Sarah Smoger

Kimberly, I agree. There are so many factors which should be taken into consideration. No two students with the same disability have the exact same functional limitations in a classroom environment. Each student's case should be handled on an individual basis. Sarah Smoger

Bonnie, Interesting view, Bonnie. I happen to know some very successful professionals with ADHD. What I typically find is that student's with these types of learning disabilities typically gravitate towards "non traditional" fields of study which allow for flexibility in the way they work. Sarah Smoger

Lisa , I completely agree with you. Just because a student has a disability, it doesn't necessarily mean that they wouldn't be successful as a student or working professional in their chosen field of study. I recently read a wonderful article about a gentleman who had completed a B.A. in Graphic Design. The student was a quadriplegic. Many might think that there is no way he could be successful in the field, but the opposite was true. The student had a booming career in the industry. Sarah Smoger

Bonnie, Great insight! I have many instructors who feel that a student shouldn't be admitted into a program because they feel that the student wouldn't be successful in the industry, or feel that they shouldn't have to accommodate a student because they feel the industry wouldn't. Many times I have to remind them that our obligation under the law is to provide for equal access-regardless of one's opinion of if the student would be successful in the working world. Sarah Smoger

jay, Pharmaceuticals aren't always the answer. They don't work for all and don't work for all in the same way. Many adults go their entire lives not knowing they have a diagnosis (like ADD/ADHD) and how to compensate for the functional limitations which may result in a classroom setting. Sarah Smoger

Craig, Knowing our limitations, and those of our students as well, is an important lesson. Sarah Smoger

Cindy , I totally agree. I all of my years in higher education and working with students (and their families), the one that that they value is someone who is genuine, understanding, willing to advocate when necessary, but above all, honest about what is expected of each student in the classroom. Sarah Smoger

Cindy , Everything within reason, right? Typically the reason students must go through an official "process" to obtain accommodations like extended time, is so that someone with experience in learning disabilities can critically assess and evaluate the student's need. Sarah Smoger

Valerie, Great idea. I'm guessing that most every student, if not all can appreciate and benefit from this practice. Sarah Smoger

Cynthia, Very true. I think we all know that not everyone learns the same way or at the same pace-which doesn't mean that someone is less intelligent than another or any less capable of being successful in their chosen field or study. Sarah Smoger