Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Michele, You are exactly right. In fact, there is even wording to that effect within the law. The ADA prohibits discrimination against "people with disabilities or a class of people with disabilities". In other words, you may not favor people with one disability over another. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Leveling The Playing Field

No - that is probably not a reasonable accommodation for the very reason you suggest... because it means a fundamental alteration in the way the program is structured. Note that I said PROBABLY. There still needs to be consideration of whether the request is reasonable or whether there is some other way that the intent of the educational objectives can be met. Is the group class setting a part of the educational experience (that is, group work is part of what you are training), or is it simply the way it is usually done? You have to leave the door… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Beth, By sheer coincidence, within the last two months I have met a bind individual who has not only worked in the field of Medical Billing and Coding for more than 10 years -- she is now a supervisor/checker for others doing such work. Tell your student it CAN be done! If she ever needs to talk with someone about the field or how she manages certain parts of it, I'd be glad to put her in touch with my friend Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Universal Design Hits Home

Helmi, Those are great examples. How about things like the remote on your DVD player that has common signs for fast forward, stop, reverse, etc. (those "generic" labels are a form of universal design!). Or the audible alert signal when your microwave cooking cycle ends? Or the way your cell phone vibrates when it is set to "silent" mode, so that you still know you have a message or call coming in? All of those are examples of universal design -- things that make it possible for someone with a disability to use the product independently, but are useful to… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Severity of Disability

Excellent point! While Mr. Schalappi may never be a pro football quarterback, the kid with a significant learning disability may find himself in the same position if he can't read the "play book". The functional limitations of disability manifest in different ways and have impact on life, not just academics. A good reminder to us all. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

I agree, Stacie. It is never inappropriate to make sure that students know exactly what they are getting into, but once you have given them an honest picture of the situation as you know it, students (including those with disabilities) should be free to make their own decisions. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Sounds like you have the answers down pat! Go get 'em, Tiger! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

After the Classroom

I like your thinking here, Andrea. "Student development" is not a legally-required element in compliance with 504/ADA, but we would always like to think that during their time in school, we are moving students toward more independence upon graduation. Helping students learn to recognize and better manage their own disability-related needs while they are still within the protected confines of the institution will certainly help them be better prepared for being on their own later. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

After the Classroom

It sounds as though you have been able to harness not only your experience, but your energies, and I am sure your students benefit from both. I hope you share that experience with your colleagues, Linda. You are right -- students with LD/ADHD are not masters at vicarious learning (grin!). They can learn effective management strategies, but it is likely that they will learn it best through direct instruction. Keep up the good work! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Psychological Disability

Yes, Sheryl, the rules are very different between K-12 and postsecondary settings. The emphasis on access that we respect often seems to be lost in the K-12 focus on success. We HOPE that all students will be successful, but we only provide accommodations to give students with disabilities the chance to succeed, not the promise! Dr. Jane Jarrow