Finding the Right Accommodations

There is not a “one size fits all” model for accommodations, but here are some of our thoughts on the idea…

School Accommodations

Accommodations are any type of tool or strategy used to help a student succeed academically. They can be high-tech, such as computer software, or low-tech, such as providing a copy of written notes. School accommodations need to be tailored for the individual and reevaluated over time. 

Dr. Kelli-Sandman-Hurley sites a variety of accommodations in her book, Dyslexia Advocate! How To Advocate For A Child With Dyslexia Within The Public Education System. They are as follows:

    • Provide access to audiobooks

    • Provide access to text-to-speech software

    • Provide a set of textbooks for home use

    • Only ask the student to read aloud if they volunteer

    • Provide extra time for reading assignments

    • Allot the student to preview reading materials.

    • Reduce spelling lists

    • Do not take off points for spelling errors on written work

    • Allow access to spellcheck

    • Provide access to word prediction software

  • · Provide a scribe

    · Provide access to speech-to-text software

    · Offer alternative projects instead of written reports

    · Provide written copies of notes

    • Minimize the amount of copying from the board

    • Allow the students to use a keyboard to take notes

    • Allow the student to record lectures

    • Reduce written work

    • Provide graphic organizers

    • Grade assignments on content rather than form.

    • Reduce homework

    • Allow the student to dictate answers

    • Allow typewritten homework

    • Limit time spent on homework

    • Email list of assignments to the student or parent.

  • Allow the student to take tests orally

    · Provide for extra time

    • Read directions aloud

    • Read test questions aloud

    • Provide alternatives to testing (oral projects or videos)

    • Provide a quiet testing area with minimal distractions

    • Grade in collaboration with a special educator

    • Clarify of simplify written directions

Strategies and Accommodations for Home

Dyslexia and specific learning differences present individualized challenges. What strategies work for one child/person with learning differences, may not benefit another. Asking your child what tasks or skills he/she could use help is a great place to start. Sometimes they may not know and you will need to go through a process of trial and error.

Here are a few ideas to use at home:

  • Audio books for school assignments and enjoyment (listening as a family or in the car is helpful)

  • Graphic novels or comics (provides visual and written information)

  • Read aloud to your child for fun and to help with homework

  • Scribe for your child to help capture thoughts without the tedious process of figuring out spelling and manually writing.

  • Text to speech software (included in Windows and Apple for free-look in settings)

  • Be a detective to help figure out what homework is asking

  • Visual cues: graphic calendars and organizers (use pictures/symbols/colors along with words) 

  • Multi-sensory input- (see, say, hear, touch, smell, taste)-use clay to shape letters while naming them out loud, use blocks for counting, sing a song to help remember addresses or phone numbers, cut up a lemon to demonstrate bitter, citrus, tangy, acidic. 

  • If your child is upset or refusing to do homework, allow them time to calm down and either try again or communicate to the teacher that your child needs more time, more instruction, or modifications to complete the task. 

    Understood.org provides additional strategies here: Dyslexia: Ways to help your child at home

“I didn’t succeed despite my dyslexia, but because of it. It wasn’t my deficit, but my advantage. Although there are neurological trade-offs that require that I work creatively [and] smarter in reading, writing and speaking, I would never wish to be any other way than my awesome self. I love being me, regardless of the early challenges I had faced.”

— Scott Sonnon, martial arts world champion and author