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⚠️ Accommodations must be individualized. This list shows commonly considered accommodations for students with Emotional Disturbance. Your child's IEP team should select accommodations based on their specific evaluation data, not from a checklist. A generic list is a starting point — not a plan.

Expert Reviewedby Mary

"I've sat at over 500 IEP tables."

I'm Mary, a Special Education Advocate and the founder of The Advocate Ally. I created this goal bank because I was tired of seeing parents bullied into accepting generic, "cookie-cutter" IEPs.

The goals below aren't just random suggestions—they are the exact same forensically sound goals I fight for in meetings every day. Use them to demand better for your child.

Mary

Founder, The Advocate Ally

Environmental Accommodations

Changes to the physical environment that reduce barriers.

Designated 'cool down' area in the classroom
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request designated 'cool down' area in the classroom as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Consistent daily routines and expectations
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request consistent daily routines and expectations as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Proximity to a trusted adult or mentor
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request proximity to a trusted adult or mentor as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Reduced transitions between settings
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request reduced transitions between settings as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Clear and predictable classroom rules posted visually
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request clear and predictable classroom rules posted visually as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."

Instructional Accommodations

Changes to how instruction is delivered.

Daily check-in/check-out with a counselor
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request daily check-in/check-out with a counselor as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Social skills instruction embedded in the day
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request social skills instruction embedded in the day as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Positive behavior intervention plan (BIP) in place
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request positive behavior intervention plan (bip) in place as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
De-escalation strategies taught and practiced
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request de-escalation strategies taught and practiced as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Opportunities for choice within assignments
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request opportunities for choice within assignments as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."

Assessment Accommodations

Changes to how your child demonstrates knowledge.

Flexible testing schedule based on emotional state
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request flexible testing schedule based on emotional state as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Option to take tests in a calm, private setting
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request option to take tests in a calm, private setting as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Extended time when anxiety is evident
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request extended time when anxiety is evident as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Alternative demonstration of knowledge if test anxiety is severe
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request alternative demonstration of knowledge if test anxiety is severe as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Breaks available during tests without penalty
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request breaks available during tests without penalty as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."

🚩 Red Flags in Emotional Disturbance Accommodations

If any of these sound familiar, your child's accommodations may not be protecting them the way they should.

Accommodations are listed but no one is assigned to implement them

What to say:

Say: 'Who specifically is responsible for ensuring this accommodation happens daily? I'd like a name and role written into the IEP — not just the accommodation itself.'

How the audit helps:

Our audit checks whether each accommodation has an implementation plan — and flags the ones that are just words on paper.

The school says 'we already do that for all students' when you request an accommodation

What to say:

Say: 'If you already do it, then there's no reason not to write it into the IEP. If it's not written down, it's not enforceable — and my child loses access if they change classrooms or schools.'

How the audit helps:

We identify which accommodations are missing from the IEP document — even ones the school claims they 'already provide.'

Accommodations haven't changed in years despite your child's evolving needs

What to say:

Say: 'My child is older now, and their needs have changed. Can we review each accommodation against the most recent evaluation data to make sure these are still appropriate?'

How the audit helps:

Our audit cross-references accommodations against the Present Levels section to catch outdated or mismatched supports.

The teacher says they 'forgot' or 'didn't know about' the accommodation

What to say:

Say: 'The IEP is a legally binding document. Every teacher who works with my child is required to know and implement these accommodations. What is the school's process for ensuring all staff are informed?'

How the audit helps:

We flag implementation gaps and give you the exact language to request a compliance review.

Accommodations are being removed because 'the student doesn't use them'

What to say:

Say: 'Was my child explicitly taught how to use and request this accommodation? Did anyone track whether it was offered consistently before deciding it's not needed?'

How the audit helps:

Our audit identifies premature accommodation removals and provides the evidence framework to challenge them.

What To Do Right Now

Pull out your child's current IEP and find the accommodations section. Compare what's listed against the Emotional Disturbance-specific accommodations above.

For each accommodation listed, ask yourself: Is this actually happening in the classroom? Have I seen evidence of it?

Look at the evaluation data. Do the accommodations directly address the deficits identified in the testing? If not, they may be generic filler.

Ask your child (if appropriate): 'Does your teacher give you extra time? Do you get to use your [accommodation]?' Their answer tells you more than any progress report.

Upload the IEP to our free audit tool. We'll cross-reference every accommodation against the evaluation data and show you exactly what's missing.

Is Your Child's IEP Missing Critical Emotional Disturbance Accommodations?

I see this all the time — schools list accommodations on paper but never follow through in the classroom. Upload your child's IEP and I'll show you exactly which accommodations are missing, which ones aren't specific enough, and what to demand at the next meeting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an accommodation and a modification for Emotional Disturbance?

An accommodation changes HOW a student accesses learning without changing the content. A modification changes WHAT the student is expected to learn. Most students with Emotional Disturbance benefit from accommodations that remove barriers while maintaining grade-level expectations. The key is matching the accommodation to the specific way Emotional Disturbance impacts your child's learning.

Can I request accommodations that aren't on the school's standard list?

Yes. IDEA requires accommodations to be individualized based on YOUR child's evaluation data and needs. There is no 'standard list.' If your child needs something specific that addresses a documented barrier, you have every right to request it. Ask the team to explain how each accommodation connects to the evaluation findings.

How do I know if my child's accommodations are actually being implemented?

Request an accommodation tracking log at every IEP meeting. The school should be documenting when and how accommodations are provided. If they can't produce this data, that's a compliance concern. You can also ask your child and compare their daily experience to what's in the IEP document.

What should I do if the school removes an accommodation without my consent?

The school cannot unilaterally remove an accommodation without holding an IEP meeting and getting team agreement. If this happens, send a written request (email is fine) asking the school to reinstate the accommodation immediately and schedule an IEP meeting to discuss any proposed changes. Reference IDEA's requirement for parent participation in all IEP decisions.