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BY Melissa

What is the difference and why do you care?

Many of you have heard the terms "modifications" and "accommodations." These are two big buzz words used in special education and are often used interchangeably. However, these two terms do NOT mean the same thing and have very important implications for your child's learning. It is important to KNOW the difference.

Before I begin explaining, I would like to stress the fact that accommodations and modifications are fluid with each other. Just because a student requires modifications in reading, they may receive accommodations rather than modifications in science. Students, especially those with ASD, may slide back and forth from Modifications to Accommodations based on interest, cognitive abilities, and lack of reciprocity depending on factors such as content area, time of year, and specific curriculum areas.

Accommodations: Technical Definition

Accommodations are supports and services provided to help a student access the general education curriculum and validly demonstrate learning
Examples of Accommodations:

Time:
extend the time allotted to take a test, finish an assignment, learn a concept, or complete an activity

Setting:
students can take tests in a distraction free space - potentially a resource room so it is easier for the child to focus. This accommodation may be as easy as preferential seating (does the student need to be close to the board to see or next to the teacher to hear?)

Level of support:
paraprofessional or peer assistant

Reduce Response effort:
The use of a calculator, scribe, or word processor to assist the student when an answer is expected. The student still must understand the concept of what is asked in order to accurately manipulate any of these tools.
**If a student knows their basic math facts, a calculator is an accommodation. If the student does not know their facts, it may be considered a modification.

Sensory items:
fidgets to help students focus

Visual schedules

To put it into Perspective...

Many teachers and parents who do not understand accommodations often feel that these supports and services will hinder a child's learning by causing learned helplessness. I have often heard the argument that the child will never learn how to do it on his own if we provide these accommodations. I often deliver this analogy that I have heard used so often:

If a child has a visual impairment, would we deny him glasses to help his vision? Glasses or contacts are an accommodation used by many people. It would not be reasonable to say that if a person was denied glasses or contacts, they would just "learn" how to see without that support.

So...what does that mean for your child?

Accommodations will NOT affect a student's grade or credits.

Students can validly demonstrate learning of the GENERAL EDUCATION curriculum

Are on the lower end of the continuum for support - least restrictive.

Modifications: Technical Definition

Individualized changes made to the content and performance expectations for students
Examples of Modifications:

Quantity:
Modify the number of items that the child is expected to learn or complete. (Depending on how it is written in the IEP, this could include entire sections of the curriculum. I.E: Only completing the addition portion of a math assignment that also includes subtraction, multiplication and division)

How a student responds to instruction
For Example: Instead of writing an essay, they may be given multiple choice questions. Instead of open-ended questions, they may be given a yes/no strategy option

Alternate Goals:
Use the general education curriculum while adapting the goal or outcome expectation. For example: Instead of taking the MEAP test, the student takes the MI-Access

So...what does that mean for your child?

Modifications will affect a student's grade.

Actual changes are made to the materials passed out by the general education teachers

Must consider what you want your child to get from their education. What is the MOST important? Is that different (in some way) than what everyone else is learning?

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What is the difference and why do you care? Many of you have heard the terms "modifications" and "accommodations." These are two big buzz words used in special education and are often used interchangeably. However, these two terms do NOT mean the same thing and have very important implications for your child's learning.

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Updated, March 2020

For many students with disabilities-and for many without- the key to success in the classroom lies in having appropriate adaptations, accommodations, and modifications made to the instruction and other classroom activities.

Some adaptations are as simple as moving a distractible student to the front of the class or away from the pencil sharpener or the window. Other modifications may involve changing the way that material is presented or the way that students respond to show their learning.

Adaptations, accommodations, and modifications need to be individualized for students, based upon their needs and their personal learning styles and interests. It is not always obvious what adaptations, accommodations, or modifications would be beneficial for a particular student, or how changes to the curriculum, its presentation, the classroom setting, or student evaluation might be made. This page is intended to help teachers and others find information that can guide them in making appropriate changes in the classroom based on what their students need.

Part 1: A Quick Look at Terminology
Part 2: Different Types of Supports

Part 1: A Quick Look at Terminology

You might wonder if the terms supports, modifications, and adaptations all mean the same thing. The simple answer is: No, not completely, but yes, for the most part. (Don't you love a clear answer?) People tend to use the terms interchangeably, to be sure, and we will do so here, for ease of reading, but distinctions can be made between the terms.

Sometimes people get confused about what it means to have a modification and what it means to have an accommodation. Usually a modification means a change in what is being taught to or expected from the student. Making an assignment easier so the student is not doing the same level of work as other students is an example of a modification.

An accommodation is a change that helps a student overcome or work around the disability. Allowing a student who has trouble writing to give his answers orally is an example of an accommodation. This student is still expected to know the same material and answer the same questions as fully as the other students, but he doesn't have to write his answers to show that he knows the information.

What is most important to know about modifications and accommodations is that both are meant to help a child to learn.

Part 2: Different Types of Supports

Special Education

By definition, special education is "specially designed instruction" (§300.39). And IDEA defines that term as follows:

(3) Specially designed instruction means adapting, as appropriate to the needs of an eligible child under this part, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction-(i) To address the unique needs of the child that result from the child's disability; and(ii) To ensure access of the child to the general curriculum, so that the child can meet the educational standards within the jurisdiction of the public agency that apply to all children. [§300.39(b)(3)]

Thus, special education involves adapting the "content, methodology, or delivery of instruction." In fact, the special education field can take pride in the knowledge base and expertise it's developed in the past 30-plus years of individualizing instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities. It's a pleasure to share some of that knowledge with you now.

Adapting Instruction

Sometimes a student may need to have changes made in class work or routines because of his or her disability. Modifications can be made to:

For example:

Jack is an 8th grade student who has learning disabilities in reading and writing. He is in a regular 8th grade class that is team-taught by a general education teacher and a special education teacher. Modifications and accommodations provided for Jack's daily school routine (and when he takes state or district-wide tests) include the following:

Jack will have shorter reading and writing assignments.

Jack's textbooks will be based upon the 8th grade curriculum but at his independent reading level (4th grade).

Jack will have test questions read/explained to him, when he asks.

Jack will give his answers to essay-type questions by speaking, rather than writing them down.

Modifications or accommodations are most often made in the following areas:

Scheduling. For example,

giving the student extra time to complete assignments or tests

breaking up testing over several days

working in a small group

working one-on-one with the teacher

providing audiotaped lectures or books

giving copies of teacher's lecture notes

using large print books, Braille, or books on CD (digital text)

Instruction. For example,

reducing the difficulty of assignments

reducing the reading level

using a student/peer tutor

Student Response. For example,

allowing answers to be given orally or dictated

using a word processor for written work

using sign language, a communication device, Braille, or native language if it is not English.

Because adapting the content, methodology, and/or delivery of instruction is an essential element in special education and an extremely valuable support for students, it's equally essential to know as much as possible about how instruction can be adapted to address the needs of an individual student with a disability. The special education teacher who serves on the IEP team can contribute his or her expertise in this area, which is the essence of special education.

Related Services

One look at IDEA's definition of related services at §300.34 and it's clear that these services are supportive in nature, although not in the same way that adapting the curriculum is. Related services support children's special education and are provided when necessary to help students benefit from special education. Thus, related services must be included in the treasure chest of accommodations and supports we're exploring. That definition begins:
§300.34 Related services.
(a) General. Related services means transportation and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as are required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education, and includes...

Here's the list of related services in the law.

speech-language pathology and audiology services

interpreting services

psychological services

physical and occupational therapy

recreation, including therapeutic recreation

early identification and assessment of disabilities in children

counseling services, including rehabilitation counseling

orientation and mobility services

medical services for diagnostic or evaluation purposes

school health services and school nurse services

social work services in schools

This is not an exhaustive list of possible related services. There are others (not named here or in the law) that states and schools routinely make available under the umbrella of related services. The IEP team decides which related services a child needs and specificies them in the child's IEP. Read all about it in our Related Services page.

Supplementary Aids and Services

One of the most powerful types of supports available to children with disabilities are the other kinds of supports or services (other than special education and related services) that a child needs to be educated with nondisabled children to the maximum extent appropriate. Some examples of these additional services and supports, called supplementary aids and service s in IDEA, are:

adapted equipment-such as a special seat or a cut-out cup for drinking;

assistive technology-such as a word processor, special software, or a communication system;

training for staff, student, and/or parents;

peer tutors;

a one-on-one aide;

adapted materials-such as books on tape, large print, or highlighted notes; and

collaboration/consultation among staff, parents, and/or other professionals.

The IEP team, which includes the parents, is the group that decides which supplementary aids and services a child needs to support his or her access to and participation in the school environment. The IEP team must really work together to make sure that a child gets the supplementary aids and services that he or she needs to be successful. Team members talk about the child's needs, the curriculum, and school routine, and openly explore all options to make sure the right supports for the specific child are included.

Much more can be said about these important supports and services. Visit our special article on Supplementary Aids and Services to find out more.

Program Modifications or Supports for School Staff

If the IEP team decides that a child needs a particular modification or accommodation, this information must be included in the IEP. Supports are also available for those who work with the child, to help them help that child be successful. Supports for school staff must also be written into the IEP. Some of these supports might include:

attending a conference or training related to the child's needs,

getting help from another staff member or administrative person,

having an aide in the classroom, or

getting special equipment or teaching materials.

The issue of modifications and supports for school staff, so that they can then support the child across the range of school settings and tasks, is also addressed in our article on Program Modifications for School Personnel.

Accommodations in Large Assessments

IDEA requires that students with disabilities take part in state or district-wide assessments. These are tests that are periodically given to all students to measure achievement. It is one way that schools determine how well and how much students are learning. IDEA now states that students with disabilities should have as much involvement in the general curriculum as possible. This means that, if a child is receiving instruction in the general curriculum, he or she could take the same standardized test that the school district or state gives to nondisabled children. Accordingly, a child's IEP must include all modifications or accommodations that the child needs so that he or she can participate in state or district-wide assessments.

The IEP team can decide that a particular test is not appropriate for a child. In this case, the IEP must include:

an explanation of why that test is not suitable for the child, and

how the child will be assessed instead (often called alternate assessment).

Ask your state and/or local school district for a copy of their guidelines on the types of accommodations, modifications, and alternate assessments available to students.

Even a child with many needs is to be involved with nondisabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Just because a child has severe disabilities or needs modifications to the general curriculum does not mean that he or she may be removed from the general education class. If a child is removed from the general education class for any part of the school day, the IEP team must include in the IEP an explanation for the child's nonparticipation.

Because accommodations can be so vital to helping children with disabilities access the general curriculum, participate in school (including extracurricular and nonacademic activities), and be educated alongside their peers without disabilities, IDEA reinforces their use again and again, in its requirements, in its definitions, and in its principles. The wealth of experience that the special education field has gained over the years since IDEA was first passed by Congress is the very resource you'll want to tap for more information on what accommodations are appropriate for students, given their disability, and how to make those adaptations to support their learning.

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Supports, Modifications, and Accommodations for Students

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Updated, March 2020 For many students with disabilities-and for many without- the key to success in the classroom lies in having appropriate adaptations, accommodations, and modifications made to the instruction and other classroom activities. Some adaptations are as simple as moving a distractible student to the front of the class or away from the pencil sharpener or the window.

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Program accommodations and modifications are available to children who receive services under IDEA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

General Accommodations:

Large print textbooks
Textbooks for at-home use
Additional time for assignments
A locker with adapted lock
Review of directions
Review sessions
Use of mnemonics
Have student restate information
Provision of notes or outlines
Concrete examples
Adaptive writing utensils
Support auditory presentations with visuals
Use of a study carrel
Assistance in maintaining uncluttered space
Weekly home-school communication tools (notebook, daily log, phone calls or email messages)
Peer or scribe note-taking
Space for movement or breaks
Study sheets and teacher outlines
Extra visual and verbal cues and prompts
Lab and math sheets with highlighted instructions
Graph paper to assist in organizing or lining up math problems
Use of tape recorder for lectures
Use of computers and calculators
Books on tape
Graphic organizers
Quiet corner or room to calm down and relax when anxious
Preferential seating
Alteration of the classroom arrangement
Reduction of distractions
Answers to be dictated
Hands-on activities
Use of manipulatives
No penalty for spelling errors or sloppy handwriting
Follow a routine/schedule
Alternate quiet and active time
Teach time management skills
Rest breaks
Verbal and visual cues regarding directions and staying on task
Agenda book and checklists
Daily check-in with case manager or special education teacher
Adjusted assignment timelines
Visual daily schedule
Varied reinforcement procedures
Immediate feedback
Work-in-progress check
Personalized examples

Testing and Assessment Accommodations:

Answers to be dictated
Frequent rest breaks
Additional time
Oral testing
Untimed tests
Choice of test format (multiple-choice, essay, true-false)
Alternate ways to evaluate (projects or oral presentations instead of written tests)
Accept short answers
Open-book or open-note tests
Read test and directions to student
Provide study guides prior to tests
Highlight key directions
Test in alternative site
Use of calculator or word processor
Extra credit option
Pace long-term projects
Preview test procedures
Simplified test wording; rephrased test questions and/or directions

General Modifications:

Allow outlining, instead of writing for an essay or major project
Use of alternative books or materials on the topic being studied
Computerized spell-check support
Word bank of choices for answers to test questions
Provision of calculator and/or number line for math tests
Film or video supplements in place of reading text
Reworded questions in simpler language
Projects instead of written reports
Highlighting important words or phrases in reading assignments
Modified workload or length of assignments/tests
Modified time demands
Pass/no pass option
Modified grades based on IEP

Behavior modifications:

Breaks between tasks
Cue expected behavior
Daily feedback to student
Have contingency plans
Use de-escalating strategies
Use positive reinforcement
Use proximity/touch control
Use peer supports and mentoring
Model expected behavior by adults
Have parent sign homework
Have parent sign behavior chart
Set and post class rules
Chart progress and maintain data
Related Smart Kids Links

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Examples of Accommodations & Modifications | Smart Kids

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Program accommodations and modifications are available to children who receive services under IDEA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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Example of Providing a Student with a Modification

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Example of Providing a Student with a Modification

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Michael has a difficult time memorizing words and their meanings. A weekly assignment in the classroom is a worksheet with a "fill in the blank" passage. A modification for Michael includes a word bank at the top of his paper for answer choices.

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Assignment Modifications
1. Complete fewer or different homework problems than his/her peers.
2. Write shorter papers
3. Answer fewer or different test questions.
4. Create alternate projects or assignments.

Curriculum Modifications
1. Learn different material
2. Get graded or assessed using a different standard than the one for classmates
3. Be excused from particular projects

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Some students might just need different content to fully grasp a concept, and that is perfectly fine.
A modification is a change in what is being taught or expected from a student.

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Lily is a 5th grade student who has vision troubles; especially when objects are further away, small or on a computer.
What can we do as educators to provide an accommodation for Lily?

Lily's seat should be close to the board.
Worksheets, textbooks, flashcards, etc. can have enlarged text.
Computerized assessments should be given to Lily on paper.

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1. Presentation:  A change in the way instructions and information are presented. Example: Letting a child listen to audiobooks instead of reading a text.
2. Response: A change in the way a child completes assignments or tests. Example: Allowing a child give spoken answers instead of written ones.
3. Setting: A change in the environment where a child works. Example: Allowing a child to take a test in a separate room with fewer distractions, or in smaller group.
4. Timing and scheduling: A change to how much time a child has to complete a task, or being allowed to take breaks. Example: Providing extra time on tests for a child.

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A big word, with a simply wonderful meaning.
Accommodations are supports provided to assist students in gaining full access to classroom content, instructions, and to demonstrate the information they know accurately.