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Navigating the world of education can be a complex journey, especially when acronyms like "IEP" and "accommodations" and "modifications" are involved. This guide is here to help you understand what they are, how they work, and the role parents play.
Individual Education Plan (IEP): This is a personalized document designed to support students who need extra help to succeed in Ontario schools. Each IEP is as unique as your child, outlining tailored goals, strategies, and accommodations or modifications required for the student. Learn more about IEPs here.
The IEP details services, accommodations, modifications, and strategies to help your child achieve their goals.
What are Accommodations?
These are teaching and assessment strategies, supports, or equipment that is required to enable a student to demonstrate what they’ve learned. Accommodations are done at grade level and do not alter the curriculum.
Examples of IEP Accommodations
*This list is not exhaustive of all accommodations that can be offered and implemented
Instructional Accommodations
• High structure, quiet classroom
• Avoid open concept classrooms
• Direct instruction
• Reduced/uncluttered format
• Spatially-cued formats
• Repetition of information
• Rewording rephrasing of information
• Pair written instructions with oral – Use multi-sensory approach
• Extra time for processing
• Non-verbal signals, gesture cues
• Word retrieval prompts
• Reinforcement incentives
• Frequent breaks
• Physical activities
• Organizational coaching
• Time management aids
• Tracking sheets
• Visual cueing/scheduling
• Mind maps
• Graphic organizers
• Use concrete hands-on materials
• Manipulatives
• Dramatize information
• Ability grouping
• Buddy/peer tutoring
• Duplicated notes
• Note-taking assistance
• Chunking of assignments
• Reduced homework/course load
• Computer options with voice to text software
• Use humor not sarcasm
• Augmentative and alternative systems (FM) communication
• Extra time for processing information
• Oral and written instructions
• Use of visuals
• Photocopies of notes
• Study guides
• Use of concrete materials
• Chunking of information
• Colour coding of information
• Small group instruction
Environmental Accommodations
• Alternative work space
• Strategic seating/preferential seating
• Proximity to instructor
• Reduction in audio/visual stimuli
• Study carrel
• Minimizing background noise
• Quiet setting
• Use of headphones
• Special lighting
• Supervise transition times with care and cueing 5-10 minutes before changes
• Assistive devices
Adaptive Equipment such as:
• squeeze balls
• play dough
• chewing gum
• sour candies
• straws
• tennis balls on all chair and desk legs
• FM system
• tape recorder
• computer
Assessment Accommodations
• Extended time limits
• Alternative settings, a quiet room free of distractions
• Space tests and assignments to prevent feelings of being overwhelmed
• Reduction in the number of tasks used to assess a concept or skill
• Extra time for processing the questions as well as the answers
• Prompts to refocus
• Reduced/uncluttered format
• Reading of test or exam to student
• Assistive devices or adaptive equipment such as calculators, reference charts,
spell checkers, computers, voice to text software
• Verbatim scribing
• Alternative test formats including audiotapes, oral, computer, type of exam or
test
The above accommodations list is from CADDAC with additional items added by our team.
Can my child be accommodated for EQAO testing?
Yes! Here is a comprehensive list of EQAO accommodations you can request.
Can my child be accommodated if doing distance learning?
Given the post-COVID landscape, there are also accommodations that are best suited for online or distance-learning that have been published. Read the list here.
What are Modifications?
Modifications involve changes to the age-appropriate grade level curriculum expectations of your child. These changes can be one to several grade levels below, depending on the needs of your child. Modifications can be done in one area of the curriculum (e.g., English) or across all areas. For each subject that is modified, even partially, a Program page of the IEP gets filled out with Current Level of Achievement, an annual program goal, and Learning Expectations for each report card term. Modifications are done in elementary school for the most part, in high school this shifts more so to being streamed into the appropriate level of courses for the learner.
Example modifications- A grade 4 learner with a math learning disability who is being presented with grade 2 level curriculum in mathematics but grade 4 content for other areas of the curriculum.
What are Alternative Expectations?
For some youth, the IEP identifies that the youth’s program focuses on skill development in areas that are not represented in the Ontario curriculum (e.g., gross motor skills, life skills, social skills programs, speech remediation programs, etc.). For the vast majority of students, these programs would be given in addition to modified or regular grade–level expectations from the Ontario curriculum. Alternative programs are provided in both the elementary and the secondary school level.
Examples of alternative programs include: speech remediation, social skills, orientation/mobility training, and personal care programs. Alternative courses, at the secondary school level, are non- credit courses. The course expectations are individualized for the student and generally focus on preparing the student for daily living.
How Can an Educational Consultant Help?
WonderTree's school psychologists, and educational consultants with special education training, can offer invaluable support:
Expert Guidance: Our consultants are well-versed in Ontario's educational system and can guide you through the IEP and IPRC processes.
Individualized Support: Tailoring our services to your child's unique needs, we ensure their IEP and educational placement align with their requirements.
Advocacy: We work alongside you to advocate for your child's needs within the school system, guaranteeing they receive the support they deserve.
For expert guidance and support, consider partnering with an educational consultant from WonderTree. Together, we can help your child thrive in their educational journey.
Resources
Ontario Government Information on Individual Education Plans (click here)
Autism Ontario Strategies for Advocating in the School (click here)
Hamilton School Advocacy (click here)
Ontario Special Education Tribunal (click here)
Ontario Government Page on Identification (click here)
Ontario Government Page on Special Education Policies (click here)
ABC Ontario Gifted IEP Recommendation Resource (click here)
CADDAC IEP Classroom Accommodation list (click here)
If you want to get started on support first:
Unsure of what support you may need?
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