Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Kristia, That is a very healthy attitude -- and I especially like the idea of improving the system "as a whole". Technical standards shouldn't be applied to, or altered for, only students with disabilities. They should accomplish a goal for the whole program, and be useful for ALL students. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Need to Know?

Kristia, That's a really interesting idea! The thought that having too much information will lead to (essentially) discrimination -- because teachers will treat students with disabilities differently when they know more about their difficulties -- is not one I hear often. But it makes sense. It is kind of "self-fulfilling prophecy" argument that suggests that the best way to assure that students with disabilities are treated just like everyone else is not to consider them anything else to begin with. I LIKE it! (I may have to steal it! GRIN) Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

After the Classroom

Kristia, That's great. What you are describing is a discovery process that students can use to explore both the need and the possibilities available for accommodation while in a relatively protected environment. It will put them in a strong position to go to a future employer and say, "I CAN do the job. This is what I'll need, but I have already proven that I can succeed, given this accommodation." Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor

Holly, It's great to hear that things worked out well, but sad to hear that your friend had to struggle for so long because of a procedural issue. The field of disability services has been undergoing some major internal changes in the past year (due to new guidance from the Feds and so on). I would hope that under the changes now in place at many institutions, the next student would be more readily recognized and assisted than was your friend. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Holly, If you got the answers you were hoping for, that would be a good strategy. But it is likely that won't be the answers you receive. There are going to be students without disabilities who are convinced they would do better with extra time. The research shows that isn't true -- that students who don't NEED the extra time do not use it effectively. For students with disabilities who NEED the extra time, they don't get it because it helps them do better, they get it because they wouldn't have the chance to do as much as everyone else… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Physical Disability

Teresa, While it is always nice to hear about students with a positive attitude, and faculty who have a positive attitude ABOUT them, beware of the "supercrip" syndrome... the idea that these students are somehow more noble or more driven "because of their disability (intoned in a deep, announcers' voice with echo). If they work hard, that will be rewarded with success, as it will be for every other student. But I'd like to think that their hard work is a result of a good work ethic, not their disability. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Equal Access

Candice, It is wise to encourage students - ALL students - to explore the job market before they begin their training. But remember that students don't have to be able to work in ALL settings in order to be able to work in SOME settings. For example, an individual might never be able to function as beat cop, but still be able to find a job as a security guard. We always have to be careful not to overgeneralize the need for qualifications. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Candice, And *I* believe you are right! GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Equal Access

Holly, There are certainly fields in which someone with a certain kind of disability cannot function safely, effectively and appropriately. You ave given several good examples above. I think the question that must be asked, however, is what is the program designed to do - to teach? If the program exists SOLELY to train people who will go out and practice in the traditional way (that is, everyone taking classes must go through all the same classes including those with a hands-on component), then a student who clearly is unable to to participate in that hands on component does not… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Candice, I couldn't agree with you more. All that the laws do is try to assure that students with disabilities are given the same dignity, and allowed to make their own choices. Most (we hope) will choose wisely. Some will not. That makes them MORE like other students than they are different. Dr. Jane Jarrow