Jane Jarrow

Summer, While I agree with your conclusion -- that you cannot judge the severity of a disability by what you see -- I am not sure I agree with your example. It sounds as though you are suggesting that all people with disabilities could serve equally well as greeters at Walmart. I hope we have higher expectations for the potential of students with disabilities in higher education! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Nathan, You've just reinforced the main point here -- the fact that someone has a disability does NOT mean that he/she is incapable. I' glad you have had such a great model to reinforce that idea for you. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Richard, That's it. Making accommodations should never entail expecting LESS of a student with a disability -- only expecting that the same, necessary result be (sometimes) reached in a different fashion. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Richard, You are right on target here. I like the phrasing you use -- equal access, not equal results. We HOPE all students will be successful, but that isn't why we provide accommodations. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Craig, That's true... and that is why the laws are coordinated to assure that there is a seamless availability of support, as needed, to protect the access of people with disabilities. Just as is true for nondisabled studemts, we don't want them to make it through school as the only goal. We want them to be able to USE what they learn in the world of work. Dr. Jane Jarrow

KELLY, "Access versus success" has been my mantra for years, Kelly. It does help to put things in perspective for folks. But I think embracing the thought also has the unexpected benefit of embracing the idea that people with disabilities are fully functioning, competent individuals. They are not looking for an added boost -- they are looking for an equal chance. They'll take it from there. I think it shows great respect for their inherent abilities. Dr. Jane Jarrow

KELLY, You have gotten the idea, for sure. Designing things so that everyone can use them often has unexpected benefits for the nondisabled folks in the environment. That's what it is all about! Dr. Jane Jarrow

KELLY, What a refreshing outlook on things. Keep that positive energy... and share it around! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Robin, I'm not sure what you are saying here, Robin. Are you suggesting that it would be better for the student if they learned to function without accommodation, because they MIGHT not get accommodations in the future? That kind of defeats the purpose. Dr. Jane Jarrow

KELLY, I think your mentors gave you excellent advice. Focus on what the student needs now, not what you imagine they might need in the future! Dr. Jane Jarrow