Accommodations
Common IEP Accommodations
7 min read
A plain-language list of common IEP accommodations for learning, attention, sensory, and testing needs — with ideas to discuss with your child’s team.
IEP accommodations change how a child learns and demonstrates knowledge — without lowering what they are expected to learn. Coming to a meeting with a few ideas in mind makes it much easier to build a plan that actually fits your child.
This reference list groups common accommodations by need. Every child is different, so treat it as a menu for discussion, not a prescription.
Presentation accommodations
How information is given to your child:
- Directions read aloud or repeated
- Written instructions to go with spoken ones
- Fewer items on a page to reduce visual overload
- Audiobooks or text-to-speech
- Copies of notes or a note-taking partner
Response accommodations
How your child shows what they know:
- Answering orally instead of in writing
- Using a scribe or speech-to-text
- Typing instead of handwriting
- Extra space or graph paper for math
Setting accommodations
Where your child works:
- A quieter space for tests or focused work
- Preferential seating away from distractions
- Small-group instruction
Timing and scheduling accommodations
- Extended time on tests and assignments
- Frequent breaks
- Breaking large tasks into smaller steps
- Testing at the time of day your child works best
Sensory and self-regulation supports
Especially relevant for autism and attention needs:
- Access to noise-reducing headphones
- A sensory break or calm-down space
- Fidget tools
- Advance warning before transitions
Organization supports
- Checklists and visual schedules
- Help recording homework
- A daily home–school communication log
How to choose the right ones
The best accommodations come from a clear picture of where your child struggles. Match the support to the barrier: if reading is the barrier, presentation supports help; if writing is the barrier, response supports help. Bring your accommodation ideas in writing and ask the team how each one would be provided and tracked.
The resources below include accommodation idea lists and review worksheets so you can prepare a focused, personalized set before your next meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an accommodation and a modification?
An accommodation changes how a child learns or shows what they know — such as extra time or audiobooks — without changing the expectations. A modification changes what a child is expected to learn, such as reduced or different content.
How do I request a new accommodation?
You can request accommodations at any IEP meeting, and you can put a request in writing between meetings. Describe the barrier your child faces, suggest the accommodation, and ask the team how it would be provided and monitored.