Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Miriam, I think you have that pretty much backward, Miriam. Most 504 and ADA issues focus on adults and NOT children. You may be thinking of IDEA - the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - which is focused exclusively on children in the K-12 system. But 504/ADA pick up where IDEA leaves off. Moreover, the majority of rules encompassed by the laws are focused on issues of access for those with "traditional" disabilities -- blindness, deafness, mobility impairment (including spinal cord injury). There is not MORE protection for this population because the law does not speak to severity of disability… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Need to Know?

Silvia , I agree. The student is the best judge of what he/she needs. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Learning Disability

Frank, Head injuries and concussion (not uncommon with vets) can manifest symptoms very like those of a learning disability, but they are not the same because the causation is not the same. There are some different strategies that can be offered for those with head injuries -- but ALL (those with head injuries and those with LD) still need and benefit from your patience and understanding, as you have already discovered. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Tammy, Just to clarify, when a student with a disability is given extended time, it is STILL a timed test. The determination is made that the student with a disability needs additional time to have the *same* opportunity to demonstrate mastery. But we do not switch to "untimed tests" as an accommodation. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

After the Classroom

Tammy, It is always tough to find a niche when you are trying to work around a known difficulty. Have you talked with your daughter about tricks she can use to get around her problem? I know that in some restaurants they do not want the wait staff writing at the table, but going to the computer to enter orders afterwards. Maybe, though, in her case, taking some form of shorthand notes might be acceptable? I'll bet that if the two of you brainstorm, you could find a way to organize her work so she could feel more confident in… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Attention Deficit Disorder

Robert, The bottom line is that we cannot -- and I wouldn't want to -- force someone to take medication, even if we believe it is in their best interest. And you are right in saying that once the student identifies us, we have an obligation to make reasonable accommodation. We cannot withhold accommodation (which translates to withholding access)because we think they should be trying more or doing something more. It is our job to work with what they bring us (that is, where they are!). Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Tammy, Absolutely -- because that is what you would do for/with any other student! The big thing is that we not be MORE restrictive or MORE protective of students with disabilities than we are with others. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Need to Know?

Gina, BINGO! That is exactly why disability-related information is guarded so closely. If you don't HAVE more information, you cannot use that "more information" in an inappropriate fashion. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Rock and a Hard Place?

Alessandra, That's an interesting approach to the question. Rather than focus on issues of students with disabilities, you focused on issues of diversity and respecting differences. I LIKE it! GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor

Josh, It is terrific that the student felt comfortable enough to come forward and share his difficulties, and even better to hear that the faculty was ready to figure out a student-centered approach to keep the student engaged and thus facilitate his learning. Bravo! Dr. Jane Jarrow