Jane Jarrow

Holly, Then you and I have no quarrel, Holly. GRIN It is easy, when all you see are the words on screen, to misinterpret what is said. My bad! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Rita, You are right. Extra time on paper-and-pencil tests is almost always a justifiable accommodation. Whether or not extra time can be given in practical exams is another matter. Extra time on a typing test may, in fact, be reasonable (although I wouldn't compromise on the accuracy). Extra time on CPR, or tourniquets, or sky diving would NOT be appropriate. GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

Holly, I am not sure of what your position is at your institution, but your wording worries me just a little. If you "had to enroll a potential student that has a disability"? Does that suggest that you would rather not see a student with a disability accepted, but that if you couldn't refuse (for legal reasons) you would assure he/she had the appropriate accommodations? I am glad that you understand the institutional obligations for equal access, but I hope you don't see students with disabilities as either a burden or an inappropriate population for postsecondary enrollment. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Kristia, I agree. And, in fact, we HOPE that all students will be successful (including those with disabilities!). While accommodations are not *provided* for the purpose of fostering success, we certainly hope that, given those accommodations, the students will be able to demonstrate their full potential -- and succeed! And, just for the record, the term "nondisabled" might be better than "able-bodied". But words are less important than attitudes in this case, and you clearly have the right attitude! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Silvia , Absolutely true. That is a concept that is sometimes hard for folks to understand -- that making accommodations in no way lowers the standards or expectations, and that students with disabilities must perform to the same level of competence. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Patricia, If I read this right, you are saying that what we know of one student (from the past) shouldn't influence our opinion of another student who SEEMS to be displaying the same behavior. I would agree. Our observations should extend beyond similarities to individual differences. Students deserve to be treated as individuals based on THEIR behavior, not someone else's. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Tequila, BINGO! When you look up the words "fair" and "just" in the dictionary, in this context the word "fair" means "the same to everyone." The word "just" means "each according to their need." It is not a coincidence that the department of JUSTice has enforcement authority over the ADA! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Christopher, A perfect example of both how and why accommodations are provided. Isn't modern technology wonderful?!? GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

Christopher, I agree with your conclusion -- faculty do not need to know the details of the disability, only the details of the necessary accommodation. But, just for the record, there is no violation of HIPAA here, because even if the disability is medical in nature, the identification of disability in the school (disability services) files is there for purposes of determining eligibility for services, not for purposes of medical treatment. That puts it outside the realm of HIPAA. Dr. Jane Jarrow