What are “Accommodations”?

There are lots of kids in schools who have problems paying attention and also problems with learning.  Maybe you have been told your child has a learning disability, or maybe that they have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).  There are many names and diagnoses including dyslexia and ADHD.

If you have been told this but don’t know what to do next, first talk to your child’s teacher to see if simple adaptations can work in the classroom.  This may mean moving your child to the front of the classroom so they can pay attention better.  Sometimes it takes a little trial and error to see what works.  If more help is needed, talk to the teacher to find out if you can get an IEP or 504 meeting at your child’s school.  Even if they go to a private school, schedule a meeting with the counselor to get a meeting planned.

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Accommodations help your child learn what is expected.  Some parents are afraid to “dumb down” the material from the class.  If it’s a purely learning or attention issue, it’s not what they are learning but HOW they are learning that is important.  Accommodations can be anything from seat placement to building in more time to take tests to lighting and more.

If your child already has an IEP or 504 plan, be sure to check in with the teacher at the beginning of the year and periodically after that.  Some teachers are so busy that they may need reminders at times, and your child may be afraid to bring it up.  Remember, accommodations don’t change expectations of what is learned.  They change how they learn or how they can best demonstrate what they already know.

If you don’t know the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan, read this article. An IEP is a plan for how special education will serve your child.  A 504 could possibly be part of the plan.  Both are provided free of charge to students in public schools.  The above article gives a great chart of what each can contribute to your child’s education.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! A teacher is your best resource and may ask for input from other professionals to devise a plan best suited to your child.