Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Josh, That's definitely the right way to handle the situation. Just be careful to respect the privacy of the student with the disability while making the case to others. I would always speak in generalities about why "some students" need extended time, rather than sharing anything specific about the disability of a given student. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Josh, Agreed. Accommodations are all about responding to NEED. If the student doesn't NEED the extra time (because of disability-related interference), having the extra time won't help them. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Josh, Things always get complicated when you are trying to respond to such general directives, given by people who have no direct contact with your students or your program. What does "beneficial" mean in this context? Able to get a job tomorrow with a 50K salary? Able to be employed in the field within 3 months of graduation? How do you know that about ANY student? Able to learn something worthwhile during the program? Without clear direction as to how to implement this directive, the best you can do is what you are doing -- be honest about prospects and… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Leveling The Playing Field

Josh, It is a shame that some students are hesitant to come forward from the beginning to request appropriate accommodations. But it is always nice to hear about a student being able to demonstrate mastery, given full access (in this case, with accommodations). Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Physical Disability

Regan, We certainly hope that the institution doesn't see any of its students simply as "cash cows." And I agree that the student has the right to make their own decision, and that we hope the decision will be an informed one. But remember that we don't get to pressure the student to do something else because we don't think they've thought it through enough. It is their decision either way! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Rock and a Hard Place?

Miriam, It is difficult, but this is actually a fight that the STUDENT needs to wage. It is the student that is being refused equal access by the certification board. She is the one who needs to fight for that accommodation by challenging their decision to refuse her. You can write another letter and reaffirm that you think this is appropriate, but you cannot force the situation for her. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Miriam, The laws say that you may not do less that ____ to provide equal access for a student with a disability, but they NEVER prohibit you from doing more (either for a student with a disability or for all the other students). If you feel that reading the questions aloud did not jeopardize the academic integrity of the test, then why be concerned? Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Severity of Disability

Miriam, I DO agree, Miriam, in so far as it has to do with medically-related disabilities that can be episodic in nature. Just remember that not all disability-related conditions have a medical base, and not all fluctuate. With some, what you see is what you get! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor

William, It is always nice to know that you have made a positive difference in someone's life. Good for you! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

William, The determination that a student with a disability needs extra time in order to have equal access should be determined by someone at your institution who is assigned the responsibility for making such decisions. In my view, faculty should be asked to facilitate access, not decide it! Dr. Jane Jarrow