As a practitioner providing online therapy services to schools, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest research and best practices to ensure students with ADHD receive appropriate accommodations. A recent study, "Accommodation Decision-Making for Postsecondary Students with ADHD: Treating the Able as Disabled," sheds light on how Disability Services Offices (DSOs) in Canada make accommodation decisions and highlights the need for a more evidence-based approach.
The study found that DSOs often grant accommodations based on student self-reports and professional recommendations, even when there is no objective evidence of functional impairment. This practice can lead to non-impaired individuals receiving accommodations that may give them an unfair advantage over their peers. To create a more equitable learning environment, practitioners should consider the following recommendations:
- Use Objective, Third-Party Data: Ensure that accommodation decisions are based on objective evidence of functional impairment. This includes psychoeducational or psychological assessment reports, test scores, and documentation of previous accommodations.
- Individualized Assessments: Each student’s need for accommodations should be assessed on an individual basis, considering the specific demands of their courses and the documented functional impairments.
- Comprehensive Training: Provide training for DSO staff to accurately interpret disability documentation and understand the legal and diagnostic standards required for ADHD and other disabilities.
- Consult Experts: When in doubt, consult with external experts who can provide an unbiased evaluation of the documentation and recommendations.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Embrace UDL principles to design courses that accommodate a diverse range of learners. This can include offering extra time and other supports to all students who feel they could benefit from them.
By implementing these recommendations, practitioners can help ensure that accommodations are granted fairly and equitably, supporting the success of all students.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Accommodation Decision-Making for Postsecondary Students with ADHD: Treating the Able as Disabled
