCOMMODATIONS:
- Provide textbooks for at-home use
- Provide additional time for assignments (50 percent)
- Provide a review of all directions
- Provide review sessions as needed in all subject areas
- Provide a copy of all power points, notes, and outlines
- Provide concrete examples whenever possible
- Support auditory presentations with visuals whenever possible. Extra visual and verbal cues and prompts should be provided.
- Provide assistance in maintaining uncluttered space
- Provide weekly home-school communication tools (notebook, daily log, phone calls or email messages)
- Provide a peer scribe for notetaking
- Provide highlighted instructions/directions for assignments
- Provide graph paper to assist in organizing or lining up math problems
- Allow the use of tape recorder for lectures
- Allow the use of computers and calculators as needed
- Provide books on tape whenever possible
- Proved preferential seating with a reduction of distractions.
TEST ACOMODATIONS:
- Allow answers to be dictated
- Allow for frequent rest breaks
- Provide additional time (50%) for both in-class and standardized tests
- Provide a choice of test format as needed (multiple-choice, essay, true-false)
- Allow for alternate ways to evaluate (projects or oral presentations instead of written tests or projects or papers to replace oral presentations
- Provide study guides prior to tests
- Highlight key directions
- Allow the use of calculators or word processors
SOCIAL ACCOMODATIONS:
- Create a quiet corner or room to calm down and relax when anxious
- Provide Social Skills Training (ABA Therapy) to improve social skills
- Have a safe person at school
- Provide a hot pass that the student can use to go see their safe person
- Allow for more frequent restroom breaks for children with anxiety
- Refrain from directly calling on students that may be triggered by being put in the spotlight.
