Writing Accommodations and Modifications

An accommodation changes how a student might learn or engage in academic material. For example, a student may be able to have extra time on tests.

A modification changes what a student is taught or expected to learn. For example, a student may receive different grade level content compared to some peers in their class.

It may be helpful to suggest writing accommodations if your client has challenges in spelling, writing fluency, and handwriting legibility. This may interfere with the clients ability to community ideas in writing, even though they have imaginative and creative ideas.

Some strategies can include:

  • Learning computer keyboarding will be important to get around weakness in handwriting and may help increase the client’s ease and efficiency of use of word-processing programs for writing.
  • Learning a method of letter formation and regular handwriting practice may improve the client’s  fluency in printing.
  • Using graph paper may help the client keep more consistency in the spacing and sizing when handwriting.
  • Using computer word processing will help in identification/limitation of spelling and grammar errors.
  • Having a scribe, or digitally recording ideas will allow to focus on content. 
  • Due to significant difficulties with task initiation, the client may benefit from clear verbal and written prompts to get started
  • Break down the task of writing into manageable part to separate the tasks of creation of content from grammar/spelling/mechanics. This way they can capture his creative ideas on their first draft and leave the technical aspects for later drafts.
  • Teach the client to use assistive technology for writing.
    • A read & write program (e.g. Read & Write for Google Chrome, Read and Write Gold) on the computer allows for speech to text writing, and support for spelling and grammar.
  • Using a writing organization tool can help the client ensure they include enough detail and elaboration to convey their ideas completely.
  • The use of speech-to-text technology
  • Speech-to-text technology can be a very successful support for individuals with writing, however, clients with speech articulation problems will require specialized support with this technology. 
    • A specialized computer program developed in conjunction with the Bloorview McMillan Children’s Center in Ontario may effective for your client.
      • This program comes in two parts that work in an integrated manner with word processing programs.
      • The first is called Word-Q and the second is called Speak-Q.
      • The program comes with a useful word-prediction function and speaks aloud any word that the user types for immediate feedback and correction
      • The program may be downloaded from http://wordq.com/ and is sold at a reasonable price.