Accommodations

If you’re a person with a chronic condition that affects your ability to function “normally” in everyday life, chances are you would benefit from having accommodations at school, for exams (whether you’re in school or not), and/or at work. Accommodations are available to us to help even out the playing field.

It’s always important to work with a medical team that supports and advocates for you, and it is especially crucial to have such a team while you’re in school. Dr. Sarah Cohen Solomon, a pediatrician specializing in EDS and its comorbidities and also my twin sister, has a particular interest and expertise in making sure kids get the accommodations they need at school.

Stay tuned for more info on getting the accommodations you deserve.

Accommodation Examples

School Accommodations

Check out this resource for more suggestions

  • Permission to leave class a few minutes early/arrive in class a few minutes late to avoid crowded hallways, extra time to walk between classes

  • Elevator access

  • Extra snack time

  • Textbooks for at-home use, large print textbooks

  • Extra time to complete assignments

  • Review of instructions and assignments 1:1

  • Adaptive writing utensils

  • Peer or scribe notetaking

  • Permission to take breaks and to stand up, stretch, and move around

Exam Accommodations

Check out this resource for more suggestions

  • Tests to be presented in different format, such as large print size or text-to-speech software

  • Quiet room

  • Permission to have water with you, permission to have snack with you/snack break

  • Option to circle multiple choice answers instead of fill in bubbles

  • Option to dictate answers, oral testing

  • Word bank of of choices for answers

  • Rest breaks, permission to stand up, stretch, move around

  • Extra time to complete exam, untimed exams

  • Wear/bring braces

  • Ergonomic keyboard, mouse, laptop riser, etc.

  • Ergonomic/fat writing utensil

  • Examinee may have proctor/instructor clarify instruction, highlight key instructions

  • Open-book/open-note

Work Accommodations

Check out this resource for additional suggestions

  • Remote work options, flexible scheduling

  • Ergonomic equipment, hand-free headset, anti-fatigue mats, foot rest

  • Dual monitors

  • Monitor/laptop risers

  • Height adjustable desk/standing desk

  • Ergonomic chair, stand/lean stools

  • Work station close to restrooms

  • Rest breaks