Choosing Accommodations That Fit Individual Needs: Strengths and Needs Self-Assessment Worksheet


Assess Your Strengths and Challenges: 

Think about the kinds of activities you will be doing in your higher education program. Then think about the kinds of strengths you have to do those activities well and also the kinds of challenges you will need to think about to determine what accommodations you may need. 

Instructions: The next section includes six skill categories of activities that are typical in a higher education setting. Print this webpage. For each of the skills listed, circle the number that best matches your rating for each item: 

5 = a strength | 3 = neutral | 1 = a challenge

1. Academics: Think about areas of basic school work skills that every student needs to be successful. 

Academics
Academic SkillsStrengthNeutralChallenge
1. Reading    
  a. Speed54321
  b. Understanding54321
2. Math   
  a. Completing word problems54321
  b. Calculating54321
3. Writing   
  a. Grammar and spelling54321
  b. Composition and writing style54321
4. Other   
  a. 54321
  b. 54321
     

2. Classroom Participation: Think about skills every student needs to get the most out of participation in a typical class (for example, group lectures, small group discussions, lab activities). 

Participation
Classroom Participation SkillsStrengthNeutralChallenge
Taking notes54321
Paying attention to instructor54321
Avoiding distractions54321
Reading visual aids54321
Participating in discussions54321
Other54321

3. Test Taking: Think about skills every student needs to show teachers what they have learned in a class.

Test Taking
Test Taking SkillsStrengthNeutralChallenge
Working under a time limit54321
Taking multiple-choice tests54321
Writing test essays54321
Dealing with test anxiety54321
Remembering course information54321
Other54321

4. Homework: Think about skills every student needs to study effectively and complete homework assignments. 

Homework
Homework SkillsStrengthNeutralChallenge
Organizing your study space54321
Managing time54321
Managing disruptions54321
Doing library research54321
Reading54321
Taking Notes54321
Reviewing notes54321
Completing writing assignments54321
Completing worksheets or lab reports54321
Other54321

5. Campus Accessibility and Mobility: Think about areas of the campus every student needs to access and use to have a successful academic and social life. 

Campus Accessibility and Mobility
Campus Accessibility and Mobility SkillsStrengthNeutralChallenge
Finding your way around the campus and residential areas54321
Accessing classrooms, dorms, unions, libraries54321
Accessing campus and classroom materials54321
Other54321

6. Social/Self-Advocacy with Peers and Professors: Think about the social skills every student needs to have a successful academic and social life. 

Social/Self-Advocacy
Social/Self-Advocacy Skills with Peers and ProfessorsStrengthNeutralChallenge
Participating well with other students in discussions or group assignments54321
Explaining your needs and accommodations confidently54321
Speaking up for your rights54321
Other54321