In special education, what are accommodations?

Accommodations in special education refer to the adjustments made in strategies or assessments to support students with disabilities in accessing the curriculum and demonstrating their knowledge. These modifications can vary widely and may include providing extra time on tests, allowing the use of assistive technology, or offering a quieter environment for completing assignments. The goal of accommodations is to level the playing field, allowing students with disabilities to engage with educational content effectively without altering the learning expectations.

In contrast, restrictions placed on students, standardized testing procedures that apply universally, and uniform teaching methods do not recognize or address the individual learning needs of students with disabilities. These approaches can hinder access to the learning environment rather than enhance it, which is why they are not considered accommodations.