Page 26 - Education August 2024

The Life-changing Power of

Academic Accommodations

inding the right learning environment for Consider a talented runner who loses their legs. A wheelchair will assist
children with unique educational needs them, but they will no longer thrive alongside their peers in their field.
Fcan be daunting. The journey to securing However, proper prosthetics can restore them to their true potential and
the appropriate support and accommodations level out the playing field again.
is crucial for their academic and personal
growth. Let me share a story many parents For my son, this means access to accommodations that allow him to
might relate to: a journey filled with challenges overcome the barriers posed by his dyslexia and heightened sensory
and triumphs. awareness. These accommodations include using technology within the
classroom, such as speech-to-text tools, which enabled him to express his
A Journey of Perseverance and ideas more freely and confidently. This support was integrated seamlessly
Discovery into his learning experience, helping him develop independence and
Imagine a bright, young mind bursting with confidence.
ideas but constantly held back by an education
system that doesn’t fit. This is the story of many My son’s comprehension, vocabulary, and cognitive ability have always
children, including my son, who face challenges been way ahead of his peers, but at age 20, his reading age is still at a
like severe dyslexia, high-functioning autism, low primary school level. This has severely hindered his confidence. So,
and ADHD. Despite their high intellect, they you can imagine my joy when I heard him reciting Ozymandias in the
struggle to find environments that recognise shower or when he presented me with a very good poem capturing
their giftedness and learning barriers. the interesting political changes we are living through (he will always
somehow bring it back to politics).
My son’s journey has been one of
perseverance, facing numerous obstacles This prompted me to find information about the accommodations and
in finding the right learning environment. concessions children like my son are constitutionally entitled to. It is not
Traditional school settings often couldn’t cater only something considered in remedial schools. They may involve a bit of
to his unique needs, leading to frustration and red tape. Still, we have achieved a language exemption (he doesn’t need
setbacks. However, he has made significant to do a second language), a reader, a scribe, additional time if required,
strides through determination and proper a separate venue, and access to technology. Now that it is being properly
support. implemented, he is as independent and capable as any of his peers and is
finally showing us all what I never doubted for a second.
The Concept of Equity in Education
Equity in education means providing each Understanding Accommodations and Concessions
student with the specific resources and support Academic accommodations and concessions are essential for students
they need to succeed rather than offering the with learning disabilities or barriers, ensuring they can demonstrate
same resources to all students. This approach their true academic abilities without being hindered by their challenges.
ensures that every child can reach their full Concessions are not about giving students an unfair advantage but
potential by addressing their needs. levelling the playing field.

Education | August 2024 | 24