Accommodating Students w/Disabilities
Accommodations should always be made avail. to those that need them, regardless if it is felt that they may (or may not)be using their disability, as some call it, "a crutch."
Michael,
I THINK I am with you here. If what you are saying is that Universal Design makes things more usable for everyone, but still recognizes that special arrangements can and should be made, as needed, for people with disabilities, then we are on the same page.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I gree but remember that the Universal Design concept doesn't eleminate accomindations but may focus accomindation efforts for those with disabilities.
Ereca,
You are right, for two reasons. First, because you cannot get around the fact that it's the law! People with disabilities have the legal right to equal access, and our perception that they could/should be doing something differently is irrelevant. Second, because the little slice of life that an instructor perceives does not begin to define the experience of the student who lives with a disability. We cannot know their circumstances or their history, and it is not our place to pass judgement on their efforts.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
