Jane Jarrow

Niles, Don't forget that the institution may have an expert on board whose job it is to help figure out how best to accommodate. I am all for instructors wanting and being willing to work directly with students, but that third party input can be crucial to protecting both the student and the college. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Niles, I very much approve of your approach. The idea of discussing future employment opportunities openly IF the student with a disability brings it up -- rather than the admissions counselor bringing it up -- is a great way to go. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Lashawna, In general, I agree. There should be one person with expertise at the institution who is specifically dedicated to helping students with disabilities who choose to identify themselves. Just remember that, coming in the door, you won't necessarily know who is or is not disabled during the admissions process, so there is no way to steer students with disabilities in a single direction (and that wouldn't be appropriate at that stage, anyhow!). Dr. Jane Jarrow

Norman, The "what versus how" debate is a tough one to get many professionals to understand. They are so used to seeing things done in a certain way that they have equated the doing of the task with the accomplishment of the task. But that's not what is really important. It is the same, quality end produce we are after, regardless of the route to get there. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Lashawna, I am not sure what you said, but I know what you meant! (GRIN) If you allow everyone "extra" time... what is it above and beyond (extra?). I think you mean that MORE time isn't necessary a benefit for everyone. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Virgie, Can you give an example? I want to make sure you are thinking this through logically, and not basing your comment on stereotypes. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Terry, On the day that the ADA was signed, President Bush was quoted as saying, "Together we must remove the physical barriers we have created, and the attitudinal barriers we have allowed." GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

Lashawna, You are correct, in general. But just to clarify -- Section 504 and the ADA go way beyond equal access to education. They have to do with equal access for people with disabilities throughout our society. The focus for US is on students. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Kelly, I can't argue with you there! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Norman, Smart phones are, indeed, a great example of universal design principles -- and getting better all the time. When it comes to mobile devices, Apple is still "king" with its IOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod) because they all come with built in accessibility (through Voiceover). The Android-based devices are catching up with the development of some newly available applications, but the fact that Voiceover is built in to the IOS devices means that it operates more smoothly in conjunction with other apps. Dr. Jane Jarrow