Accommodations: What they are and how they work

Accommodations work best when they target a specific barrier or challenge. Here are four types of accommodations that address different needs.

• Presentation: A change in the way information is presented. Example: Audiobooks for people with reading challenges.

• Response: A change in the way people complete assignments or work. Example: Keyboards for students who struggle with handwriting.

• Setting: A change in the learning or working environment. Example: Quiet test rooms for students with ADHD.

• Timing and scheduling: A change to the time for a task. Example: Extra time on homework, or flexible work hours.

Need ideas? Check out lists of common classroom accommodations and workplace accommodations. 

You may hear the term modification. An accommodation is different from a modification. 

With an accommodation, expectations are the same. What a person is expected to know, learn, or do doesn’t change.

A modification, on the other hand, changes what a child learns in school and what a worker does in a job.

For example, a modification may be to have a student do lower-level math. Or an employee may get lighter work duties because of an injury. It’s important to only use modifications when truly necessary. That’s because they can lower expectations for people.

Learn more about the difference between accommodations and modifications.

If you think accommodations would help your child in school, talk with the teacher. Often, teachers will agree to simple changes without any paperwork. For example, moving your child’s seat to a quiet spot with less distraction.

For bigger changes, you may need to seek formal accommodations. Under federal law, kids with disabilities — which can include learning and thinking differences — have the right to accommodations.

Start by asking the school to evaluate your child. The evaluation can lead to an IEP or a 504 plan, with accommodations written into the plan.

Accommodations may also be available in other settings, like summer camp, sports, and even at Disney World.

As a K–12 educator, you may be called on to provide accommodations for your students. It’s important to be able to explain to families what these are and how they work. Knowing the different types of accommodations will help you support students.

Two challenges when partnering with families are selecting the right accommodations and keeping track of how they’re working. Another hurdle is implementing them in a busy classroom. Learn more about how to use accommodations when teaching.

If you teach or work for a college, reach out to your disability services office to find out how your school handles accommodations.

The steps for getting accommodations depend on where you want them.

If you’re in high school, your parent or caregiver and the school will decide on accommodations. But you can get involved. Ask your parent or a teacher how.

In college, it’s different. You have to take the lead on getting accommodations. You can start the process by registering with your college disability services office.

Outside of school, you may have a legal right to reasonable accommodations for a disability. Again, it’s your responsibility to ask. You can seek accommodations at work, and in other areas like driver’s tests.