Disability? How much is real.
I had a student who could engage me in conversation about his background, his home, and about any topic as part of a normal conversation. But once the conversation turned to the class subject the student was taking, the student's hearing disability appeared, and now he couldn't understand what I was saying.
Crystal,
Interesting story. Many students wait until the last minute, or until they are desperate to disclose learning difficulties.
Often times, it's too late for that particular course (or previously taken courses). It's important for students with disabilities to learn to advocate for themselves and to proactively seek out services which provide for equal access.
Sarah Smoger
I had a student after she had several other instructors. She was doing poorly in class, so I scheduled one-to-one meetings, extra homework and worksheets for her. It seemed as though she just wasn't applying herself. When it was evident she wasn't going to pass the class, she told me she had a learning disability (no specific area was given). When I approached her previous instructors, it was news to them.
Terry,
I would likely be as suspect about those circumstances as you seem to be. That is why your school should have someone with a background in this area whose responsibility it is to gather documentation of disability and prescribe appropriate accommodations. You, as an instructor, shouldn't be put in the position of having to sort out what is real and what isn't.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
