What is an Accommodation?

An accommodation is an adjustment provided to help someone accomplish tasks to achieve the same outcomes as others do.

Examples of accommodations:

  • Allowing someone with a learning disability extra time to take a test. 
  • Providing a reader for someone with a visual impairment. 
  • Building a ramp for someone who uses a wheelchair. 
  • Hiring an interpreter for someone with a hearing impairment.
These are only examples of accommodations that can be provided to help you in accomplish tasks at school or at work.
Students, you must identify the type of accommodations that you need to be successful and then ask for those accommodations to be provided. You have to advocate for yourself and ask for the assistance. You have a legal right to reasonable accommodations, but you have the responsibility to ask for them.
Free downloadable RESOURCE: Published by NCWD for Youth, the 411 on Disability Disclosure is designed for youth and adults working with them to learn about disability disclosure and accommodations. This workbook helps young people make informed decisions about whether or not to disclose their disability and understand how that decision may impact their education, employment, and social lives.