Legal Obligations and Opportunities
Hello. I am involved with a student who is adamant in opening doors for himself, bending to get anything dropped on the floor and basically, not accepting help where needed. I understand giving him his space to be autonomous, but sometimes, I see him struggling and just want to offer my assitance. Today, however; he allowed me to help him to make copies at the machine without resistance and we both learned something new about the machine and its capabilities. It was pretty awesome to see him smile.
Halena,
You are right -- and certainly that is true for ALL students, not only the ones with disabilities. And that is part of the answer, as well. Students with disabilities want (and should get) the same treatment and the same respect as do others.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
This is a great story that demonstrates how students must find trust in you before they share their life struggles or challenges. Not prejudging them is important. Not focusing in on their weaknesses but building on their strenghts is what we must strive to do.
Michele,
Are you suggesting that the laws are passed for the wrong reasons, or that people interpret them poorly out in an attempt to do the "politically correct" thing? I would agree with the latter. But the laws were not enacted out of misplaced social consciousness. They were enacted to assure civil rights to a population too long denied.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I feel the Legal Obligations are sometimes miered in peoples fear of doing something wrong
Marilyn,
Sometimes it is very important for people with disabilities to be given the chance to do for themselves the things they CAN do for themselves (even if we could do them faster or easier). Then it becomes easier to accept and acknowledge the need for help when they CAN'T manage independently. You are doing the right thing in stepping back until you are invited to help.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
