​What is a Functional Limitation

A person has a functional limitation when he or she, because of a disability, does not have the physical, cognitive or psychological ability to independently perform the routine activities of daily living. Examples of functional limitations include (but are not limited to): 

• Difficulty reading text
• Difficulty learning number facts
• Easily distractible
• Weak memory skills
• Difficulty making decisions or problem-solving
• Difficulty with organization and prioritization
• Difficulty understanding oral information
• Unable to follow a set of instructions in the correct sequence

What are Accommodations

An accommodation is any change to the environment or in the way things are customarily done, that gives a person with a disability an opportunity to participate in the application process, job, program or activity that is equal to the opportunity given to similarly situated people without disabilities.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) in the Job Corps setting may involve a modification or adjustment within an environment (e.g., academic, career technical, work-based learning, recreational, residential), and may involve a modification or adjustment to a policy, program, or procedure.  RA can also be any other action, such as providing appropriate services or products that removes barriers for the person with a disability.

Tips for Generating Accommodations

Disability, Deficit, Disorder	Functional Limitations	Accommodation Options
Dyslexi​a​	Difficulty reading text Weak handwriting and spelling Poor memory skills Di​fficulty summarizing what has been read	​Provide extra time to complete reading tasks or books on tape Provide use of a computer and/or spell check ​Use picture/graphic imagery Provide visual aids and extra time
Dyscalculia	Difficulty with word problems Difficulty using multiple steps in math calculations Difficulty with telling time Difficulty organizing problems on the page Difficulty learning number facts	Provide visual representations of words Break math assignments down into single steps Use a digital watch or phone apps Provide color coded notes or allow the use of graph paper Provide math fact charts or “cheat sheets”
​Dysgraphia	​Difficulty organizing and putting thoughts on paper  Difficulty with syntax, structure and grammar  May have illegible handwriting  May exhibit strange wrist, body, or paper positioning	​Allow the use of a dictation device, word processor, or notetaker  Provide correct models and grammar-check technology Allow the use of a word processor or computer Provide pencil grips and/or specially designed writing aids
Dyspraxia	Unable to follow a set of instructions in the correct sequence Easily distractible Sense of balance may be affected May appear to be disorganized or have difficulty finding things	Provide step-by-step instructions Provide a distraction-free workspace and/or headphone Provide adaptive seat/furniture/workspace Clearly label frequently used classroom and training materials; provide color coded notes
Visual Processing Deficits	Difficulty copying information accurately Frequently loses place while reading or writing Messy looking papers (e.g., letters colliding or not on the line and/or irregular spacing) Difficulty navigating around center	Provide a copy of notes; reduce copying tasks; provide a notetaker Provide tracking tools (e.g., ruler, text windows, visual guides); check work frequently Allow the use of a computer or provide an alternative to writing assignments Provide pictures/graphics for navigating center; provide verbal/auditory supports for instructions
Auditory  Processing Deficits	Difficulty remembering directions given orally Difficulty following multiple directives given at one time Difficulty comprehending complex sentence structures or rapid speech Appears confused often (e.g., says “what” a lot)​	Provide directions in writing and/or pictures/graphics Limit the number of directions given at one time Provide slow, simple oral instruction/directions; provide modeling with oral information Frequently check for understanding
​Executive Functioning  Disorder	​​Difficulty planning and organizing Difficulty making decisions or problem-solving Difficulty paying attention and remembering details Difficulty adapting to changing situations	​Provide checklists, calendars, color coded systems Provide a buddy/mentor; provide choices rather than open-ended decisions Allow the use of recording devices/apps; provide distraction free workspace Provide adequate notice of anticipated changes and/or transitions​

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