What IEP accommodations can help with inclusion?

Accommodations and assistive technology can help support inclusion and make it easier for your child to participate in whole-class activities alongside their peers. The right tools can bridge the gap between what they can do and what’s expected in the classroom, ensuring they stay engaged and included. For example:

• A student who has difficulty holding a pencil might use a slant board, adaptive grips, or a tablet for writing activities to reduce frustration and fatigue.
• A student who has trouble following multi-step directions could benefit from visual schedules, first-then charts, or step-by-step picture guides to help them stay on task.
• A student who has difficulty with social interactions could use social stories, role-playing, or a buddy system to practice conversational skills and build friendships.
• A student with fine motor challenges might use alternative scissors, adapted crayons, or Velcro fasteners on classroom materials to increase independence in hands-on activities.
• A student with difficulty sitting may have access to take a movement break, or alternative seating such as a wobble chair or standing desk.
• Teachers can provide flexible classrooms. For instance, some students may work at a desk, while others may prefer sitting on the floor, using bean bags, or standing at tall tables. This flexibility supports various learning styles and promotes student autonomy.

For more ideas, see our articles Inclusion in Elementary School, Inclusion in Middle School, and Inclusion in High School.