Academic accommodations: What they really include and how to get them in place

Finding the right learning environment for children with unique educational needs can be daunting. The journey to securing the appropriate support and accommodations is crucial for their academic and personal growth. Let me share a story many parents might relate to: a journey filled with challenges and triumphs.

A Journey of Perseverance and Discovery

Imagine a bright, young mind bursting with ideas but constantly held back by an education system that doesn’t fit. This is the story of many children, including my son, who face challenges like severe dyslexia, high-functioning autism, and ADHD. Despite their high intellect, they struggle to find environments that recognise their giftedness and learning barriers.

My son’s journey has been one of perseverance, facing numerous obstacles in finding the right learning environment. Traditional school settings often couldn’t cater to his unique needs, leading to frustration and setbacks. However, he has made significant strides through determination and proper support.

The Concept of Equity in Education

Equity in education means providing each student with the specific resources and support they need to succeed rather than offering the same resources to all students. This approach ensures that every child can reach their full potential by addressing their needs.

Consider a talented runner who loses their legs. A wheelchair will assist them, but they will no longer thrive alongside their peers in their field. However, proper prosthetics can restore them to their true potential and level out the playing field again.

For my son, this means access to accommodations that allow him to overcome the barriers posed by his dyslexia and heightened sensory awareness. These accommodations include using technology within the classroom, such as speech-to-text tools, which enabled him to express his ideas more freely and confidently. This support was integrated seamlessly into his learning experience, helping him develop independence and confidence.

My son’s comprehension, vocabulary, and cognitive ability have always been way ahead of his peers, but at age 20, his reading age is still at a low primary school level. This has severely hindered his confidence. So, you can imagine my joy when I heard him reciting Ozymandias in the shower or when he presented me with a very good poem capturing the interesting political changes we are living through (he will always somehow bring it back to politics).

This prompted me to find information about the accommodations and concessions children like my son are constitutionally entitled to. It is not only something considered in remedial schools. They may involve a bit of red tape. Still, we have achieved a language exemption (he doesn’t need to do a second language), a reader, a scribe, additional time if required, a separate venue, and access to technology. Now that it is being properly implemented, he is as independent and capable as any of his peers and is finally showing us all what I never doubted for a second.

Understanding Accommodations and Concessions

Academic accommodations and concessions are essential for students with learning disabilities or barriers, ensuring they can demonstrate their true academic abilities without being hindered by their challenges. Concessions are not about giving students an unfair advantage but levelling the playing field.

Here are some common types of accommodations and concessions:

• Additional Time: Extra minutes per hour of examination are granted to ensure students can complete their work without undue stress. For example, a student might receive an extra 10 minutes per hour of examination to accommodate slower reading or writing speeds.
• Scribes and Readers: A scribe writes verbatim what the learner dictates, and a reader reads all text in an examination paper to the learner. This is useful for students with severe reading difficulties.
• Amanuensis: An amanuensis reads to and writes for the learner, providing comprehensive support during exams.
• Separate Venues: Quiet environments that minimise distractions are crucial for students with attention disorders like ADHD.
• Rest Breaks: Periods during which the learner is not required to be at their desk but must remain in the examination venue. Rest breaks help manage fatigue and maintain concentration.
• Computer Assistance: Use of a computer to present answers in a typed form, which can be crucial for students with handwriting difficulties.
• Spelling and Handwriting Accommodations: Spelling errors are overlooked as long as the text is phonetically correct, and untidy handwriting is accommodated with a sticker alerting markers.
• Braille or Enlarged Print: Examination papers can be offered in Braille or enlarged print for visually impaired learners.
• Medication and Food Intake: Students may need to take medication or consume food and beverages during an exam to maintain their health and concentration.
• Prompter: A prompter provides verbal or physical cues to refocus a learner who is easily distracted.
• Exemptions: In some cases, students may be exempt from specific subjects that pose significant challenges due to their disabilities.

The Process of Obtaining Accommodations

Applying for accommodations typically involves several steps:

• Psycho-Educational Assessment: Conducted by a qualified psychologist to identify learning barriers and recommend specific accommodations.
• Medical Reports: If applicable, these reports provide evidence of any medical conditions affecting the student’s learning.
• Teacher Comments: Insight from teachers on how the student’s difficulties impact their classroom performance.
• School Reports and Work Samples: These documents support the need for accommodations by showcasing the student’s academic history and current challenges.

The application process can be lengthy, often taking several weeks to months, so starting as early as possible is essential. If an application is denied, there is usually an option to appeal the decision.

The Impact on Students

The right accommodations can significantly impact a student’s academic performance and overall well-being. Having access to technology supporting his learning has been transformative for my son. It has allowed him to express his ideas without the barrier of dyslexia, fostering his creativity and intellectual growth.

However, over and above this, his school’s mentorship and personal growth focus have helped my son develop emotional intelligence (EQ), executive functioning, self-reliance, accountability, ownership, and conflict-resolution skills, which are just as important as academic success. This holistic approach to education recognises that authentic learning encompasses more than just academic achievement; it includes personal development and the ability to navigate life’s challenges.

Understanding accommodations and concessions can be daunting, but ensuring that twice-exceptional children receive the education they deserve is crucial. By understanding and advocating for these supports, parents and educators can help unlock the full potential of students like my son, allowing them to thrive academically and personally.

My son’s journey has shown me the profound impact of the right educational environment and support on a child’s life. His school has given him the tools and confidence he needs to succeed, and I am passionate about sharing this experience with others. If you need more information or support, feel free to reach out—I am always here to help guide you through this journey.