Area Cooperative for Educational Support-ACES

Stop managing IEPs in pieces and start managing them as a system.

The Intentional IEP is an educator-led IEP management system built to support the full IEP lifecycle — not just one part of it.

Everything works together so you don’t have to hold it all alone. Join the system. 👉 https://www.theintentionaliep.com/start-here/

The difference between accommodation and modifications is something we are familiar with, but often is very confusing for others.

When we are explaining these two terms to other educators and parents, we need to have an easy way that they can understand. A great way to do this is to give examples.

Accommodations change the HOW, while modifications change the WHAT.

Examples:
Accommodations - large print text, reteaching concepts, working in pairs or small groups, use of a calculator, extended time, and flexible seating.

Modifications - use of a different grading rubric, modifying the format of a test or activity, modifying the reading level, change of student expectations, and reduced complexity of an activity.

⭐️ Before diving in to a IEP meeting, make sure that you take the time to explain to all present what the difference is between modifications and accommodations.

Learn more 👉 https://www.theintentionaliep.com/iep-accommodations-vs-iep-modifications

Because sometimes, it's not the IEPs fault... sometimes it's because there are members (plural, yes) of the IEP team that are not implementing the IEP will 100% fidelity.

And to be honest, in my years in education, I've seen it from every seat at the table - including other special ed teachers. 🫠

What helps mitigate this? Explaining at the IEP table what implementation looks like.

📢 SDI 101: Part 2 – Making It Happen! 📢
Now that you know what SDI is, let’s talk about how it’s implemented! 💡

👉 Swipe through to learn:
✅ What SDI is not.
✅ SDI vs. Differentiation
✅ General Ed Teachers & SDI
✅ The purpose of SDI.

💙 SDI isn’t a bonus—it’s essential for equity in education! Want more IEP strategies, real-world examples, and special education insights?

Follow for expert guidance on all things IEPs!

OT is OT, so why not just do it at school and make life easier, right? But here’s the scoop:

School-based OT is educationally driven.

It’s only provided if the child’s disability is impacting their ability to access or participate in their education. The OT’s job in this setting is to support function within the school environment, like:
• Holding a pencil to write
• Sensory supports
• Using scissors during class projects
• Organizing materials or managing transitions

It’s not about treating all developmental concerns, just the ones that interfere with educational access.

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Outpatient OT is medically based.

This focuses on overall development and function, not just how the child does at school. It covers:
• Sensory processing challenges at home and in the community
• Fine motor delays that may not affect schoolwork (yet)
• Feeding concerns, dressing, toileting, self-regulation, etc.

Even if a child doesn’t qualify for school OT (because their delays don’t impact school performance enough), they might still have real functional delays that need outpatient support.

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So why can’t school OT be used just for convenience?

Because it’s legally tied to educational necessity. It’s not meant to replace medical services, and schools aren’t allowed to provide therapy “just in case” or “to make life easier” even if we wish they could!