1. OK Department of Career Technology Education November 2014
Accommodations:
Level the Playing Field for
Equality and Fairness
Claudia Otto, Ph.D.
Disability Services Specialist
OK Department of Career Technology Education November 2014

2. The Theory Leveling the playing field is a concept of fairness.
Equal is not always Fair.
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

3. The Playing Field A metaphorical playing field is said to be level if…
no external interference affects the ability of the players to compete fairly.
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

4. What To Do??? How can we level the playing field?
One way is by using accommodations.
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

5. Disability vs. Accessibility
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

6. Provisions to Uphold Tech centers must…
make accommodations/modifications to academic requirements necessary to ensure the requirements do not discriminate or have the effect of discriminating on the basis of disability
make “reasonable” accommodations/modifications to policies, practices, or procedures when the accommodations/modifications are necessary to avoid discriminating on the basis of a disability
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

7. Certification and Job???
Don’t get caught up that a student will not pass the certification exam
No legal justification to exclude student from enrollment just because they may not pass the certification or potentially get a job in the future
Educate the student but also be truthful!
Communication must be as effective as communication with non-disabled persons
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

8. What is an Accommodation ???
A change that helps a student overcome or work around the disability
BUT…
A student is expected to know the same material and answer the same questions as fully as the other students
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

9. Accommodations… Play a critical role in teaching and learning
More appropriately assess students’ true potential
Support learning and a student’s ability to show what they know they can do
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

10. Accommodations for Success
Address the unique needs that result from the student’s disability
Need to be individualized for students performance ability and level
Based upon a student’s learning needs, styles, and interests
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

11. So, Accommodations…
…are intended to reduce or eliminate the effects of a student’s disability. They do not reduce learning expectations; they provide equitable access to the curriculum!
…level the playing field for all students to have opportunities to achieve goals.
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

12. Types of Accommodations
Accommodations in…
Presentation
Response
Setting
Timing and Scheduling
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

13. Presentation
Affect the way directions and content are delivered to students
Students with visual, hearing, and learning disabilities are much more able to engage in the content when presented in a form they can understand
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

14. Presentation Examples
Copy of Lecture Notes / Study Guides
Braille and Nemeth Code
Tactile Graphics
Oral Reading
Manipulative
Large Print
Audio Amplification Devices
Magnification Devices
Sign Language
Screen Reader
Nemeth Code is a specific type of Braille used for math and science notations
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

15. Response
Offer different ways for students to respond to assessment questions
Help students with visual and hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and organizational problems to structure, monitor, or directly put words to paper
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

16. Response Examples Sign Language
Using a Computer or a Scribe to Record Answers
Using an Augmentative Communication Device or other Assistive Technology
Using a Brailler
Responding Directly in Test Booklet vs. Answer Sheet
Using Organizational Devices
(including calculation devices, spelling / grammar assistive devices, visual organizers, or graphic organizers)
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

17. Setting
Affect either where the test is taken or the way in which the environment is set up
Changing the environment is especially helpful to students who are easily distracted
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

18. Setting Examples Administering Test Individually
Testing in a Separate Location
Testing in a Small Group or One-On-One
Adjusting the Lighting
Providing Noise Buffers
(such a headphones, earphones, or earplugs)
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

19. Timing/Scheduling Allow flexibility in the timing of an assessment
For students who need more time to process information or need breaks throughout long processes to regroup and refocus
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

20. Timing / Scheduling Examples
Extended Time
Multiple or Frequent Breaks
Change in Testing Schedule
Change in Order of Subjects
Testing over Multiple Days
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

21. Judgment of Accommodations
If nondisabled students also make gains when given the same accommodations as students with disabilities, then there are questions about fairness and integrity in the testing situation
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

22. Research Shows… Accommodations policies vary from state to state
Approx. 2/3 of SpEd students have been afforded accommodations in statewide assessments
Most commonly given accommodations are: alternative setting, extended time, and read aloud
Accommodations affect test scores: higher / lower
Lower test scores are primarily due to mismatched accommodations to student need or lack of sufficient opportunity to practice using an accommodations
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

23. CRC Accommodation Guidelines
Large Print
Braille
Readers (clear, even voice tone with pacing)
Signer (sign language interpreter)
Response Assistance (mark answers, turn pages, write out the problem, operate the calculator)
Computer-Based Work Station
Foreign Language Dictionary for English Language Learners
Sign Language is different
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

24. In Conclusion…
For students with disabilities being able to show what has been learned is greatly improved when teacher provided individualized instruction and appropriate accommodations in the classroom and in testing situations
Dr. Claudia Otto, Disability Services Specialist
September 20, 2018

25. Thank You !!! Claudia Otto, Ph.D. Disability Services Specialist
Oklahoma Department of CareerTech
Thank You !!!
September 20, 2018