10 Accommodations Every Parent Should Know About

Many students struggle in school not because they lack ability, but because they need additional supports to access learning effectively.

Accommodations help remove barriers and provide students with the tools they need to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. While accommodations do not change what a student is expected to learn, they can make a significant difference in academic success.

Here are ten accommodations every parent should know about.

1. Extended Time

Extended time allows students additional time to complete assignments, classroom activities, or tests.

This accommodation can be especially helpful for students with ADHD, processing difficulties, dyslexia, anxiety, or executive functioning challenges.

2. Preferential Seating

Strategic seating can help students minimize distractions and improve focus.

Depending on the student's needs, this may include sitting near the teacher, away from high-traffic areas, or near positive peer models.

3. Small Group Testing

Testing in a smaller environment can reduce distractions, anxiety, and sensory overload.

Many students perform significantly better when they are able to focus without the distractions of a large classroom.

4. Frequent Breaks

Some students benefit from short breaks throughout the day to help regulate attention, reduce frustration, and improve overall productivity.

Breaks can be especially beneficial for students with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or sensory needs.

5. Visual Supports

Visual schedules, graphic organizers, checklists, and visual reminders can help students understand expectations and stay organized.

Visual supports are often effective for students who struggle with executive functioning skills.

6. Access to Audio or Text-to-Speech Tools

Students with reading difficulties may benefit from listening to text rather than reading it independently.

Text-to-speech technology can increase access to grade-level content while reducing frustration.

7. Speech-to-Text Support

Students who have difficulty with writing, spelling, or fine motor skills may benefit from dictating their responses using speech-to-text technology.

This accommodation allows students to focus on expressing ideas rather than the physical act of writing.

8. Chunking Assignments

Breaking larger assignments into smaller, manageable tasks can help students avoid becoming overwhelmed.

Chunking supports organization, planning, and task completion.

9. Copies of Notes or Guided Notes

Students who struggle to listen and take notes simultaneously may benefit from receiving teacher notes or guided notes.

This allows students to focus on understanding the lesson rather than worrying about capturing every detail.

10. Organizational Supports

Students with executive functioning challenges often benefit from explicit organizational systems.

Examples may include:

• Assignment checklists

• Planner checks

• Color-coded folders

• Digital reminders

• Teacher check-ins

These supports help students build independence while reducing missed assignments and forgotten materials.

Accommodations Should Be Individualized

Not every accommodation is appropriate for every student.

The most effective accommodations are based on a student's specific strengths, challenges, and educational needs.

Parents should work collaboratively with school teams to determine which supports are most likely to help their child succeed.

Questions Parents Can Ask

When discussing accommodations with a school team, consider asking:

• What barriers are affecting my child's performance?

• Which accommodations have already been tried?

• How will we know if an accommodation is effective?

• How will progress be monitored?

• What supports can also be used at home?

Free Parent Resources

Harborstone Educational Services offers free resources to help parents understand school supports and advocate effectively for their children.

Visit our Free Resources page to access:

• School Accommodations Quick Reference Guide

• Executive Functioning Checklist

• Preparing for an IEP Meeting

• Parent Communication Log

Need Additional Guidance?

If you're unsure whether your child may benefit from accommodations, executive functioning support, a 504 Plan, or special education services, Harborstone Educational Services can help.

Schedule a consultation to discuss your child's unique needs and explore practical next steps.

At Harborstone Educational Services, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed with the right supports in place.