Jane Jarrow

Michelle, I think you have the right answer from the start, Michelle. I don't think we have the right to REQUIRE anyone to take medication. That doesn't mean that it is off limits for us to encourage students to *consider* the possibility that medication might be helpful in the management of their symptoms. In the end, though, the decision must be theirs. Dr. Jane Jarrow

francisco, It is always gratifying to see a student achieve, especially when others doubt their ability to do so. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Brenda, That doesn't exactly speak to the question, Brenda (which was about students with ADHD). Moreover, the kind of thing you describe (restrooms, desks, doorways) are he kind of barriers that the Americans with Disabilities Act requires be modified, as needed, on the job as well as at the college level. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Meredith, Great example -- and a reminder that disability is not ALWAYS permanent (although for most students with disabilities, it will be). Dr. Jane Jarrow

Meredith, I agree -- and so does the law! We treat disability-related information as private (not *secret*, but private) and it should be shared only with those who have a "need to know." In this case, WHAT someone needs to know will be different, depending upon their role in interacting with the student. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Meredith, This is less an issue of hiring than of performance on the job. It is unlikely that the employer would KNOW that the person had ADHD at the time they were hired. Employers are not allowed to ask about disability status before making an offer of employment. The bigger issue is whether, once the individual gets on the job, will he/she be able to manage their disability and, if necessary, ask for appropriate accommodation so that they can successfully perform and STAY hired. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Meredith, Absolutely right. What's more, the issue of severity of disability is much more a question of how the disability IMPACTS than how it LOOKS. A student who is paraplegic and uses a wheelchair is actually just like any other student sitting down! A student with a learning disability may have far greater need for *academic* accommodation, although he/she looks just like everyone else. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Meredith, You are right, of course. The question was asked to be provocative. I'm glad you weren't fooled! Dr. Jane Jarrow

JENNIFER, I agree with your conclusion -- that if students do not know the material, all the extra time in the world won't help. And I applaud your recognition of the impact time can have on testing for ANY student, and the fact that you advocate for *all* students to have "enough" time. The practical implementation of your solution (letting all students receive extended time) can be tricky in the midst of an environment that runs on schedules, limited space, and so on. But if you can pull it off -- go for it! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Garry, ABSOLUTELY! Accommodations are offered to assure *access*. The *success* is up to the student, as it is with any other student! Dr. Jane Jarrow