Jane Jarrow

The question, though, is whether you are giving accurate information or anticipated information. Are you telling the student about their options based on their potential and their interests, or based solely on your past experience? I am all for honest information, but I worry about limiting options based on stereotypes. (Note -- that isn't an accusation, just a caution! GRIN) Dr. Jane Jarrow

Cassandra, That sounds like a good plan -- and a very humane way of handling things! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Yes and no, Cassandra. There are lots of reasons that someone may choose not to take medication, and they should certainly have that option. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking that anyone who needs or uses medication is relying on a crutch in some way. When you say, "people need to learn how to manage" it sounds a little like saying, "they should just get some self-discipline and they wouldn't have this problem!" GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

You are quite right, Victoria. The danger in making assumptions about what is happening based on observations of behavior is that we can only see how someone reacts -- we cannot know WHY without getting to know the student first. It is always best to treat all students the same (with respect for their learning potential) unless or until they request additional consideration. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Joseph, I agree with you in principal, Joseph. Avoiding assumptions, case-by-case consideration, and individualized assessment of how functional limitations impact on truly NECESSARY job-related tasks are the basis for equal opportunity when it comes to persons with disabilities. But I think when we hesitate to acknowledge that disability DOES sometimes bring limitations, it may leave others with the feeling that we are being too unrealistic in our view of people with disabilities. It is OK to acknowledge that there are limits. The important thing is to remember that people with disabilities have more ABILITIES than DISabilities! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jason, Your understanding is correct, Jason... EXCEPT in the suggestion that learning disabilities are not (cannot be) severe disabilities. Someone who is severely learning disabled may have more functional limitations than someone who is in a wheelchair! Certainly, they will be DIFFERENT limitations, but severity isn't a function of the type of disability. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Patricia, I hear a lot of folks report than students who have struggled as youngsters, and been prescribed medication, often take themselves off the meds when they become adults and are free to make their own decisions about such things. I hope he finds adequate ways of coping, and can learn to manage his symptomology effectively. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Helmi, Well said. I agree that communication is the key, and I agree that often the mistakes that are made are due to oversight, not intent. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Helmi, You are right, of course. If you look up the words "fair" and "just" in the dictionary, you will find that, in this context, "fair" means "the same to everyone" while "just" means "each according to his need." It is not by coincidence that the Department of JUSTice has enforcement authority over the ADA. This is a law that is all about "case-by-case"! Dr. Jane Jarrow