Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

I am not sure what you are suggesting here, Pamela. While it is not uncommon for students with disabilities to hide their difficulties or try to cope without having to share their problem with others, it IS uncommon for students who are blind or deaf not to be aware of that fact. A student who is hard of hearing may not realize that there is sound they are missing. A student who is deaf WILL know. You are right, though, in thinking that the student with the disability is generally the best person to to know and be able to… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Psychological Disability

Nicely said. I applaud your very nonjudgmental attitude. I am generally in favor of treating students with disabilities as fully capable students in the classroom, with the same expectations and the same potential. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Psychological Disability

Pamela, I think you are right, Pamela. Knowing about a students difficulty -- IF they are comfortable in sharing -- can significantly improve your interaction with that student. It is not always possible (since not all students are comfortable with disclosing), but when you are able to establish a relationship of trust and get that information, it certainly helps. Just a clarification, though. A head injury (as you describe it here) is not the same as a psychological disability. A closed head trauma (the kind received from a car wreck) can cause cognitive difficulties, which is what the student was… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Learning Disability

Pamela, There are lots of good websites offering advice and support to individuals with learning disabilities. I would suggest that you tell the students you come in contact with to start with LDonline.com. It has a wealth of information and a lot of links to other sites they may find helpful. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Physical Disability

You have identified the key here, Pamela. If students (ALL students) are counseled to consider other options based on their *performance* (rather than based on stereotypes re: disability) then they are truly being respected for their potential in the way that all other students are treated. In that kind of welcoming environment, disability becomes a necessary nuisance -- something that must be kept in mind because it sometimes creates logistical problems, but not something that will hold the student back. Way to go!! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Learning Disability

Sorry, Pamela. I still have the same problem with the idea that there are exercises that a student who is dyslexic can/should do. It seems to suggest that if they work hard, they can "overcome" their dyslexia -- that it can be "fixed." It doesn't work that way. It isn't going to go away. There are certainly coping strategies that students can use (such as those you have suggested), but they are just that... ways that the student has learned that maximizes personal functioning in the light of the difficulties they face. I just want to be sure we don't… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Learning Disability

Pamela, I was with you right up until you got to the point about "exercises that can be done with the person with dyslexia." Don't you believe it, Pamela. For small children, there are eye exercises that help increase muscle control and may help them to focus better, and for older children and adults there are coping strategies that can help the student to function more effectively. But nothing that you OR the student can do will make him/her any less dyslexic. It may effect the IMPACT of the disability, but not the nature of the disability. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Attention Deficit Disorder

I don't disagree with anything you've said here, Christopher. You have recognized the problem -- there ARE side effects to medication, and the medication doesn't FIX the problem, only helps manage it. We don't get to decide how the student deals with his/her disability. We only get to have our impact in providing an opportunity for the student to demonstrate capabilities in whatever state he/she is in. I like your focus on accepting the student as eligible and capable, and letting everything else play itself out.

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Sensory Disability

Pamela, I cannot think of a more positive attitude for a teacher to have in facing a crop of new students -- disabled or not! -- with the kind of respect you demonstrate here for individual worth and potential. Not only will it serve you well in coming in contact with new folks along the line, but THEY will be better for having found someone who is ready and willing to be inclusive. Great job. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Psychological Disability

You are not required to ignore the obvious, Ana. If you would have a discussion about career path with ANY student you felt was not committed or a good match to the field, it is not inappropriate to have a talk with a student with a disability. But the focus should be on what they will do (and need to do) and not on the disability. Rather than, "you seem to be having a great deal of difficulty with your concentration and focus", try "the field you have chosen requires tremendous attention to detail and consistency. Do you think that… >>>