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;

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 fundamentally alter or lower standards or

expectations.

Examples of Accommodations in

Education Large print

Extended time to complete a task/assignment

Text to speech software

Preferential seating

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

Perform essential job functions

Be as productive as their co-workers

Accomplish tasks with greater ease or indepence

Examples of Accommodations in the

WorkplaceAir purifier

Flexible scheduling

Private office

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;

Change what is being measured or assessed; and/or

Fundamentally alter or lower the level of material presented.

Examples of Instructional Modifications

Alternative grading scales

Assignment reduction

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: http://goo.gl/BxukJr

How to Request an Accommodation

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

Complete any necessary paperwork, which typically includes: Providing evidence of your disability from a licensed

professional; and Formerly request (verbally or in writing) an

accommodation

Alternatives to Requested

AccommodationsThere 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 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.

Summary

Know your needs.

Know your options.

Know your rights.