Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Frances, You have it just right -- the provision of accommodations doesn't assure success, and was never meant to do so. Accommodations only assure equal access, but the motivation to make something of the opportunity must come from the individual. Just as not all nondisabled students are successful in college, despite our best efforts to support their learning, so some students with disabilities won't make it. The good news is that many of them do! GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Rock and a Hard Place?

Sherry, The question, though, is HOW you will "get it fixed?" How are you going to work on correctly the situation without alienating the faculty you have to work with in the future? What practical approach can you use to bring about necessary changes, be honest with the student and still maintain an air of collegiality? Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Need to Know?

Kristina , It is precisely because the disability is not visible to the observer that the privacy of these students should be respected. They may need nothing from the instructor. They may need some consideration or accommodation, in which case the instructor should be provided with the information about what they can/should do. But to provide information about the disability, rather than about the instructor's role in addressing academic needs, is generally considered intrusive. It is not important for you to know whether a student needs extended time because of a learning disability, or ADHD, or depression. You just need… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Psychological Disability

Erika, I think perhaps the key is to focus on the behavior and not tailor your response to a cause, but to an observed behavior. While it is good to know that such things exist and that students with these difficulties are covered under the law, it is more important to not make assumptions on the basis of labels, but to assume only what you can/do see. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor

Yolanda, And THAT is what equal access and federal disability law is all about! GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Universal Design Hits Home

Yolanda, Those are all great examples. Speaking of cell phones, another element of Universal Design (in an extended sort of way), is the ready access to text messaging. For individuals who cannot hear or cannot speak because of disability, the ready availability of text messaging provides access to the benefits of instant and mobile communication that the rest of us have with phone calls to/from a cell phone. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Yolanda, I am not sure I buy the idea that they try harder because they were given the accommodation. I think what you may have noted was that they truly USE the added time in a beneficial way (as opposed to nondisabled students who, as noted, either know the info or don't, and thus don't make profitable use of extended time). Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Equal Access

Yolanda, Isn't that true of ALL students? That they may or may not find fulfillment in something they are interested in? Recognizing that students with disabilities have the right to make the same decisions -- by themselves -- that we allow for students without disabilities is a great way of fulfilling the PROMISE of equal access. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

After the Classroom

Yolanda, You are right. The key is in learning to manage the difficulties, not in ignoring them. Many individuals with ADHD have learned coping strategies that allow them to function -- not "in spite of their disability", but rather without letting the disability interfere. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Leveling The Playing Field

Jessica, You seem to have a good understanding of the purpose of accommodations -- it is not to create success, but to ALLOW success if the individual works to attain it. Dr. Jane Jarrow