Jane Jarrow

Katrina, I think you are right on both counts. First, it is up to the student what they choose to do with their education, and it makes no sense to withhold learning opportunities from a student because we haven't figured out what they plan to do with the information. And second, those who are enthusiastic about the learning will find a way to apply it that works for them! Nicely done. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Dennis, Generally, the trick is where and when the asking is done. Students who are given the courtesy of an instructor taking the time to seek them out privately and inquire about how they are doing are much more likely to be comfortable in sharing sensitive information. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Erin , The issue of stigma is huge with this population. I agree that other students learn from example, and the approach of the instructor will be emulated by the students. All the more reason to make sure it is nonjudgmental. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jeff, I think my answer would lie somewhere inbetween. You are right -- you aren't an expert in this area and you are not qualified to "diagnose" someone as having a psychological disorder. Moreover, students have the right NOT to claim their disability and request special treatment -- and you shouldn't be giving it if they didn't request it. But perhaps the better response is to deal with what you SEE (what you observe) and respond as you would to anyone else engaging in that behavior. No more and no less! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Ruben, I THINK what you are suggesting is that students with disabilities shouldn't be seen as noble, and they should be expected to do what everyone else does (not be let out of things because of their disability) -- and I agree, wholeheartedly. The important thing to remember is that they are students FIRST, and "students with disabilities" describes them but does not define them. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Helena, I am not sure how comfortably you are buying into the concept -- "for a few minutes to students with certain disabilities" sounds a little sketchy -- but I think you are on the right track. "Fair" doesn't always mean "the same." Dr. Jane Jarrow

Helena, Anecdotal evidence suggests that people with disabilities, including those with ADHD, often "self-select" when it comes to employment. They gravitate towards occupations in which their disability will be less of an issue, or when accommodations are possible. That doesn't mean that there won't be students who are unrealistic about such things, and that doesn't mean that they can always count on being able to manage their disability well. But we can hope that the coping strategies they learned in college will help them along the way. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Helena, Don't you think the college should be up front with everyone? Why is it fair to allow ANYONE to continue in school when you cannot assure them of the chances to actually have a future career in the field? Be careful. Being overprotective of someone BECAUSE they have a disability, even with the best of intentions, is never fair. We like to give all students the same respect for having the ability to make their own decisions. Be up front with all students, and let them decide. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Andrea, That's a great parallel -- one I have used myself to make the point. When I am arguing the use of a calculator for someone with a math disability, I sometimes say, "this student needs a wheelchair for his math skills -- and that is exactly what the calculator provides. He is just as disabled as the paraplegic, and just as unable to make it to and through class without appropriate equipment." Dr. Jane Jarrow

Andrea, That is true -- and that it why it is not uncommon for individuals with hidden disabilities, like learning disabilities, to choose not to disclose, even though that sometimes means going without the support they should have. It's a shame that our attitudes (as a society) haven't caught up with our knowledge base. Dr. Jane Jarrow