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What Parents Need to Know About SDIs,

Accommodations, and Modifications

 

Understanding the supports your child receives in school is important for making sure their Individualized Education Program (IEP) works for them. Here’s how SDIs, accommodations, and modifications help your child succeed:

 

1. Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)

What it is:
SDI is instruction that is customized to meet your child's unique learning needs. It’s not just extra help—it changes how, what, or where your child is taught so they can access the general curriculum.

Examples:

  • A different way of teaching reading

  • Using visual aids or hands-on materials

  • Breaking tasks into smaller steps

Why it matters:
SDIs are written into the IEP and must be followed. They are key to helping your child make progress.

 

2. Accommodations

What it is:
Accommodations are supports that change how your child learns, not what they learn. They help level the playing field without lowering expectations.

Examples:

  • Extra time on tests

  • Taking a test in a quiet room

  • Using a calculator or speech-to-text

Why it matters:
Accommodations make sure your child has access to the same instruction and assessments as their peers.

 

3. Modifications

What it is:
Modifications actually change what your child is expected to learn. These are typically used when a student cannot access grade-level content even with SDIs and accommodations.

Examples:

  • Reduced homework or simpler assignments

  • Alternate grading standards

  • Reading a simpler version of a text

Why it matters:
Modifications can help students with significant needs, but they may also affect graduation plans or post-high school opportunities. It’s important to understand the long-term impact.

 

Bottom Line for Parents

  • SDIs are the core of special education and must be tailored to your child.

  • Accommodations give your child access to learning without changing the standards.

  • Modifications change the learning expectations and should be used thoughtfully.

Ask questions during IEP meetings. Make sure the team explains why your child needs each support, how it will be used, and how progress will be tracked.

If there's resistance to using supports, it's time to move forward with a facilitated IEP meeting. 

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Resources

  • For more examples of school modifications and accommodations, click here to download.

  • Click here for IEP Accommodations List: 500+ Examples (for 504 Plans Too)

  • Click here for Surprising IEP and 504 plan accommodations to help kids self-regulate and manage emotions

  • Click here for examples of college accommodations

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