Jane Jarrow

Ashley, I think you are on the right track here. The issue ought to be "what information is useful to know" not "what information is available." Details regarding a person's disability are sensitive and private -- not SECRET, but private. When we afford students that respect, I think everyone wins. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Wendy, I agree with your conclusion -- medication is fine if it helps and should be reconsidered if it is causing other problems. Just FYI, however, the concerns about over medicating with ADHD are generally limited to younger children. It rarely becomes an issue for college-aged students. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Adrianna, Sometimes, students who are missing information or cues because of disability must fill in those blanks by asking more questions and (in many cases) for better explanations. Sounds like the problem was with the teachers, not the student. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Adrianna, I couldn't agree more! There is generally no good reason for refusing extended time for a pencil and paper test. Extended time in the demonstration of practical skills may or may NOT be appropriate. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Adrianna, Hmmm... would you be willing to accept a slight change in terminology that might make a difference in outcome? How about saying that someone in a wheelchair could not be an active fireFIGHTER. You are right -- there are things that individual simply could not physically do that are necessary for the health and safety of others. But what about being an arson investigator, or a dispatcher, or dealing with fire safety and prevention education? There are other areas of the field that may NOT be closed off to someone because of their physical limitations. Dr. Jane Jarrow

That's a very insightful reading of the difference between 504/ADA and the IDEA (special ed) law, Adrianna. While IDEA mandates services for children with disabilities BECAUSE of their disability, 504 and ADA simply say, "you may not discriminate against someone BECAUSE of their disability." It doesn't matter who that someone is, and it is not a question of level (of service) -- it is simply a yes/no determination. Is there discrimination or is there not? Dr. Jane Jarrow

Dawnyell, What you describe is a significant problem, for sure. Just keep in mind that it isn't about disability! Colleges should be honest with all students (for the reasons you cite), but there is no reason to be more discouraging (or less honest!) because the applicant has a disability. Dr. Jane Jarrow

And let's not forget universal remotes for the TV and standard keyboards and keypads for electronic devices, Lisa! Sometimes the element of design that makes it UD is not that it is automatic, but that it is consistent across usage. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Ashley, Again, I agree wholeheartedly. If you ever find yourself in this position (wanting to be honest and straight forward, but foreseeing obstacles), try this. Discuss with the student the issue of concern (in the context of the field, not in the context of their disability), and then ask, "have you thought about how you would approach accomplishing something like that?" Help the student think through both options and barriers. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Ashley, I couldn't have said it better myself! We are in a position to advise them on their qualifications and skills/abilities for participating in the program. We aren't in a position to promise them anything for later, positive OR negative. It is more respectful to consider students with disabilities as fully capable of making their own (informed) decisions, just as we expect (and respect!) other students. Dr. Jane Jarrow