What is an accommodation in the context of an IEP?

In the context of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), an accommodation is defined as a tool that provides equal access to education for students with disabilities. This means adjustments or modifications are made to help the student participate fully in the educational environment without altering the fundamental curriculum or learning objectives. Accommodations ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in ways that account for their individual needs, rather than putting them at a disadvantage due to their disabilities.

For example, a student may receive additional time on tests, the option to use assistive technology, or access to a quiet room for assessments. These adjustments are not meant to change the academic standards or expectations but aim to provide equitable support that allows the student to succeed within those standards.

While other options touch on elements of support, they do not encapsulate the full purpose of accommodations in an IEP framework. Reductions in curriculum content focus more on modifications rather than accommodations, changes to the teaching environment may be too narrow in scope, and changes to the time of assessment represent a specific type of accommodation rather than defining what an accommodation is overall.