Academic accommodations are tools designed to help students learn. They may include:
- More time allotted for tests
- Different coloured paperÂ
- Standing desksÂ
- Fidget toysÂ
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Separate writing rooms
- Alternate forms of communication
- More frequent breaks
- Assignment extensions
- And more
Learnology provides inclusive tutoring and supports families in the accommodations process. For specific questions, please contact us here.
A common misconception about accommodations is that they provide an unfair advantage. However, they actually help to level the playing field. For example, some students with learning differences take longer to process written information. Therefore, extended time for tests or assignments proportionally makes sense.
It’s important to avoid negative biases towards accommodations. They can perpetuate stigma, which makes it more difficult for students to ask for help when they need it.
Who Can Register For Accommodations?
According to the Government of Alberta, individuals with intellectual, emotional/behavioural, learning, hearing, visual, communication or physical disabilities are entitled to accommodations.Â
Students/parents must show documentation of a diagnosis, made by a professional. The qualified professional depends on the type of disability, but some include psychologists, psychiatrists, and speech language pathologists. A detailed report from a qualified individual can also help both the student and the school identify what accommodations may be most useful.
What’s the Process?
When you have medical documentation ready to go, contact your child’s school. Who you speak to does vary, but typically the administration team can direct you. The principal, teacher, or school counsellors are a good place to start.
Once in contact, the school will create a program planning team. This typically involves the guardians, teachers, professional staff (such as the school counsellor), and the student. The purpose of the team is to make an Individualized Program Plan or Learning Support Plan, which outlines the student’s needs, goals, and accommodations.Â
This plan should be continuously revisited and revised throughout the school year, to ensure the student is comfortable and successful.
What If the School Doesn’t Provide Academic Accommodations?
Legally, academic institutions must provide accommodations to all students who require them, according to the Alberta Human Rights Act. This entails equal opportunity for all students, and reasonable accommodations at no extra cost to the student or parent.Â
This is part of the reason that it is important to keep a paper trail. Follow up on in-person and over-the-phone communications via email, and ensure you receive a hard copy of the student’s learning plan.
If accommodations are not being used, discuss it first with your child’s teacher. If this doesn’t work, you can bring it to the school’s accessibility services, then to the principal, and school division, if necessary.
Remember: access to fair education is a human right. You/your child are not being “difficult” or “unreasonable” by advocating for these rights!
Some Useful Resources
Registering accommodations for the first time can seem daunting. The following resources provide further guidance towards this process.
The Legal Information Handbook for Alberta answers common questions about you and your children’s rights to inclusive education: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/Education%20Handbook%20-%20Know%20Your%20Rights%20AB%20%28PDF%29.pdf
Alberta Human Rights Act document outlines the specifics that you may need: https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=A25P5.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779842650&display=html
Individualized Program Plan information provides a more detailed explanation of IPPs, so you know what to expect: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/0778542920
Special Education Criteria outlines what qualifies as a disability, and what documents are required by the schools: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/2368-3627
Learnology firmly believes in equitable access for all students, including accommodations. We are familiar and ready to help with the process. Furthermore, our tutors work hard to employ accommodations during sessions, to ensure students receive the support they need inside and outside the classroom.
For more information, contact us here or call us at 780-700-7877.