Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Cheryl, I am not sure I understand what you said, but I think I know what you meant! GRIN People with disabilities should not be defined by their disability. They are people, first, and whether they manage with or without assistance is their choice, not ours. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Equal Access

Jessica, It is certainly unrealistic to think that anyone can do something simply because they WANT to (that is, so long as they have the motivation, they can succeed). There are limits (both functional limitations and just the limitations presented by limited talent or ability in a given area) that will make it impossible for some to succeed, no matter how good their intentions. The hard part here is often to recognize that the information and skills that were necessary in a given field yesterday, and are still necessary today, may be applied differently tomorrow due to changing societal needs,… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Jessica, Being honest with students about expectations is a necessary step in providing good counsel and advice. The trick, as you note, is to let them know what problems you foresee, while providing them the opportunity to explore further -- without restricting their right to choose. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

ROSANGELA, I agree. The obligation to be honest and direct in discussing both the requirements and expectations of the field are not any different for students with or without disabilities. Moreover, their right to make informed decisions about what they choose to pursue is ALSO no different. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Psychological Disability

Chris, I agree. Even if the student is struggling because he/she has a disability, that may explain the behavior but it doesn't excuse it. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Learning Disability

Andreika, That's actually a great example of "universal design". You have developed a solution that makes a significant (and necessary) difference for students with disabilities, but is ALSO appropriate for use by all students. Well done. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Learning Disability

Chris, This gets back to the basic principle -- we do not lower standards or expectations simply because the student has a disability. HOW they produce the finished product may be different because of disability, but the quality of the product is to be graded on the same basis as that of any other student. Good job! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Attention Deficit Disorder

Chris, I couldn't agree with you more. The choice of taking medication (or not!) is a personal choice, with lots of reasons behind it. It is not up to us to intervene. It is our job to work with the student "as we find him/her" (whether that means medicated or not!). Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Learning Disability

James, That sounds like a very fair resolution. Since we never want to reduce the quality of what is expected, the way to go is simply to assure that students with disabilities have the OPPORTUNITY to create the same quality of work! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Psychological Disability

Bryce, I certainly can't (and won't!) disagree with THAT conclusion. (smile) Dr. Jane Jarrow