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

Accessible Vocabulary & Syntax

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


Graphic Organizer

Literacy 4-6

Visualizing how ideas fit together helps students construct meaning and strengthens their recall.

Mnemonic Device

Math 3-6

Mnemonic devices help students remember mathematical concepts and steps of math and classroom processes.

Brief Instruction Steps

Literacy 4-6


Movement Breaks

Math 3-6


Multimodal Instruction

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

Rich Library: Complexity

Literacy PK-3



Literacy PK-3

Students build their confidence and skills by reading and rereading books.

Text-to-speech Software

Literacy PK-3


Visual Reading Aids

Literacy PK-3


math supports

Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA)

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.

Creating Visual Representations

Math 3-6


Multiple Representations: Manipulatives

Math 3-6

Providing physical and virtual representations of numbers and math concepts helps activate mental processes.

writing supports

Checklists & Rubrics

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.

Sentence Frames

Literacy 4-6

Sentence frames or stems provide language support for students' writing and participation in academic discussions.

Word Processing

Literacy 4-6

Research has shown that students write longer pieces with stronger quality when they use word processing software.