A modification in student needs occurs when a teacher redirects and re-shapes the purported needs of a student. This approach is generally only advisable if you know enough about the student and her particular set of needs to competently suggest alternative strategies. For example, a student with social anxiety disorder might request individual work instead of group work. If the student requests this because she is being bullied, instituting a strict no-bullying policy and carefully monitoring groups might modify the student's need. Instructors might also opt to modify the curriculum itself to meet student needs. For example, a P.E. curriculum that requires running is not appropriate for a student who is wheelchair-bound. Rather than exempt the student from running, some teachers might eliminate running from the curriculum altogether to ensure that the student does not feel left out or stigmatized.
Accommodations are minor alterations in the curriculum for students with special needs. They are generally based on recommendations by the student's medical staff and are typically required by law. A student with a chronic illness would likely be entitled to a relaxation in the attendance policy to accommodate her frequent absences. Students with hearing difficulties might require translators, hearing aids or microphones. Accommodations, unlike modifications, generally only affect the individual student rather than the entire classroom. Because they only require limited adjustments, they are typically mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Teachers can implement a combination of modifications and accommodations. It's generally best to institute a program that avoids stigmatization and still permits a student to participate in classroom activities as much as possible. A student with mobility difficulties might require modifications to physical aspects of the curriculum and accommodations that include help pushing her wheelchair, easily accessible desks, and a note-taker.
Teachers who attempt to modify student needs can find themselves in legal trouble if they ignore the recommendations of the student's medical team or school administration. If you want to try to modify a student's needs or the curriculum itself, consult with the student's medical team first. Failure to offer students reasonable accommodations can result in lawsuits, fines and -- in extreme cases -- loss of federal funding for your school. Consequently, it's best to err on the side of offering the student more support than she requests rather than less.