What Are the Different Types of Learning Disability Accommodations?

Learning disability accommodations can include special tutors or helpers for students, after-hours sessions with a tutor, special software designed to help those with certain disabilities, extra time for practice, and even special privileges for certain students. The accommodations given to a student will depend on the type of disability and its severity. Special accommodations may also be made for those in the workplace, such as special calculators, computer systems, or other assistive technology.

A learning disability is a condition a person has that may impair his or her ability to master new skills. They can range from mild to severe, with mild cases being people of average intelligence who require special learning tools and severe cases being mental retardation. Certain learning disability accommodations may be made for students with all sorts of conditions, although the type will depend on the needs of each child.

One of the most common forms of learning disability accommodations is the use of special tutors or helpers. In severe cases, these people may stay with a student or small group of students all the time to help them by giving one on one attention throughout the school day. Less severe cases may require the use of a tutor a few times per week, or less, to help with any areas the student may be having issues with.

Other learning disability accommodations may include allowing these students to use special software applications or tools that other students may not get to use. This can include reading programs that say words aloud, talking calculators, online textbooks, and other items students may need. Scratch paper and extra time for completing tasks may also be given to accommodate students with certain conditions.

Most schools and colleges have programs for students with disabilities. Public schools in many nations are required to provide all students with a proper education, and that includes offering learning disability accommodations. Not all colleges have accommodations available, but many offer special tutoring and extra help for students with certain disabilities.

Although less common, some workplaces may also have special accommodations for those with disabilities. This may include more detailed instructions on completing daily tasks as well as allowing employees to do tasks in a different way than other workers.