12/04/2025
A Guide to Academic Accommodations: Every child learns differently. For students with learning disabilities, physical impairments, or neurological differences, traditional classroom settings can present unnecessary barriers to success.
However, schools are legally required to provide accommodations that level the playing field, ensuring all students have equal access to education. Understanding what accommodations are available and how to access them can make a transformative difference in a child's academic journey.
Considering the diversity of student needs, academic accommodations should directly target and address specific challenge areas. Four categories of disabilities that may qualify a student for accommodations are:
Visual impairment: A student who has difficulty reading small print may be offered audio versions of class texts, larger print on handouts, or braille materials. They may also benefit from being assigned a seat close to the teacher or blackboard.
Specific learning disabilities: If a student has dyslexia, for instance, which creates challenges in decoding written language, audiobooks or reading software may help make reading assignments more accessible. Specific learning disabilities may also qualify a student for extended time on tests and assignments.
ADHD: ADHD may make it difficult for a child to stay focused during long class periods, in which case a school may allow that child to take additional breaks throughout the day. A school may also consider whether a modified learning environment with fewer distractions may help a child learn better. Read More: https://therapyassociates.nyc/blog/a-guide-to-academic-accommodations