Accommodations, Modifications, and More

Accommodations in Education Accommodations are intended to reduce or eliminate the effects of a student’s disability; accommodations are: The supports and/or services that provide equal access to instruction; The supports and/or services that provide equal access to instruction; Based on individual strengths and needs (case by case basis); Based on individual strengths and needs (case by case basis);Accommodations: Do not change the information or the amount of information to be learned; and Do not change the information or the amount of information to be learned; and DO not fundamentally alter or lower standards or expectations. DO not fundamentally alter or lower standards or expectations.

Examples of Accommodations in Education Large print Large print Extended time to complete a task/assignment Extended time to complete a task/assignment Text to speech software Text to speech software Preferential seating Preferential seating Sign language interpreter Sign language interpreter

Accommodations in the Workplace A job accommodation is a reasonable adjustment to a job or work environment that makes it possible for an individual with a disability to perform job duties (U.S. Department of Labor). Job accommodations can make it possible for individuals with disabilities to: Apply for jobs Apply for jobs Perform essential job functions Perform essential job functions Be as productive as their co-workers Be as productive as their co-workers Accomplish tasks with greater ease or indepence Accomplish tasks with greater ease or indepence

Examples of Accommodations in the Workplace Air purifier Air purifier Flexible scheduling Flexible scheduling Private office Private office Use of computer software Use of computer software For more information check out the Job Accommodation Network (JAN): askjan.org

Modifications in Education Modifications in education are utilized when accommodations do not meet the educational needs of a student. Modifications: Alter or reduce an individual’s learning expectations; Alter or reduce an individual’s learning expectations; Change what is being measured or assessed; and/or Change what is being measured or assessed; and/or Fundamentally alter or lower the level of material presented. Fundamentally alter or lower the level of material presented.

Examples of Instructional Modifications Alternative grading scales Alternative grading scales Assignment reduction Assignment reduction Simplified text/content Simplified text/content

Key Differences Accommodations change how the students learns the material. Modifications change what the student is taught or expected to learn.

When to Request an Accommodation An individual with a disability should consider requesting an accommodation PRIOR to actually NEEDING one! Be aware of your strengths and challenges and investigate the expectations of your educational or workplace setting. If a course or job requires a great deal of reading, and you have a learning disability, disclose your disability and start planning for possible accommodations with your instructor and/or disability specialist. Use this resource to let more about various accommodations and modifications:

How to Request an Accommodation In the workplace speak to your immediate supervisor and/or a designated disability specialist In the workplace speak to your immediate supervisor and/or a designated disability specialist In an educational setting speak to your instructor AND a designated disability specialist In an educational setting speak to your instructor AND a designated disability specialist Complete any necessary paperwork, which typically includes: Complete any necessary paperwork, which typically includes: Providing evidence of your disability from a licensed professional; and Providing evidence of your disability from a licensed professional; and Formerly request (verbally or in writing) an accommodation Formerly request (verbally or in writing) an accommodation

Alternatives to Requested Accommodations There are times when an individual’s request for an accommodation will be denied. When this happens an individual must: Be sure to know her/his rights Be sure to know her/his rights Be aware of possible alternatives Be aware of possible alternatives Be flexible and start the process of requesting an accommodation early to allow for enough time to gain access to any accommodation or to determine appropriate alternatives. Be flexible and start the process of requesting an accommodation early to allow for enough time to gain access to any accommodation or to determine appropriate alternatives.

Summary Know your needs. Know your options. Know your rights.