Classroom Modifications/Accommodations to Help Your Students Participate & Access the Curriculum
There are many modifications and accommodations that can help our students be given more opportunities to succeed in the classroom. Some are easier to come by than others, but your school should have someone who has access to these materials (Assistive Tech Representative, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Vision Teacher, Speech Language Pathologist, Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, etc.).
Below, are a few common accommodations to take a look at. Hopefully this list will get our juices going so you can find the appropriate tools and strategies to benefit your students.
Classroom Setting Accommodations
- Access to highlighters, adapted pencils, slant boards, raised lined paper, screen modifier, adapted keyboards, adapted furniture etc.
- Enlarged font
- Black/white contrast to make font more visible and less cluttery
- Extended time
- Frequent breaks
- Reduced pencil/paper tasks
- Highlighted text
- Noise cancelling headphones
- Preferential seating
- Behavior Intervention Plan
- Positive Reinforcement System
- Checklists
- Shortened assignments
- Arithmetic tables
- Communication Board
- Choice Cards
- Adaptive Furniture
- Special Lighting
Student Response Accommodations
- Respond orally
- Using a communication device, teacher transcription
- Recording verbal response on a recording device
- Typing responses instead of hand written
- Choice cards
- Alternative responses (BINGO dabber, stamps, pointing, etc.)
- Student dictates to scribe
- Using a dry erase board
Material Presentation Accommodations
- Audio assignments/exams
- Read aloud
- Reduced language level
- Copy of instructions
- Multiple choice options (field of 2, 3, or 4)
Digital Tools such as:
- Spell checker/spelling aids
- Word processor
- Spelling dictionary
- Calculator, tables, and other math tools
- Assistive Technology tools & apps. There are so many new and innovative tools/programs that can give students more opportunities. Talk to your ATS person or read this BLOG on Assistive Technology in the Classroom for more info go to https://specialedlessonplans.com/assistive-technology-in-the-special-education-classroom/
When you’re trying to decide as a team, which accommodations are appropriate, take a look at each student specifically. Look at their specific needs and choose modifications that make sense and will give them opportunities. You don’t want to check everything just because you can, be mindful and purposeful when looking through the list. Keep in mind some accommodations will have to be implemented in a certain way when it comes to a testing environment, so if you have specific questions, ask your department chair, lead teacher, administrator, etc.
Have questions about modifications and accommodations? Just send me a message via the Contact button on the bottom of the website home page. I’ll get back to you ASAP.