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⚠️ Accommodations must be individualized. This list shows commonly considered accommodations for students with Specific Learning Disability. 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.

Seating near instruction source
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request seating near instruction source 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 visual clutter on worksheets
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request reduced visual clutter on worksheets 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, consistent routines and expectations
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request clear, consistent 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."
Access to study aids and reference sheets
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request access to study aids and reference sheets 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."
Organized workspace with labeled materials
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request organized workspace with labeled materials 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.

Multi-sensory instruction methods
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request multi-sensory instruction methods 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."
Scaffolded assignments with clear steps
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request scaffolded assignments with clear steps 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."
Additional wait time for responses
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request additional wait time for responses 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."
Highlighted or simplified text for key information
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request highlighted or simplified text for key information 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."
Peer tutoring or cooperative learning opportunities
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request peer tutoring or cooperative learning opportunities 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.

Extended time on all assessments
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request extended time on all assessments 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."
Simplified test directions
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request simplified test directions 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."
Separate setting with reduced distractions
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request separate setting with reduced distractions 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."
Read-aloud option for non-reading tests
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request read-aloud option for non-reading tests 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."
Frequent progress checks instead of high-stakes tests
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request frequent progress checks instead of high-stakes tests 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 Specific Learning Disability 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 Specific Learning Disability-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 Specific Learning Disability 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 Specific Learning Disability?

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 Specific Learning Disability benefit from accommodations that remove barriers while maintaining grade-level expectations. The key is matching the accommodation to the specific way Specific Learning Disability 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.