Implementing Accommodations

It is important to check in with the student to ensure the accommodations are working effectively while being open to making adjustments if needed. Keeping records of all communications and steps taken to implement the accommodations can be useful if any issues arise. Providing feedback to the disability services office about any challenges or suggestions for improving the accommodation process is also beneficial.

For example, if a student with a learning disability requires lecture notes in advance, the faculty should respond to the student’s request promptly and arrange a meeting. After reviewing the accommodation letter to understand the requirement, the faculty should discuss with the student how and when the notes will be provided. Ensuring that lecture notes are prepared and shared with the student before each class, regularly checking in with the student to ensure the notes are helpful, and making any necessary adjustments are important steps. Keeping a record of the accommodation process and any communications with the student and the disability services office helps maintain a clear and organized approach. By following these steps, faculty can effectively respond to accommodation requests and support students in achieving their academic goals.

Practical Tips for Implementing Various Types of Accommodations.

Implementing accommodations effectively in the college classroom can greatly enhance the learning experience for students with disabilities. Here are some practical tips for various types of accommodations:

Presentation Accommodations

  1. Use multiple media:
    Example: Incorporate videos, audiobooks and digital presentations to complement traditional print materials. This can help students with visual or auditory processing difficulties.
  2. Provide lecture notes in advance:
    Example: Share lecture notes or outlines before class to help students with learning disabilities or attention issues follow along more easily.
  3. Allow recording of lectures:
    Example: Permit students to record lectures so they can review the material at their own pace.

Response Accommodations

  1. Flexible response formats:
    Example: Allow students to respond to assignments and tests in various formats, such as orally, typed or using assistive technology like speech-to-text software.
  2. Use of scribes:
    Example: Provide a scribe for students who have difficulty writing, enabling them to dictate their responses.
  3. Assistive devices:
    Example: Allow the use of calculators, spell-checkers or other assistive devices during exams and assignments.

Timing Accommodations

  1. Extended time:
    Example: Provide additional time for exams and assignments to students who need it due to processing speed limitations or other disabilities.
  2. Breaks during exams:
    Example: Allow students to take breaks during exams to manage fatigue or anxiety1. Setting Accommodations
  3. Quiet testing environments:
    Example: Arrange for students to take exams in a quiet, distraction-free environment3.
  4. Preferential seating:
    Example: Seat students near the front of the classroom or away from distractions to help them focus better.

Organizational Accommodations

  1. Clear instructions and deadlines:
    Example: Provide clear, written instructions and deadlines for assignments to help students with organizational challenges.
  2. Use of planners and checklists:
    Example: Encourage students to use planners or checklists to keep track of assignments and deadlines.

Collaboration and Support

  1. Work with disability services:
    Example: Collaborate with the disability services office to ensure accommodations are appropriate and effectively implemented.
  2. Regular check-ins:
    Example: Schedule regular check-ins with students to discuss how the accommodations are working and make any necessary adjustments.
  3. Professional development:
    Example: Attend training sessions on accommodations and inclusive teaching practices to stay informed and improve your skills.

Visit Education Advance to learn more about practical tips for implementing various types of accommodations.

How to Adjust Teaching Methods and Materials

It is vital to adjust teaching methods and materials to accommodate students with disabilities in order to create an inclusive learning environment. Here are some strategies faculty can use:

  1. Understand the Accommodations

    • Review documentation: Familiarize yourself with the student’s accommodation plan provided by the disability services office.
    • Communicate: Have a conversation with the student to understand their specific needs and preferences.

  2. Modify Teaching Methods

    • Flexible teaching styles: Use a mix of lectures, discussions and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
    • Recorded lectures: Provide recordings of lectures for students who may need to review the material multiple times.
    • Assistive technology: Incorporate tools like screen readers, speech-to-text software and captioned videos.

  3. Adapt Materials

    • Accessible formats: Ensure all materials are available in accessible formats (e.g., large print, Braille, digital text).
    • Clear and concise: Use clear, concise language and avoid overly complex sentences.
    • Visual aids: Use diagrams, charts and other visual aids to support understanding.

  4. Assessment Adjustments

    • Extended time: Allow extra time for exams and assignments.
    • Alternative assessments: Offer different types of assessments (e.g., oral presentations, projects) instead of traditional exams.
    • Quiet testing environment: Provide a distraction-free environment for taking tests.

  5. Classroom Environment

    • Seating arrangements: Ensure the classroom layout is accessible and allows for easy movement.
    • Note-taking assistance: Arrange for note-takers or provide lecture notes in advance.

  6. Continuous Support

    • Regular check-ins: Schedule regular meetings with the student to discuss their progress and any additional needs.
    • Feedback: Encourage feedback from the student to continuously improve the accommodations.

Monitoring and Adjusting Accommodations as Needed

Monitoring and adjusting accommodations for students with disabilities is an ongoing process that requires active communication and flexibility. Faculty should begin the semester with an initial meeting to discuss the student’s needs and how the accommodations will be implemented. Regular check-ins, such as bi-weekly or monthly meetings, are essential to discuss the effectiveness of the accommodations and make any necessary adjustments. For example, if a student with ADHD finds it challenging to focus during long lectures, the faculty might break the lecture into shorter segments with interactive activities in between.

Gathering feedback from the student is crucial. Encouraging them to share their experiences and any challenges they face helps to better understand their needs. Additionally, using peer and selfassessments can provide further insights into the student’s progress and comfort level. Monitoring academic performance by tracking grades, participation and overall performance can help identify areas where the student might be struggling. If a student with dyslexia is having difficulty with written exams, offering alternative assessments like oral presentations or projects can be beneficial. Collaboration with the disability services office is vital. Faculty should consult with them to ensure that the accommodations are appropriate and effective. Attending workshops or training sessions on inclusive teaching practices and accommodation strategies can also be helpful. Flexibility and responsiveness are key; faculty should be willing to modify teaching methods and materials based on the student’s feedback and performance. For instance, if a student with a visual impairment is struggling with standard print materials, providing digital text that can be read with screen readers might be more effective.

Documenting any changes made to the accommodations and the reasons for those changes is important for maintaining a clear record. At the end of the semester, reviewing the effectiveness of the accommodations and reflecting on what worked well and what could be improved can provide valuable insights for future adjustments. Fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel comfortable sharing their needs and experiences is essential. Encouraging peer support and collaboration can create a supportive learning community. By maintaining open communication, being flexible and actively seeking feedback, faculty can ensure that accommodations are effective and that students receive the support they need to succeed.

Examples of Alternative Assessments

Here are some examples of alternative assessments that can be used to accommodate different learning needs and styles:

  1. Oral presentations
    Example: Instead of a written exam, students can present their understanding of a topic through a speech or presentation. This can be particularly helpful for students who excel in verbal communication.
  2. Projects and portfolios
    Example: Students can compile a portfolio of their work over the semester, showcasing their learning and progress. This method allows for a more comprehensive assessment of their skills and knowledge.
  3. Creative assignments
    Example: Allow students to express their understanding through creative means such as artwork, videos or music compositions. This can be beneficial for students with strong creative skills.
  4. Practical demonstrations
    Example: In subjects like science or engineering, students can demonstrate their knowledge through hands-on experiments or practical tasks. This approach can be more engaging and reflective of real-world applications.
  5. Group projects
    Example: Assign group projects where students collaborate to solve a problem or create a product. This not only assesses their knowledge but also their teamwork and communication skills.
  6. Reflective journals
    Example: Students can keep a journal where they reflect on their learning experiences, challenges, and growth throughout the course. This can provide insights into their thought processes and personal development.
  7. Case studies and simulations
    Example: Use case studies or simulations to assess students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This method is particularly useful in fields like business, law and healthcare.
  8. Peer reviews
    Example: Incorporate peer review sessions where students evaluate each other’s work. This can help develop critical thinking and constructive feedback skills.
  9. Take-home exams
    Example: Provide take-home exams that allow students to work at their own pace and use resources to complete the assessment. This can reduce test anxiety and better reflect their understanding.
  10. Online quizzes and interactive assessments
    Example: Use online platforms to create interactive quizzes and assessments that can include multimedia elements like videos and interactive diagrams. This can make the assessment process more engaging and accessible.

There are several valuable resources available for designing inclusive assessments:

  1. IncludED: A Guide to Designing Inclusive Assessments: This guide from the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Oxford University provides comprehensive strategies for creating assessments that minimize the likelihood of students being excluded or disadvantaged. It emphasizes the importance of proactive assessment design and offers various types of summative assessment tasks to promote inclusivity.
  2. Inclusive Teaching Guide from the University of Leeds: This guide offers practical advice on designing assessments that align with institutional strategies for inclusivity. It includes case studies, good practices and sector-wide reports on inclusive assessment, student success and belonging. The guide also suggests offering assessment options within a module to cater to different student needs and learning styles.
  3. National Center on Accessible Educational Materials: This resource provides foundational knowledge on digital accessibility and testing accommodations. It includes tools like the NCEO’s Accommodations Toolkit, which helps educators stay updated on research and state policies related to inclusive assessments.