Response Accommodations

Instructional and testing accommodations are generally grouped into four categories:

  • Presentation
  • Response

  • Setting
  • Timing and Scheduling

In each of these, the accommodation is designed to help the student to demonstrate his or her knowledge. Keep in mind, though, that accommodations should be individualized and not based on a specific disability category. Additionally, some of these accommodations can be bundled—that is, used in combination—depending on a student’s individual needs.

accommodation type is ResponseResponse accommodations allow students with disabilities to complete instructional assignments or assessments through ways other than typical verbal or written responses. These accommodations might be used together or in combination with other categories of accommodations (e.g., presentation). The table below includes some examples of response accommodations.

Response Accommodations

Students might be allowed to:

  • Write answers in a test booklet rather than on a separate answer sheet
  • Use a computer to complete their work
  • Use an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device for verbal responses
  • Use a scribe (e.g., have peer or adult write answers for them)
  • Record responses
  • Use a braille writer
  • Circle or point at answers
  • Use a spell checker or grammar checker
  • Use a calculator
  • Utilize a graphic organizer
  • Practice with manipulatives
  • Use a note-taker

Guiding Questions for Teachers

When they consider whether a student might require response accommodations, teachers should ask themselves some guiding questions. For example, does the student have a disability that makes it difficult to:

  • Track visually and follow what he or she has written?
  • Use a writing instrument?
  • Organize or sequence thoughts and ideas?

Response Accommodations in Action

Eric, an eleven-year-old sixth-grade student, attends public school and participates in the general education classroom. He struggles with fine-motor functioning, which makes handwriting difficult for him. He is unable to meet the grade standards for writing (e.g., write a three-paragraph persuasive essay) without accommodations.

Christine and Eric
Christine (Eric’s mom)

Listen as Eric’s mother talks about the response accommodation he receives (time: 1:01).

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