Inclusive by Design
In the weeks leading up to competitions and the National FFA Convention & Expo, the Career and Leadership Development Team receives requests from FFA members who need reasonable accommodations to participate. The needs range from wheelchair access and testing modifications to dietary accommodations. Each request is reviewed, and staff at the National FFA Organization work to identify reasonable accommodations that support access and participation, when feasible and appropriate for the event.
“We want everybody to participate and we will do what we can to allow that participation,” explains Rebecca Carter, director of awards, recognition, grants and scholarships. “It’s all about creating access and opportunity for participation.”
These are the five most common accommodation requests for competitions that FFA receives.
1. Accessible Venues and On-Site Support
FFA events are often held in venues that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, which include wheelchair access and other built-in supports and the national FFA convention also offers American Sign Language interpreters at general sessions and designated quiet spaces. Activities that are hosted outdoors or in barns and arenas might not be as accessible, so members should check with their advisors or event hosts in advance.
2. Testing and Competition Modifications
Students with an Individualized Education Program or 504 plan may request reasonable testing accommodations, including extended time or alternative formats such as large print exams, to support access during competition. Requests are reviewed individually, based on the nature of the event and its essential requirements.
3. Alternative Testing Environments
In some cases, students may need a quieter or less distracting space, or the ability to read questions aloud. FFA can often create semi-private testing areas within the main environment with additional staff to ensure supervision protocols are followed so students feel supported and secure.
4. Dietary Accommodations and Food Safety
Food allergies and dietary restrictions are especially important in Career Development Events such as Milk Quality and Products or the Food Science and Technology competitions. Advance notice allows organizers to review reasonable accommodation requests, consider safe alternatives when feasible and determine how to best support student participation without altering essential event requirements.
5. Adaptive Materials and Visual Adjustments
FFA continually improves materials to be more inclusive, including using accessible fonts, increasing default text sizes and adjusting visuals for color blindness by incorporating symbols alongside colors. In some cases, individual requests, such as significantly enlarged text, can also be accommodated.
The Request for Reasonable Accommodation form is included in event registration materials and can be completed by students, advisors or parents. To help ensure accommodation can be reviewed and arranged, when possible, requests should be submitted at least 30 days in advance. Early planning helps staff evaluate needs and prepare reasonable supports that promote access and participation.
