Accommodations

Synonyms

Reasonable accommodations

Definition

In order to provide students with disabilities the free, appropriate public education mandated by IDEA 2004 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, changes typically must be made to a child’s educational curriculum or environment. These accommodations include changes in the method of presentation of material, classroom seating location, availability of an interpreter for those with hearing impairment, response format, testing time allowed, setting, or other reasonable steps that do not significantly alter the content of educational material or the validity of tests. To be eligible to receive accommodations, students must be identified as having a disability consistent with the guidelines presented in IDEA 2004 or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Accommodations may also be required in the workplace under the Americans with Disabilities Act. These could include installation of a ramp to permit wheelchair access,...