A Deeper Dive: Exploring Accommodations in 504 Plans
A 504 Plan provides essential support for students with disabilities, helping them overcome barriers to learning within the general education setting.
While a 504 Plan does not change curriculum expectations, it does provide accommodations that make learning more accessible. These adjustments allow students to demonstrate their knowledge in a way that works best for them.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly used accommodations and how they benefit students.
Extended Time on Tests and Assignments
One of the most frequently requested accommodations, extended time, gives students additional minutes or hours to complete tasks.
This is particularly useful for students with processing deficits, executive functioning challenges, ADHD, or dyslexia. Extra time allows students to fully demonstrate their knowledge without being penalized for needing a different pace of work. Schools may grant extended time in various ways, including:
Time-and-a-half (e.g., 90 minutes instead of 60 minutes)
Double time for students with more significant processing speed deficits
Extended time is especially beneficial for higher stakes testing where students may need additional time to process questions, read passages, or write responses effectively.
Preferential Seating
The placement of a student’s desk within a classroom can significantly impact their ability to focus and engage.
Preferential seating accommodations help students by placing them in an area that minimizes distractions and supports their learning style. This could mean:
Sitting close to the teacher to improve engagement and access to support
Positioning away from windows, doors, or high-traffic areas to reduce distractions
Sitting near a buddy or peer model to provide structure and positive reinforcement
Preferential seating is particularly helpful for students with attention difficulties, sensory processing challenges, hearing impairments, or anxiety.
Use of Technology
Technology can be a game-changer for students with disabilities, providing tools that help them access content in ways that align with their strengths. Some examples of assistive technology accommodations include:
Speech-to-text software: Helps students with writing difficulties by converting spoken words into written text.
Text-to-speech programs: Assists students with dyslexia or visual impairments by reading digital or printed text aloud.
Graphic organizers and digital note-taking tools: Supports students in organizing their thoughts and structuring assignments.
Audiobooks and recorded lectures: Allows students who struggle with reading to access content in an auditory format.
Providing access to technology enables students to work more efficiently, reducing frustration and improving overall performance.
Alternative Presentation of Material
Not all students learn best through traditional lecture-style instruction.
Alternative presentation accommodations allow for information to be delivered in a way that matches a student’s learning style. This may include:
Visual aids, charts, and graphic organizers for students who benefit from visual representation.
Hands-on or kinesthetic learning opportunities for students who need movement-based engagement.
Audio recordings or oral instructions instead of written directions for students with reading challenges.
Breaking down assignments into smaller, more manageable steps.
By adjusting how material is presented, schools can help students grasp concepts more effectively and participate fully in their education.
Accommodations in 504 Plans are designed to remove barriers to learning, allowing students to access the same education as their peers. Understanding these accommodations can help parents advocate for their child’s specific needs, leading to a more effective and supportive learning environment.
To continue this conversation and to learn about advocacy and consulting services at Education Empowerment Partners, contact us today.