Accommodation

Purpose

Tips for parents

Extended time

To allow extra time for processing information, writing, reading

• Be flexible with the amount of time needed to complete assignments
• Extra “think” time to answer questions, discuss possible answers

Preferential seating

To allow student to focus, move as needed, comfort, close to teacher

• Give your child options for sitting, laying down, table, sofa, beanbag, etc 

Reduce distractions

To focus on tasks (less noise, visual stimulation, watching others, )

• Find quiet, calm spot
• Headphones with or without music, whichever helps

Read aloud

To help students access grade-level texts, or to build fluency on instructional level

• Read texts, questions/answer options out loud
• For fluency passages, have child listen to you, then re-read same text

Repeat directions

To clarify directions 

• Especially for multi-step directions, offer to read again, draw a picture, make a checklist, have child repeat in their own words

Redo assignments/tests

To offer opportunities for re-teaching, showing knowledge in a different way

• Have student re-do missed items, verbally, draw, etc
• Guide to correct answers through discussion

Chunking assignments/tests

To reduce the number of choices for vocabulary, assist in focus, avoid overwhelming student with the amount of information viewed at a time

• For multiple math problems or vocabulary words, mark off sections of smaller numbers 
• If there is a multiple choice question, eliminate one or two options.

Reduce amount of writing

To allow students to show knowledge without frustrating them due to difficulties with handwriting and comprehension

• Quality of the writing content is more important than quantity
• Start sentences with a few words 

Copies of notes

To reduce the amount of writing a student must do, to support them listening to instruction instead of keeping up with notes

• Printing out notes will help your child to pay attention to instruction
• They can use highlighters or pencil to mark on text that is printed

Allow breaks

To help with focus, fatigue, and allow for movement

• Setting a timer for work, short intervals
• Talk with child about about specific directions/expectations for break (where, how long, what activities ) Examples: 5 min, outside, or 2 min, drawing, or 10 min playing computer