Student Support in Education: Special Education & Learning Disabilities

Supportive Accommodations in the College Classroom: What Students Need to Know

Most students are on their own for the first time when they head off to college. All of the things you need to figure out can be overwhelming, and adding the need for accommodations can feel like too much. The good news is your school should have an office or center for accessible education - they'll be able to help you figure out what you need and give you all the information about how to get it. See below for some of the options available:

• Accommodations or Modifications: As in most school settings, colleges should be able to provide what you need in order to be successful in your classes. Most professors are open and willing to help you with what you need in order to pass their classes. Some accommodations you can request are note taking aids, turning in an assignment in a different format, or recording a professor's lecture. Modifications you can ask for are an alternate testing environment or asking for a smaller or differentiated assignment that still meet the standard of the course.
• Assistive Technology: This could apply in a variety of circumstances, depending on your needs. It can range from enlarged screens to read a text, using calculators, or using an assisted listening device. It is important to reach out and discuss with your professor or the school's disability services to see what you can use.
• Testing Accommodations: Finals and midterms are a necessary part of the college experience. Most students experience some kind of testing anxiety walking into a final or a midterm that they thoroughly prepared and studied for. Testing accommodations can be made for most testing situations, whether it is extra time or breaks, splitting the exam over a couple of days, or having the exam read aloud to you. It is vital that all communications are made early in the semester to get all support you made need to perform at your best.

Supportive Ways to Help Students with Learning Differences

We all know teachers are some of the hardest workers out there, making sure they are providing a positive and successful learning environment. Below are some options teachers can use to make sure that all students have access to the tools they need to be successful. As a parent/guardian, it can be incredibly helpful to understand these types of accommodations so you can make sure you have the knowledge and vocabulary to fight for what your child needs.

• Accommodations in the Classroom: When you receive a student's IEP or 504 plan, it can be a bit daunting at first. Depending on the support services at your school, there a couple of actions you can implement right away in your classroom, depending on the student and their goals. Some low lift accommodations you can do are extending time on tests, breaking down student classwork into chunks, or reading a test out loud to a student.
• Teaching Students Online: Many students may choose to do their learning online instead of in the classroom. As a teacher you maybe thinking how can I meet my students' needs virtually? A couple steps to keep in mind are extending the due date of completed assignments, providing notes to your students prior to teaching the lesson, as well as permitting any assistive technology they may require.
• Addressing Anxiety in the Classroom: Anxiety can present itself in different ways with students in the classroom. Being informed as an educator is important as well as a creating a safe place where all students can feel heard and validated. Some ways you can help students feel safe in your class are adjusting assignments for length or time, letting them know of any big assessments coming up, as well as keeping communication open with your students. Doing frequent check-ins and one-on-one meetings can show your students the highest level of support.