Digital Promise Signature Workspace
Supports for Learners with Disabilities in a Distance Learning Context
Providing supports and accommodations for learners with disabilities is often necessary for them to succeed in a virtual or distance learning context. This Workspace recommends strategies to adjust practice for Learners with Disabilities in this context.
attention and memory supports
Math 3-6
Teachers support language development by using and providing vocabulary and syntax that is appropriately leveled (e.g., using simple sentences when introducing complex concepts).
Math 3-6
Adding motions to complement learning activates more cognitive processes for recall and understanding.
Literacy 4-6
Visualizing how ideas fit together helps students construct meaning and strengthens their recall.
Math 3-6
Mnemonic devices help students remember mathematical concepts and steps of math and classroom processes.
Literacy 4-6
Content that is provided in clear, short chunks can support students' Working Memory.
Math 3-6
Brain breaks that include movement allow learners to refresh their thinking and focus on learning new information.
Literacy 4-6
Instruction in multiple formats allows students to activate different cognitive skills to understand and remember the steps they are to take in their literacy work.
reading supports
Literacy PK-3
Books of varying complexity and reading levels are necessary for all students to experience reading success.
Literacy PK-3
Transforming written text into audio activates different parts of the brain to support learning.
Literacy PK-3
Visual supports, like text magnification, colored overlays, and guided reading strips, help students focus and properly track as they read.
math supports
Math 3-6
CRA is a sequential instructional approach during which students move from working with concrete materials to creating representational drawings to using abstract symbols.
Math 3-6
Students activate more cognitive processes by exploring and representing their understandings in visual form.
Math 3-6
Providing physical and virtual representations of numbers and math concepts helps activate mental processes.
writing supports
Literacy 4-6
Checklists and rubrics help students develop their abilities to self-assess and revise their writing.
Literacy 4-6
Dictation can allow students with transcription difficulties to still participate in the writing process and generate ideas.
Literacy 4-6
Sentence frames or stems provide language support for students' writing and participation in academic discussions.
Literacy 4-6
Research has shown that students write longer pieces with stronger quality when they use word processing software.
