A.  First define a long-term goal for the child.  This is what you want the child to be able to do.  In this example, we have a long-term goal of riding a two-wheeled bicycle.

B.  Next you decide what steps must be taken to work toward that final goal – in a way that is appropriate for the child’s abilities.  That may require you to make significant changes (modifications), simple changes (accommodations), or to gradually move the child toward the objective with decreasing amounts of support and accommodations.

C.  Accommodations facilitate the child’s reaching the more challenging goal: riding a two-wheeled bicycle.

D.  For some special needs children, modifications may be necessary -- the goal itself may need to be modified from riding a two-wheeled bicycle to riding a tricycle.
 

MODIFICATIONS
 

#1                       #2

           Foot power – no pedals                Three wheels – use of pedals
 
 

ACCOMMODATIONS

The accommodation of training wheels permits the child to work toward the goal at a level appropriate for him.
 

                    Almost there!                                  The GOAL!

                #3                                    #4

            With accommodations                  Riding independently