Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Rock and a Hard Place?

Daryl, And that's what courses like this are all about! (GRIN) Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Rock and a Hard Place?

Lisa , I think I would agree with you here, so long as you are telling me that such a committee meets and assesses the potential for ALL students, and not just students with disabilities or other students whom they think cannot meet the challenge for some reason. So long as all students undergo the same scrutiny, I'm all for it. But if the committee is only called together to discuss how to defend a decision to exclude someone, I'm not so enthusiastic. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Daryl, Agreed. The same treatment does not guarantee the same opportunity EITHER way (no extra time for anyone or extra time for all). Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Equal Access

Daryl, When you say "many will fail", I am assuming that "many" includes both students with and without disabilities. And that's true. Just don't assume that the percentage is likely to be higher for students with disabilities. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

I am not sure what "situation" you are talking about, Daryl. Do you mean that most faculty/staff are not experienced in how best to provide accommodations to a student with a disability? I agree. That's why the institution should have a designated individual on campus to assign accommodations and support students and faculty. Or are you saying that most folks are not trained in how to counsel students about the choices they make? I would argue that students with disabilities don't need to be counseled any differently than any other student -- we need to be honest with all of… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Severity of Disability

Lisa , That's true. The question is, should students with more severe disabilities be entitled to greater protection and/or support under the law. The answer is "no" -- while some may require more or less than others, the intent is to provide everyone with whatever they need to have equal access. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Anya, How do you EVER know that a student will be successful in a given field, with or without disability? I am in favor of making sure that students understand the options and opportunities, but that is not the same as restrictive counseling for students with disabilities that might discourage them from trying because of someone else's experience or perceptions. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Universal Design Hits Home

I'm not sure I would buy that as an example of universal design, Butch. The fact that you are presenting information suited to folks with different learning styles is a good strategy from a teaching standpoint, but it has little t do with full access. How do blind students get access to the visual material, and how to deaf students get access to the auditory material? Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Megan, I am all for "truth in advertising" in terms of making sure that students have a good understanding of what they are getting into. Just make sure that the institution doesn't save that kind of "reality check" advising ONLY for students who they don't think can make it in school BECAUSE of disability. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Physical Disability

I would add two more steps for you, Howard. First, TALK to the student. He/she is the single best source of information about both what the needs are and what kind of support you might offer. Second, check to see if there is someone within your institution who is assigned responsibility for facilitating accommodations for students with disabilities. That individual may be in a position to think of available options that you wouldn't have known about and the student might not have thought to ask about. Dr. Jane Jarrow