Dysgraphia is a learning disability that is marked by difficulty in performing handwriting in addition to having issues with fine motor skills. People who suffer from dysgraphia have problems forming letters correctly, putting thoughts on paper, zipping a jack, tying their shoes, etc. Many students who suffer from dysgraphia often develop solid verbal skills to compensate for their handwriting issues. Because little research has been conducted on this learning disability, it is often misdiagnosed.

Are you an educator or parent searching for accommodations to help students with dysgraphia? Well, look no further. Here are some ways that you can make the learning process easier for students with dysgraphia.

Classroom Accommodations: To succeed in the classroom, students with dysgraphia need access to appropriate supports, including:

• Provide pencil grips
• Provide handouts, so they don’t have to copy from the board
• Provide them with copies of classrooms notes
• Provide them with enough time to copy notes
• Allow students to use a laptop or voice recorder
• Provide paper with raised lines or different colors because they help them create letters in the right place
• Give them graph paper, as it helps them line up math problems
• Break assignments down into steps
• Allow them to start assignments early
• Give them paper assignments with name, date, title, etc., already filled in
• Give them a rubric and explain how each step is graded
• Give them examples of finished assignments
• Provide alternatives to written responses, like giving an oral report
• Modify test formats to cut down on handwriting
• Make their grades based on what the student knows, not on handwriting or spelling
• Allow students to use speech-to-text so the student can dictate test answers and writing assignments
• Allow the student to choose to either print or use cursive for handwritten responses
• Provide them with a “proofreader” to look for errors
• Provide them extended time on tests.
• Give them a quiet room for tests if needed
• In-school tutoring or homework assistance
• Allow extra time on tests

At Home Accommodations: Parents can support the work that is being done at school, by providing their children with the following at-home accommodations.

• Provide a quiet place in the house for them to work
• Provide pencil grips
• Play word games
• Proofread their homework
• Provide them with a laptop and voice recorder
• Work with your child on managing time
• Help with homework
• Be understanding