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Accommodations and Modifications at a Glance Because these terms are not used in the same way in all school districts, it will be helpful for you to learn how your school district defines them. Being taught material at a lower grade level or having to complete fewer items on a test are examples of modifications. “Modification” commonly refers to a change to what your child is learning or tested on that changes the standards or requirements she needs to meet. Some examples include having extra time to complete assignments, using braille or large-print materials, having assignments or tests broken up into smaller parts, or completing assignments in a quiet setting away from other students. Such adaptations in school are usually referred to by the terms “accommodations” and “modifications.” Different school systems attach different meanings to these terms, but “accommodation” usually refers to a change in the way your child is taught or tested without changing the standard of learning or performance or the requirements that she needs to meet. Your child will most likely learn about such adaptations from his or her teacher of students with visual impairments or orientation and mobility (O&M) instructor. Other examples might be arranging a classroom to let your child sit close to the science teacher who is demonstrating an experiment or allowing her extra time to complete a test that the whole class is taking.ĭepending on your child’s abilities and needs, she may need such adaptations to participate in the curriculum and various activities in school as well as to make use of instructional materials. For instance, your child may need reading materials in braille rather than in print or may need to examine a live rabbit with her hands to understand what it is, rather than learning from a picture in a book. What Are Accommodations and Modifications?Ĭhildren who are visually impaired can do virtually all the activities and tasks that sighted children can do, but they often need to learn to do them in a different way or using different tools or materials.
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