What is an accommodation? How does this differ from a modification? Give an example of an accommodation that a young child with a cognitive delay may require in the academic setting.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

An accommodation is any change in the way material is presented, the time in which material can be completed or the content of the teaching content that does not change the expectations placed on the student. Student responses may vary, but an example of an accommodations for a child with a cognitive delay might be to give them an alternative setting to take tests and other assessments. This changes the setting in which the test is taken and possibly modifies the amount of time the student has to complete the assessment, but the expectations of the student in terms of knowledge of the subject are not changing. The student is still expected to know the same material as every other student. A modification, on the other hand, indicates a change in what is being taught. Modifications change the expectations that are placed on the student. A modification for a child with a cognitive delay may be to shorten the science test from 100 questions to only 50 questions. This modification allows the student to access the general education curriculum at a level similar to his or her same-grade peers.
Learning Objective: 8-2: Identify and adapt appropriate materials and equipment for working with young children with delays or disabilities at home, in educational environments, and in other natural environments.