Unable to discuss
As instructors, we are not allowed to discuss special accomodations with our students, we have to refer them to the Dean of Students. Once documented with the DOS we can provide the necessary accomodations, but until that time we aren't able to talk about it with them.
Wow! This seems like it goes against the idea of being student-centered in your teaching. These are the students that really need extra help!
Where I instruct, we also are not allowed to discuss the accommidations for the students we believe needs them. We have a department that takes care of such things, but students often do not use these accommidations until it is too late.
That is unfortunate, as the instructor has the most info regarding the challenges that the student is experiencing. Many times students are aware that they have a fixable issue, and have thought that they are just "stupid" or "slow". Having experience with students with disabilities allows instructors to recognize quickly when a issue can be resolved. The sooner a "plan" has been created for the student's success, the sooner the learning can begin.
