My Student Won’t Use Their Accommodations

A student might be reluctant to use accommodations in school for a number of reasons. For a parent it may be frustrating, especially when they know the tools and supports are necessary for their students learning. Consider these following reasons to guide an open conversation with your student to find out “why” they are reluctant in using accommodations in their educational settings. This knowledge will empower you as their parent to provide targeted support, address fears, dispel misconceptions and find alternative solutions that better suit your students needs.

Not Wanting to Stand Out:

• Some students worry about everyone looking at them or thinking they’re different if they use extra help. Your student might feel a bit embarrassed or not want to be treated differently.

Seeking Independence:

• As your student gets older, they like to show they can do things by themselves. Using extra supports might make them feel like they’re not doing it all on their own.

Concerns About Friends’ Reactions:

• Your student may be worried about how their classmates will react if they use accommodations. Fear of judgment or teasing from peers can be a significant factor in their reluctance.
• Extra support may make your student feel negatively stigmatized. They may not want their peers to know they need help.
• Your student may not want to look different from their friends. They might skip using their accommodations to fit in with what everyone else is doing.

Not Understanding Why They Need Supports:

• Your student may not fully understand the purpose and benefits of their accommodations. They might view them as a hindrance rather than a helpful tool tailored to their learning needs.

Feeling Overwhelmed:

• Extra steps or modifications may seem overwhelming to your student and they may not know exactly “how” and “when” to use them.

Worrying About Things Being Fair:

• Your student might be worrying that using accommodations gives them an unfair advantage or that others will perceive it that way.

Previous Negative Experiences:

• If your student has had negative experiences related to their disability or accommodations in the past, they may be hesitant to use them again.

Communication Challenges :

• Some students may find it difficult to express how they feel regarding their accommodation needs and concerns. They may be refusing to use them simply because they don’t know how to tell you the accommodation is not working for them.

Additional Resources:

9 Reasons Kids Might Refuse to Use Accommodations: understood.org