Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Leveling The Playing Field

LaKim, That's true. What kind of choices are you thinking of? Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Learning Disability

Anne, In the specific instance you name -- and English Composition class -- I am with you. I would not disregard spelling or grammar. BUT, I would provide someone with access to technology (word processing with spell check, grammar check) that would allow them to check their work and be responsible for turning in a "finished" product of the same quality expected of others. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Equal Access

Gina, I agree. There are generally lots of jobs available within a class of jobs. Just because someone with a disability cannot do ALL of them doesn't mean they should be prohibited from getting preparation for some of them. After all -- they only hold one job at a time, and as long as they are fully able to do that one, it doesn't matter if they would be limited in another. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Severity of Disability

Stephen, Yes -- that is exactly right. Moreover, at least in an educational setting, the functional limitations created by (for example) a learning disability may be considerably more severe than the functional limitations -- in academics -- for a student in a wheelchair. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Attention Deficit Disorder

John, Your son isn't the only one who cannot deal with the meds, even if he wanted to. The bottom line is that there are lots of legitimate reasons why a student may not chose to or be able to tolerate the medication. That doesn't make their need for support or their call for equal access any less real. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Learning Disability

Clifton, That's a great approach. I am sure your students appreciate your patience. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Crystal, Your first and third sentences are true. The second is not. The purpose of accommodation is to provide access -- an equal CHANCE to succeed. But to say that all students would do better with more time is one of those things that seems like it SHOULD be true, but it simply isn't. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Christine, This time you would be wrong across the board. The evidence indicates that it is a fallacy to believe that "all students would benefit from extended time". If the test is one that the typical student is meant to be able to finish in the time given, then giving extra time to that student won't make a difference. It DOES make a difference to the student with a disability. Moreover, you don't get to say, "this is a timed test and I have no control over the amount of time given. The same to everyone." In fact, the law… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

After the Classroom

Christine, That's a great attitude. I hope you find yourself in a position to provide that support -- that informal boost -- to people in your environment who are capable and active and trying... but need a little guidance now and then. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Severity of Disability

Christine, Not quite. The law does not distinguish between someone with a learning disability and someone with a spinal cord injury because the law does not protect them because of the type of disability they have. It protects them from discrimination as "a person with a disability." What needs to be done to avoid discrimination may be different for folks, depending on the type of disability. But the reason the help is provided is the same. Dr. Jane Jarrow