Cerebral Palsy IEP Accommodations List (2026)

Quick Answer: Which Cerebral Palsy IEP Accommodations Should You Consider?

Cerebral Palsy IEP accommodations should remove the specific barriers documented in the evaluation without lowering learning expectations. The strongest accommodations say exactly what support is provided, when it applies, who implements it, and how the team will confirm it is being used.

Use this list to prepare for the meeting, then review Cerebral Palsy accommodations, audit the full IEP, or check the accommodation section.

⚠️ Accommodations must be individualized. This list shows commonly considered accommodations for students with Cerebral Palsy. Your child's IEP team should select accommodations based on their specific evaluation data, not from a checklist. A generic list is a starting point — not a plan.

Expert Reviewedby Mary

"I've sat at over 500 IEP tables."

I'm Mary, a Special Education Advocate and the founder of The Advocate Ally. I created this Cerebral Palsy IEP accommodations guide because too many parents feel pressured to accept generic, "cookie-cutter" IEPs.

The guidance below is grounded in the same practical, document-based questions I raise in IEP meetings every day. Use it to ask for clearer, more individualized support for your child.

Mary

Founder, The Advocate Ally

Environmental Accommodations

Changes to the physical environment that reduce barriers.

Wheelchair-accessible classroom and desk
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request wheelchair-accessible classroom and desk as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Adapted seating and positioning equipment
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request adapted seating and positioning equipment as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Extra time between classes for mobility
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request extra time between classes for mobility as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Materials placed within reach and easy to manipulate
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request materials placed within reach and easy to manipulate as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Accessible pathways to all school areas
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request accessible pathways to all school areas as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."

Instructional Accommodations

Changes to how instruction is delivered.

Assistive technology for writing (keyboard, eye-tracking, switch device)
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request assistive technology for writing (keyboard, eye-tracking, switch device) as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Speech-to-text for written assignments
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request speech-to-text for written assignments as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Adapted materials (larger text, page turners, specialized grips)
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request adapted materials (larger text, page turners, specialized grips) as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
OT/PT integrated into the school day
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request ot/pt integrated into the school day as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Reduced motor demands in favor of cognitive demonstration
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request reduced motor demands in favor of cognitive demonstration as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."

Assessment Accommodations

Changes to how your child demonstrates knowledge.

Extended time for all motor-dependent tasks
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request extended time for all motor-dependent tasks as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Alternative response methods (verbal, technology-assisted)
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request alternative response methods (verbal, technology-assisted) as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Scribe for written portions
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request scribe for written portions as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Separate setting for comfort and accessibility
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request separate setting for comfort and accessibility as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."
Adapted test materials (large print, adapted answer sheets)
💬 What to say in the meeting
"I'd like to request adapted test materials (large print, adapted answer sheets) as a documented accommodation in the IEP. Can we specify how this will be implemented, who is responsible, and how we'll know it's being provided consistently?"
If denied: "Please document that refusal in a Prior Written Notice explaining why this accommodation isn't appropriate given my child's evaluation data."

🚩 Red Flags in Cerebral Palsy Accommodations

If any of these sound familiar, your child's accommodations may not be protecting them the way they should.

Accommodations are listed but no one is assigned to implement them

What to say:

Say: 'Who specifically is responsible for ensuring this accommodation happens daily? I'd like a name and role written into the IEP — not just the accommodation itself.'

How the audit helps:

Our audit checks whether each accommodation has an implementation plan — and flags the ones that are just words on paper.

The school says 'we already do that for all students' when you request an accommodation

What to say:

Say: 'If you already do it, then there's no reason not to write it into the IEP. If it's not written down, it's not enforceable — and my child loses access if they change classrooms or schools.'

How the audit helps:

We identify which accommodations are missing from the IEP document — even ones the school claims they 'already provide.'

Accommodations haven't changed in years despite your child's evolving needs

What to say:

Say: 'My child is older now, and their needs have changed. Can we review each accommodation against the most recent evaluation data to make sure these are still appropriate?'

How the audit helps:

Our audit cross-references accommodations against the Present Levels section to catch outdated or mismatched supports.

The teacher says they 'forgot' or 'didn't know about' the accommodation

What to say:

Say: 'The IEP is a legally binding document. Every teacher who works with my child is required to know and implement these accommodations. What is the school's process for ensuring all staff are informed?'

How the audit helps:

We flag written language that leaves staff responsibility, timing, or implementation unclear.

Accommodations are being removed because 'the student doesn't use them'

What to say:

Say: 'Was my child explicitly taught how to use and request this accommodation? Did anyone track whether it was offered consistently before deciding it's not needed?'

How the audit helps:

Our audit flags accommodation changes or removals that may need clearer data support.

What To Do Right Now

Pull out your child's current IEP and find the accommodations section. Compare what's listed against the Cerebral Palsy-specific accommodations above.

For each accommodation listed, ask yourself: Is this actually happening in the classroom? Have I seen evidence of it?

Look at the evaluation data. Do the accommodations directly address the deficits identified in the testing? If not, they may be generic filler.

Ask your child (if appropriate): 'Does your teacher give you extra time? Do you get to use your [accommodation]?' Their answer tells you more than any progress report.

Upload the IEP to our free audit tool. The audit reviews whether written accommodations are specific, connected to documented needs, and clear enough to implement.

Are the Cerebral Palsy Accommodations Specific Enough?

An accommodation can appear in the IEP and still be too vague to use consistently. Upload your child's IEP to identify written supports that may be missing, unclear, or disconnected from the needs described in the plan.

Run a Free IEP Audit Get Custom Action Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an accommodation and a modification for Cerebral Palsy?

An accommodation changes HOW a student accesses learning without changing the content. A modification changes WHAT the student is expected to learn. Most students with Cerebral Palsy benefit from accommodations that remove barriers while maintaining grade-level expectations. The key is matching the accommodation to the specific way Cerebral Palsy impacts your child's learning.

Can I request accommodations that aren't on the school's standard list?

Yes. IDEA requires accommodations to be individualized based on your child's evaluation data and needs. There is no single standard list. If a specific accommodation addresses a documented barrier, you can request it and ask the team to explain how each support connects to the evaluation findings.

How do I know if my child's accommodations are actually being implemented?

Ask the team what records or data show when and how accommodations are provided. You can also ask your child and compare their daily experience with what is written in the IEP document. If the answers do not match the plan, document the concern and request a team discussion.

What should I do if the school removes an accommodation without my consent?

Ask for the change and its basis in writing, request an IEP meeting, and explain why the accommodation is still needed. The school must follow the required parent-participation and notice procedures, but consent rules for later IEP changes vary by state.