Accommodation or modification? Wait… aren’t they basically the same thing?
Not quite! When used well, both are meant to remove barriers so every child can access the curriculum. But accommodations and modifications aren’t the same — and that difference matters more than you might think, even when the lines get blurry in how schools apply them.
As the new school year begins, it’s worth a few minutes to learn what actually separates an accommodation from a modification, how to know which ones are the RIGHT ones for your kiddo, and how to make sure teachers are actually implementing them. Plus: an accommodation debate everyone’s having right now — cellphones in special education.
“I need ideas for accommodations”
Browse our lists of accommodations for ideas and inspiration to find supports that fit your child’s unique needs.
- The ultimate list of accommodations for IEPs and 504s
- School supports and IEP & 504 accommodations for autism
- IEP and 504 accommodations for specific learning disabilities
- Science and history IEP accommodations
- Preschool accommodations
- College accommodations for students with disabilities
- Tools & accommodations for state testing
“How do I know which accommodations to try?”
When staring down a long list of accommodations, how do you know which ones would actually help your child? Check out our 6 steps for figuring out which accommodations to try at school.
Step 6 is where we come in: Undivided’s IEP Assistant reviews your child’s IEP and suggests accommodations and modifications that may be missing based on your child’s unique needs. You can review, save, or dismiss recommendations, then print a personalized summary of your questions and priorities to bring to your next IEP meeting. Check it out in this short video!
“Teachers aren’t implementing my child’s supports”
Explore 8 steps to take if a teacher isn’t implementing IEP accommodations and 4 reasons your child’s modifications might not be effective (and what to do about it). As a bonus, Undivided members can access our one-page printable template that lets you share your child’s accommodations with teachers (or you can highlight them in your child’s All About Me).
Numbers to note: 46%
A recent national survey found that 46% of teens reported being online “almost all of the time.” Now, as more states are requiring/encouraging school districts to restrict cell phone use at school, you might be wondering: is this a good thing? What do these policies mean for my child with a disability who relies on their phone for communication, medical needs, assistive technology, regulation, or greater independence? Our brand-new article tackles the heated topic of cell phones in special education.
Undivided Conversations → Streaming on Facebook and YouTube
IEP Accommodations → Saturday, September 5, 10:00 a.m. PT. Wondering what accommodations your child can get through their IEP — and what actually makes them work? Tune in to our latest Undivided Conversations for expert insights on the ins and outs of IEP accommodations. Grab your favorite snack and tune in!
Office hours → Wednesday, September 9, 12:00 p.m. PT
Do you have questions about public benefits programs in California like Regional Center, Medi-Cal, IHSS, or SSI? Join us for office hours with Lisa Concoff Kronbeck, Undivided’s California public benefits specialist, for a live Q&A. During office hours, you can ask your question in our members-only Zoom session and get answers right away. Sign up here to participate→
Turn Your Child’s IEP into an Advocacy Plan: an IEP Assistant Walkthrough → Thursday, September 17, 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. PT
Prep for discussions with your IEP team like never before! Undivided’s IEP Assistant is debuting new features like the ability to upload assessments and private reports to get even more personalized insights on how to strengthen your child’s IEP. Join us for a FREE webinar with CEO Seth Besse, who will give you an up-close-and-personal tour of the IEP Assistant and answer questions about how it all works. PLUS — during our live event, get a promo code for one free month off a new Undivided membership! RSVP here to sign up→
The Parent Circle → Thursday, September 24, 12:30 p.m. PT
The Parent Circle is a monthly gathering over Zoom where parents can connect with other parents who understand this journey. Led by a licensed therapist specializing in supporting parents of children with disabilities (and a mom herself), each session offers thoughtful conversation, practical coping strategies, and plenty of room for honest, real-life discussion. This event is open to Undivided members only, so if you’re a member, RSVP here→
This week in our private Facebook group for parents: game-changing tech, PDA supports, accessible vehicles, and more! Join the conversation→
What if you request an accommodation for your child and it gets denied? Hear from a civil rights attorney on our YouTube channel→
Tired of explaining your child’s accommodations and needs over and over? Check out this Instagram reel to see how Undivided’s All About Me tool can help create a printable profile page→
Help more families find accommodations that help their kids thrive at school. Share Undivided’s free resources on LinkedIn→
