Supports and Modifications: Accommodations are supports and modifications that are individualized to meet the unique needs of each student with a disability. They may include changes to the learning environment, instructional materials, teaching strategies, assessment methods, and classroom routines to support the student’s learning and participation.
Equitable Access: Accommodations are intended to provide students with disabilities equitable access to educational opportunities and ensure that they can fully participate in the educational process alongside their peers. They help bridge the gap between the student’s abilities and the demands of the curriculum, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.
Legal Entitlement: Students with disabilities have a legal entitlement to receive accommodations under federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws require schools to provide accommodations that are necessary to ensure that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment.
Individualized Approach: Accommodations are individualized based on the student’s specific disability, strengths, challenges, and needs. They are determined through the collaborative efforts of the student’s IEP or 504 team, which typically includes parents, educators, special education professionals, and sometimes the student.
