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2.4: Assistance

  • Page ID
    277760
  • This page is a draft and under active development. Please forward any questions, comments, and/or feedback to the ASCCC OERI (oeri@asccc.org).

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    How to Support Children and Families

    Accommodations

    Accommodations are an essential strategy to support diverse learners within the classroom. They involve changes to how a student accesses information or demonstrates knowledge without altering the curriculum itself. Examples include:

    • Providing extra time for tests and assignments.
    • Offering materials in varied formats, such as audio recordings or visual aids.
    • Allowing the use of assistive technology, like speech-to-text software.

    These strategies help ensure that all students, regardless of their learning styles or challenges, can engage with the curriculum effectively.

    Modifications

    In contrast, modifications involve altering the curriculum or learning expectations to meet the needs of specific students. This might include simplifying assignments, changing grading criteria, or offering alternative assessments. Modifications are especially critical for students with significant learning differences, ensuring that educational goals remain attainable and relevant (U.S. Department of Education, 2020). By implementing both accommodations and modifications, educators can cultivate an inclusive classroom environment that acknowledges and supports the diverse learning styles of all students. This approach not only enhances educational experiences but also fosters a sense of belonging and engagement among learners. Assistive technology (AT) Assistive Technology refers to any device, software, or system that helps students, particularly those with disabilities, to access the curriculum, participate in classroom activities, and achieve academic success. These tools can range from simple, low-tech devices to advanced high-tech systems, and they are used to support students' individual needs, whether those needs are related to physical, sensory, cognitive, or learning challenges.

    Types of Assistive Technology Used in Elementary Schools:

    1. Low-Tech Assistive Tools:
      • Graphic Organizers: Tools like visual aids, diagrams, or charts help students organize their thoughts, plan writing tasks, or break down complex concepts.
      • Colored Overlays: Transparent colored sheets placed over reading materials to help students with visual impairments or dyslexia better focus and read text.
      • Pencil Grips: Special grips for pens or pencils to help students with fine motor difficulties hold writing instruments more comfortably.
    2. Mid-Tech Tools:
      • Audio Recorders: Simple recording devices or apps that allow students to record their thoughts or instructions, helping those with writing difficulties, such as dysgraphia, or for students who struggle with remembering verbal instructions.
      • Word Processors: Word processing programs like Microsoft Word that include speech-to-text capabilities, spell-checking, and word prediction, which assist students with writing difficulties.
    3. High-Tech Tools:
      • Text-to-Speech Software: Tools like Kurzweil or Read&Write convert text into spoken words, making it easier for students with reading difficulties (e.g., dyslexia) to access written materials.

    This page titled 2.4: Assistance is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Kerry Diaz & Tenessa Sanchez.