Jane Jarrow

William, There will be tasks or activities that are impossible for a person with a disability *because* of that disability (for example, the student in a wheelchair will never be quarterback of the football team). The trick is to recognize potential, and not just limitations. Dr. Jane Jarrow

William, I am not sure I understand your reference here to "a priority not a measure." Are you suggesting that the fact that a student is disabled is the primary facet of their enrollment consideration? Because I would have to disagree there. Being a student with a disability is WHO they are, not WHAT they are! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Kelly, You are spot on. Lots of students might LIKE to have extra time, but that doesn't mean that they NEED the extra time. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Gina, While I agree that students may be unable to fulfill all the responsibilities of a given position, there is a difference between studying ABOUT something and physically being involved in the *traditional* practice. With technology changing our world so quickly, there are lots of potential ways that one can put knowledge to work. I would hate to see students shut off from the opportunity to learn information because we don't believe they are going to be able to apply it based on our own, limited experience. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Mardi, Now THAT is a success story! GRIN My academic background is in the field of speech pathology. It is not unusual for some folks that stutter (not all, but some) to find that they stutter LESS when it is important to be able to communicate than they do when they are thinking and worrying about what will come out of their mouths. Nice to hear that your colleague found his niche. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Elizabeth, That's great. The best solutions are always those that are built in and require no specific special arrangements. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Elizabeth, I wish that were true, Elizabeth. There are some things that students will NOT be able to do, and just wishing won't make it so. The kid in a wheelchair simply can't be a quarterback for the school football team. BUT... the idea is to allow students to explore what they CAN do, despite the limitations imposed by their disability. That kind of freedom (and that kind of exploration) only comes when the student's choices are not limited by someone else's expectations. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Elizabeth, That is what it is all about -- informed choice. Students have the right to decide for themselves, but are best able to do that when they have all the information. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Gina, I agree. Not only are they the ones who know best what they are capable of, they are the ones who will live with the consequences (positive or negative) of their decisions. I was always taught that you don't ever take authority for making decisions if you don't also have the responsibility of following through. I don't WANT that responsibility for every student I come in contact with -- so I need to respect their right to decide for themselves. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Amanda, Me, too! I'll bet you can look back over your teaching career and think of a student who succeeded - surprisingly. One who you would not have given much hope for. With or without a disability, the students who surprise us, remind us that those surprises are out there waiting. Dr. Jane Jarrow