Disability impact
Sometimes you just don't know what to do when a person with a disability is having a problem. All that you can think of is to refer them to someone who may be able to help them because you do not want to take the responsibility. So the impact is that you are just passing them on, and not really helping them.
I agree institutions should have "disability specialists".
Aquila,
I suppose my best answer is that I would approach it CAREFULLY. There are lots of considerations here. Is it possible for the student to be using some alternative (assistive) technology that would improve their performance? Would it be appropriate to consider shifting the focus from wpm to accuracy in keyboarding? Why is the speed requirement set as it is? All of those questions are worthy of consideration.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
What do you do when a student has a physical impairment that prevents them from being able to reach the required speed to be able to pass a keyboarding course. Should there be special instructions in place to help the student be able to pass the course. This is a concern of mine. The keyboarding classes are usually a requirement for all students because technology is used in al areas of employment now. How would you approach a situation such as this?
Terry,
If your institution does not have someone designated as the "disability specialist", they should. They aren't only there to protect the rights of students. That individual should also be there to provide support and counsel to instructors. I would talk with the administration to see what kind of back up is available!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
