Accommodations and Modifications

 

 

 

 

 

In education, generally, accommodations and modifications refer to two different constructs, although sometimes the terms are used interchangeably by school districts and in other arenas. 

 

 

Accommodations

Removing barriers to access, promoting participation, and increasing likelihood of success in the Least Restrictive Environment and General Education Curriculum, through the provision and adaptation of equipment and the delivery of services.

Changes to the Environment: 

• Seating Arrangements
• Lighting
• Sound, etc.

 

Adoption of Differential Instructional Strategies:

• Materials
• Manner of Presentation
• Grouping Format
• Note Takers, Readers, and Recorders
• Extended Time on Tests, Oral Exams, etc.

 

 

Modifications

When Reasonable Accommodations Are Not Enough to Ensure Success:

• Changes to the Curricular Program

 

Modifications are greater, more extensive changes, which significantly alter the scope and sequence of the general education curriculum. They are based on an individual student's need for such changes.

Access to the general education curriculum is considered critical to assuring equal educational opportunity, therefore, modifications to the curriculum should not be made unless determined to be most appropriate for the child by the multidisciplinary IEP team.

 

 

Supplementary Aids and Services

• Transportation
• Adaptive Equipment
• Assistive Technology
• Therapy and Other Related Services

See also Section 504 and ADA