EDS4803
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO. 711507
DUE DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
, Question 1 (10 marks)
Critically discuss the concept of reasonable accommodations in education. How
might persons with disabilities benefit if all stakeholders were genuinely
committed to implementing reasonable accommodations?
Reasonable accommodations in education refer to the necessary and appropriate
adjustments made within learning environments to ensure that learners with disabilities
can access education on an equal basis with others, without imposing a
disproportionate or undue burden (United Nations, 2007). These accommodations may
include physical adjustments (such as ramps and accessible classrooms), pedagogical
adjustments (such as differentiated teaching methods or extended time in
assessments), and technological supports (such as screen readers or assistive
communication devices).
The critical importance of reasonable accommodations lies in their alignment with the
principle of equity. Unlike equality, which treats all learners the same, equity recognises
the need for differentiated support to enable full participation (Department of Education,
2001). Without these adjustments, systemic barriers persist, leading to exclusion and
marginalisation of learners with disabilities.
If stakeholders—including teachers, school leaders, policymakers, parents, and
communities—were genuinely committed to implementing reasonable accommodations,
several benefits would emerge. Learners with disabilities would experience enhanced
participation, reduced dropout rates, and improved academic and social outcomes
(Smale-Jacobse et al., 2019). Schools would move closer to the vision of inclusive
education set out in White Paper 6, fostering environments that value diversity and
respect human rights. Moreover, implementing accommodations fosters broader
inclusive practices that benefit all learners, such as flexible teaching methods and
improved classroom management (Sasson, Yehuda & Miedijensky, 2022).
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO. 711507
DUE DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
, Question 1 (10 marks)
Critically discuss the concept of reasonable accommodations in education. How
might persons with disabilities benefit if all stakeholders were genuinely
committed to implementing reasonable accommodations?
Reasonable accommodations in education refer to the necessary and appropriate
adjustments made within learning environments to ensure that learners with disabilities
can access education on an equal basis with others, without imposing a
disproportionate or undue burden (United Nations, 2007). These accommodations may
include physical adjustments (such as ramps and accessible classrooms), pedagogical
adjustments (such as differentiated teaching methods or extended time in
assessments), and technological supports (such as screen readers or assistive
communication devices).
The critical importance of reasonable accommodations lies in their alignment with the
principle of equity. Unlike equality, which treats all learners the same, equity recognises
the need for differentiated support to enable full participation (Department of Education,
2001). Without these adjustments, systemic barriers persist, leading to exclusion and
marginalisation of learners with disabilities.
If stakeholders—including teachers, school leaders, policymakers, parents, and
communities—were genuinely committed to implementing reasonable accommodations,
several benefits would emerge. Learners with disabilities would experience enhanced
participation, reduced dropout rates, and improved academic and social outcomes
(Smale-Jacobse et al., 2019). Schools would move closer to the vision of inclusive
education set out in White Paper 6, fostering environments that value diversity and
respect human rights. Moreover, implementing accommodations fosters broader
inclusive practices that benefit all learners, such as flexible teaching methods and
improved classroom management (Sasson, Yehuda & Miedijensky, 2022).
