Adaptations and Modifications

The individualization of instruction is an important part of special education. Modifications and accommodations are both meant to help a child to learn. Instruction and schoolwork are tailored to the needs of the child. Sometimes a student may need to have changes made in class work or routines because of his or her disability.

Modifications can be made to: what a child is taught, and/or how a child works at school.

Usually a modification means a change in what is being taught to or expected from the student. Making an assignment easier so the student is not doing the same level of work as other students is an example of a modification.

An accommodation is a change that helps a student overcome or work around the disability. Allowing a student who has trouble writing to give his answers orally is an example of an accommodation. This student is still expected to know the same material and answer the same questions as fully as the other students, but she doesn’t have to write her answers to show that she knows the information.