Dysgraphia Accommodations
Does your child or yourself struggle with writing?

Dysgraphia Signs

May hate writing
Stares at the blank paper
Letters missing in words
Some letters are backward when writing
Does much better when you scribe for them
Difficulty reading their writing

Dysgraphia

Click here to get free printable pdf's for each accommodation

Here are some potential accommodations for grades k-2nd

Sentence starters
Trying different pencil grips
Trying different writing utensils
Use lined paper with raised lines
Graphic organizer
Increased time for test
Preferential seating
Break writing task into smaller steps
Word prediction software for writing
Roll picture dice to help brainstorm ideas.
Alternatives to essay questions when younger (may continue longer)
Learn cursive
Wide ruled and highlighted paper
Modified spelling test
Provide extra test-taking time
Someone scribing for the student
Never have points taken away for spelling errors
Try different writing utensils and sizes
Used lined or graph paper for math
Speech to Text
Skip lines when writing
Filling out answers directly on test and not on the scantron
Slant board
No time limit on test, and test can be taken in a quiet space
Use a paperclip to help with spacing between words
Complete test verbally instead
Alternatives to writing assignments like drawings, videos, etc
Palm weights for proprioceptive input
Short stretching breaks for hand fatigue (manipulating pliable items during rest can be beneficial too)
Modified homework including less writing
Math reference sheets with basic math equations
Word bank dictionary
Personal spelling dictionary
Fill in the blank sentences

Here are some potential accommodations for grades 3rd-5th

Typing, Typing, Typing
Word prediction software for writing
Take pictures of notes on board
Use a PDF editor
Use of calculator
Teachers send home completed study guides and vocabulary prior to starting a new unit
Access to technology or similar sheet for finding appropriate synonyms to assist with grade-level context

Here are some potential accommodations for grades 6th-8th

Either full teacher notes or full teacher outlines
May want to upgrade from a word prediction writing program to a more advanced writing program/add-on for writing assistance that has a plagiarism checker.

Here is a potential accommodation for grades 9th-12th

Record lectures when necessary

Dysnomia

Dysnomia Accommodations
Do you or your child struggle with word retrieval?

Dysnomia Signs

Mixes up common objects when speaking like the word fork for spoon
Inability to remember words affects your daily life
Does better on multiple-choice questions then fill in the blank

Sentence starters
Word prediction software for writing
Graphic organizer
Increased time for test
Break writing task into smaller steps
Complete test verbally instead of written
Provide a visual cue sheet with common words that are used for each assignment or lesson plan
Provide an everyday cue sheet with common words broken down into different categories. Pictures can be provided too if needed. Below is a list of examples:

Playground: slide, swings, monkey bars

Household items: fork, spoon, plate

Copy of Sentence starters Word predictio

Word bank for Math problems and words
Teacher outlines
The new vocabulary list is given ahead of time to take home
Quiet space for test/assignments
Word bank dictionary
Ability to use full notes on any class presentation
Modifications to class presentations like pre-recorded videos
Open book test
Modified test with decreased essays
Alternatives to writing assignments like drawings, videos, etc
Fill in the blank sentences
Word bank provided for fill in the blank test and assignments
Preferential seating

Accommodations for
Executive Functioning

Excutive Functioning

Self-Monitoring

Incorporate a self-monitoring schedule throughout the day to have them reflect on how they are feeling or to check for understanding
visual reminder taped inside desk or pencil box for student reminder to check in with teacher if help is needed
If a student has several different modes of transportation home you can use a clip on the backpack/binder for the student to remember and eventually self-initiate changing the clips at the start of the school day.
Student can redo homework assignments and test
Incorporate a sensory diet schedule with student feedback based on needs throughout the day and classes
Outline schedule for the day for the student to check off or follow
Student can leave class when overwhelmed or agitated
The student completes work in small chunks with the teacher checking for understanding between each section before moving on to the next part of the assignment

Impulse Control

Have time set aside to draw or circle how the student is feeling throughout the day (this can also help with incorporating a sensory diet into the student’s schedule when working with an OT)

Emotional Control

Quiet area for test-taking
Use of quiet fidget or sensory devices
If the student has sensory struggles, acceptance to wear pajamas every day
If a student is overwhelmed in a group setting, the ability to complete group projects independently with fewer requirements.
Student has preferential seating

Working Memory

Take picture of the board instead of writing everything down
Scribing for student
Modified assignments
Grammar and spelling do not affect grades (assignment graded on content)
Provide word banks that relate to assignments
Daily Teacher notes provided
Ability to use full notes when presenting in class
Presenting material to class through other modes of communication like video
Word prediction software for writing
Roll picture dice to help brainstorm ideas
Student will have access to online textbooks for class or actual textbooks
Full study notes and vocabulary provided at the start or before each new section
Use of audiobooks for grade-level reading if needed
Teacher checks in with student after assignment/task is given to ensure understanding (When a student is ready, move on to accommodation below)
To continue to increase independence, incorporate graphic check-in for understanding after the assignment is given, student moves paperclip based on need

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Task Initiation

Allow student to have a visual of what the end project will look like and all the steps it takes to make the final project
Incorporate daily checklist chart
The Student can have questions read to them for test
The Student can have a scribe for writing assignments over a paragraph
Ability to use technology for completing work
Longer test-taking time
Modified assignments
Limit homework
Using pictures to break down steps instead of words
Sentence starters for writing assignments

Organization

If a student has to move around to different classrooms all-day use 1 large ring binder for all classes
Desk organizers inside desk
Removable or permanent desk attachments for organization and quicker ease to get appropriate tools
Removable desk attachments may be preferred for writing utensils if there are busy hands in the classroom. So the student can place organizers in desk when not in use
Schedule weekly time for desk cleaning and organization
Using the calendar on phone or computer to set up alerts for test and assignments, have student work to check the calendar throughout the day
Graphic organizers
Turning in homework as soon as it is complete by email

Time Management

Wear snow boots all day in winter
Leaving classroom a couple of minutes early to allow time for dressing and getting backpack ready or transitioning to the next classroom
Visual timer for transitions
Access to audiobooks for assignments
Have student leave the coat in last period class so no need to go back to locker end of the day. (With covid we didn't have access to lockers like in past so this was a good time management skill for older students that transition between classes)
Teacher marks due dates on all assignments
The teacher will work with the student to set up a calendar with alerts for school reminders like homework, with the student being able to transition to do it independently
Limit homework time with parent communicating to the team if homework not completed and student be exempted from the unfinished assignment.
No time limit on tests

Flexibility

Have Teacher place arrow sticky notes on an analog clock in class for increased visual cues for class changes or end of day/early dismissal
Have visual on the desk for any class changes that may be unique to the student

Dyscalculia Accommodations

Do you or your child struggle with numbers?

Dyscalculia Signs

Mixes up addition, multiplication, division, and subtraction when solving equations.
Difficulty remembering the multiplication table
Counting money is difficult to learn and remember

dyscalculia

Increased time for test
Preferential seating
Break up math homework and assignments into smaller steps
Provide extra test-taking time
Reduced math homework, ie student only needs to complete every other math problem to show mastery
Record lectures when needed
Teacher notes with a breakdown of solving for each type of equation
Taking pictures of notes and equations on board
Modified test with decreased story problems, reduced questions and/or multiple choice answers
Quiet testing area (some students find talking out loud through the math problems helpful)
Limit word problems
Math fact sheets (brightly colored sheets may be beneficial to help the student find and organize the sheets)
No timed fluency math test
Extra space on math sheets to show progress
The teacher highlights or circles the important parts of the problem including keywords on story problems
Index card with formulas written out for math test
Access to measurement, pre-measurement, math sheets, and conversion guides for other classes too (science, consumer science, drafting, machinery, engineering, and more)

May have the option to record lectures
The student may have access to games and math apps that allow them to practice math skills in a different way
The student may have access to talking tape measures and scales
The student can choose their preferred method to solve math equations (common core vs traditional, etc)
Allow testing substitutions, when appropriate, to show mastery including presenting orally
One on one testing
Sample problems at the student's desk or board while completing work
Access to math vocabulary and math reference sheets for all assignments and test
Calculator (talking calculator may be appropriate too)
Headphones (music or sounds may be needed to reduce background noise)
Use visual aids or tactile objects when solving problems.
Use of a paper (with a window) to cover up most of what’s on a math sheet or test to make it easier to focus on one problem at a time.
Assignments and tests will have more blank space to write problems and solutions
Graph paper to help organize thoughts and solve equations (the larger 1-inch grid can be easier for some students)
Story problems read to the student
Create separate worksheets for word problems and number problems.

Dyslexia Accommodations

Do you or your child have difficulty in phonics, rhyming, learning to read?

Testing

Assignments and tests will have adequate blank space to write problems and solutions
Student can redo homework assignments and tests
Modified/Adapted test with decreased essays, decreased story problems, reduced questions and/or multiple choice answers
Alternatives to writing assignments like drawings, videos, etc
No time limit on tests and tests can be taken in a quiet space
Word bank provided for fill in the blank tests and assignments
Provide word banks that relate to assignments
Allow testing substitutions, when appropriate, to show mastery including presenting orally
The Student can have questions read to them for tests
Filling out answers directly on test and not on the scantron

Homework

Time limit on completing homework outside of school
Teacher marks due dates on all assignments

Classroom Presentations

Ability to use full notes on any class presentation Modifications/Adaptations to class presentations like pre-recorded videos
Reader pen, like a C-Pen, to scan text for increased independence Student will have access to online textbooks for class or actual textbooks Access to colored strips or bookmarks to help maintain appropriate line when reading Access to audiobooks for assignments and grade-level reading

Reading

Reader pen, like a C-Pen, to scan text for increased independence
Student will have access to online textbooks for class or actual textbooks
Access to colored strips or bookmarks to help maintain appropriate line when reading
Access to audiobooks for assignments and grade-level reading

Classroom

Preferential seating

Notes

Take picture of the board instead of writing everything down
Daily Teacher notes provided
Full study notes and vocabulary provided at the start or before each new section
May have the option to record lectures
Either full teacher notes or full teacher outlines
Guided teacher notes (this is the next step after full teacher notes, guided notes are fill in the blank style teacher notes)
The vocabulary list is given ahead of time to take home take pictures of notes on board
Teachers send home completed study guides and vocabulary prior to starting a new unit

Assignments

The student completes work in small chunks with the teacher checking for understanding between each section before moving on to the next part of the assignment (When a student is ready, move on to accommodation below)
To continue to increase independence, incorporate graphic check-in for understanding after the assignment is given, student moves paperclip based on their need to yes/no for requiring teacher assistance
Another option instead of the paperclip method above is to use visual reminder taped inside desk or pencil box for student reminder to check in with teacher if help is needed
Provide visual cue sheet with common words that are used for each assignment or lesson plan
Provide a rubric that describes the elements of a successful assignment
Allow student to have a visual of what the end project will look like and all the steps it takes to make the final project
Student can use blank paper in order to focus on one section at a time on a worksheet or assignment
Modified (this wording is used in the U.S.) or Adapted (this wording may be used elsewhere) assignments and homework
The teacher highlights or circles the important parts of the problem including keywords on story problems
Simplify directions using keywords for the most important ideas
Using pictures to break down steps instead of words
Highlight essential information on all handouts including assignments and teacher notes
Graphic organizers for assignments

Writing/Typing

Word prediction software for writing
Someone scribing for the student
Access to Speech to Text technology
Skip lines when writing
Break writing tasks into smaller steps
Ability to use technology for completing work
Use lined paper with raised lines and highlighted lines for increased tactile and visual sensory feedback
Fill in the blank sentences for writing assignments to help with increased independence
Access to technology or similar sheet for finding appropriate synonyms to assist with grade-level context when writing
May want to upgrade from a word prediction writing program to a more advanced writing program/add-on for writing assistance that has a plagiarism checker as student advances in school
Sentence starters for writing assignments

Spelling

Modified/Adapted spelling test or spelling test removed while working on appropriate intervention program, like Orton Gillingham, with learning disability educator
Grammar and spelling do not affect grades, assignments graded on content
Personal spelling dictionary
The Student can have a scribe for writing assignments

Dyslexia

Dysgraphia Accommodations Does your child or yourself struggle with writing?