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Module3AccommodationsModificationsandAssistiveDevicesspg191.docxModule 3: Accommodations, Modifications, and Assistive Devices
Focus
This module will focus on the candidate developing an understanding of the use and need of accommodations, modifications, and assistive devices in the context of the instructional settings and programs for children with disabilities.
Textbook Support
Yell, M. (2019). The Law and Special Education, (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Chapters 8, 11
Directions
Complete the Activities Section and Application Section of Module 3. All responses must be written in Word and submitted through Blackboard by the date articulated on the course syllabus. To complete Activity 1A (where you are identified as the “expert”), you may use your textbook, internet sources, or any other information at your disposal to find the definitions of the three terms as they relate to special education.
1. As your district’s special education “expert”, you have been asked by your superintendent to attend to the next meeting of your board of education (BOE) and provide an overview of the district’s legal responsibilities as far as making instructional accommodations and modifications as well as discussing the district’s legal responsibilities in providing assistive devices. In fulfilling this request you will do the following (40 Points):
A. Define (in layman’s terms): Accommodations, Modifications, and Assistive Devices. Define these terms as if you were talking directly to the BOE (10 Points).
B. Provide a brief example of how Accommodations, Modifications, and Assistive Devices could occur or be used within a school district. Write your examples as if you were explaining them to the BOE (30 Points).
Examples
Accommodations: A student who is taking chemotherapy for leukemia is categorically recognized under IDEA as Other Health Impaired. An accommodation the district should provide would be homebound instruction during the time when medical treatments keep the child hospitalized or away from school.
Modifications: A student is who has attention deficit disorder and cannot remain on task for normal lengths time may be allowed to complete five math problems in lieu of the ten that are required of his/her nondisabled peers. This is modifying the assignment while still requiring the child to show proficiency.
Assistive Devices: As student who has cerebral palsy and has really spastic movements may need an oversized keyboard in order to be able to touch appropriate letters when typing or responding to an assignment. His/her spasticity involves shaking to the point that really fine motor movements are impossible. The school district would be expected to provide the keyboard.
C. As if you were addressing the BOE, discuss the approximate direct costs (not the teacher’s salary or portions of transportation costs) of educating one child who has severe or multiple disabilities (you may use an example of a child in your district OR “create” an example child. The costs should be discussed as they would occur on an annual basis (10 Points).
Example: Thomas is a child in our district who has severe disabilities. He is quadriplegic and is also deaf. His parents provide him with hearing aids that are purchased through their private health insurance. By law, we must provide him an education in his least restrictive environment. His IEP committee has determined that Tommy needs the following to be successful in school:
1. Companion Aid: $20,000 annually including benefits
2. Physical Therapy: Twice weekly including summer (extended school year): $7500, two thirty minute sessions weekly for 50 weeks
3. Occupational Therapy: Twice weekly including summer (extended school year): $9,360, two thirty minute sessions weekly for 50 weeks.
4. FM Device to accommodate hearing aid: $350 annual rental.
5. Catheter Tubes: $250 annually; used to catheterize Thomas 2-3 times daily by school nurse.
6. The total direct costs for Thomas are $37, 460. This does not include the portions of transportation costs or teacher’s salary that are dedicated to Thomas.
Application
In the building in which you teach, complete a census detailing the number of students using assistive devices. List the devices that are being used and the number of children using each (10 Points) Example:
1. Hearing Aides – 3
2. Wheel Chair – 1
3. FM Device – 3
Reflection
1. What did you learn in this application?
1. Who helped you access the information?
