Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

MAUREEN, You are right, of course, Maureen. Now, the question is what you can do within your institutional setting to help the front line faculty know how best to respond to the issues these students present when they DON'T have your level of training. My Dad used to have a sign over his desk that read, "Are you helping with the solution, or are you part of the problem?" How do YOU help with the solution? GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Physical Disability

Andy, Unfortunately, what you are expressing here is exactly the kind of stereotyping that the laws were designed to put a stop to. I have a colleague who gives a presentation called, "Of Blind mechanics and hemophiliac industrial arts teachers I have known." He says that, in truth, he has only known one of each, but it was enough to teach him not to make assumptions about what someone will or will not be able to do because of disability. You say that when you need a doctor, you want the best. Do you check out the medical school class… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Learning Disability

Thomas, It sounds as though you have had great success in working with students on these issues, and that is certainly commendable. But I want to make sure you understand that learning disabilities do not disappear because the student finds (or is shown, by a caring instructor!) good compensation strategies. Learning disabilities are not something that the student can "get past" through hard work on their part. They will always have that learning disability. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Learning Disability

MAUREEN, The institution (and the person making these decisions on behalf of the institution) have a great deal of latitude regarding how to accommodate students, and there is nothing to prevent this accommodation being assigned. But, just to be clear, IEPs and 504 plans ONLY are binding on the K-12 system. Unless these are students who are still in high school, involved in dual enrollment programs, these plans are not binding on the postsecondary institution Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Rock and a Hard Place?

Eric, It sounds like a great plan, Eric, except that my experience is that faculty often don't see their technical standards as "negotiable"! GRIN But I think the idea of a sit down discussion among well-meaning individuals INCLUDING the student is a positive way to try to resolve differences. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Physical Disability

Gerald, Absolutely! And THAT is what Section 504 and the ADA are all about... giving people with disabilities the opportunity to try and to pursue their interests in just the same way that everyone else has the chance to try. Some will be successful, some will have to alter their goals to be successful -- and maybe some will fail But that makes them just like the rest of our student pool. We owe students with disabilities the dignity of making their own decisions and being in control of their own destiny. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Physical Disability

Sean, I couldn't have said it better or agree with you more. I think checking to see WHY a student is enrolled in the course of study may make significant difference in how one approaches, and encourages, their pursuit of the field. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Eric, Hmmm... I am all for teaching test-taking strategies to all students, including those with disabilities. Just so we are clear, however, the difficulties that create the need for extended time for students with disabilities will not go away with practice. They are here to stay! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

After the Classroom

Eric, But isn't that true of EVERY student? That they MIGHT have difficulty and struggle with how to manage new tasks and new responsibilities? Beware of overgeneralizing the problems for students with any type of disability, but especially ADHD. They are tremendously varied in their skills, their coping strategies, and their interests. Being aware of how their disability impacts on them could be helpful in determining compensation strategies, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they cannot or will not be successful. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Leveling The Playing Field

Agreed! That is really what accommodations are all about -- "Each according to his/her need." Dr. Jane Jarrow