Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Kelly, You are right about extra time sometimes being a hindrance, not a help. For students with some disabilities, giving them too much extra time is the kiss of death because they will, indeed, over think things. But I have to disagree with the suggestion that time limits on tests are useful in preparing students for pressure situations in the world of work. Unless their work involves taking tests, the activities required are too dissimilar to make for a logical crossover. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Teri, I think you are starting from the right place -- give them a thorough explanation of the field and of the employment opportunities within that field. But if you have significant question as to how realistic the student is being concerning their choices, it may not be inappropriate to broach the subject, so long as it is posed in the right way. I would not want to have a conversation that begins, "you won't be able to do this..." But I might consider a conversation that begins, "In order to complete the program, you will have to do ____.… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Mozell, That's what I like to hear -- an optimistic champion who sees talent, rather than limitations. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Theresa, I hope you are able to help the young man find a way to use his talents. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Leveling The Playing Field

Theresa, It is likely that there ARE students who are not equipped to handle the medical field. And it is likely that not all of those who fit that description are students with disabilities. You say that you assist them by providing appropriate accommodations. Either you think all students who struggle have disabilities, or you think you owe more to students with disabilities who make poor career decisions than you do to nondisabled students. Neither is a good assumption. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Psychological Disability

David, Right on all accounts. It is potentially illegal, it is counterproductive, and it is very unfair! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Physical Disability

Mitchell, Actually, people who are blind DON'T have acute hearing. They are just more tuned in to what information is available through their ears than the rest of us have to be. And that kind of proves your point. Folks with limitations ALSO have strengths! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor

Kerry, Are you aware of the deaf player for the Seattle team who made such a splash in the media during last season? Derrick Coleman has become quite a celebrity, as a great example of someone who most would give little credit to, but who has made it to the top of his field. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Need to Know?

Shanita, Emergency situations can occur for students with and without disabilities. Instructors should know what to do in case of an emergency. They don't need to know the specifics of THIS student's disability. It is precisely because of the situation you describe that we DON'T give more information. Because if you knew that student a "just" had a learning disability, while student B had a history of epilepsy, you WOULD treat student B differently. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Equal Access

Bonnie, This is an absolutely wonderful suggestion -- that someone who is blind and cannot perform the procedure may still find a niche in patient education. That's the kind of "outside the box" thinking that opens doors for students who are limited in one area but have lots to offer. I once saw a student with a sign on the back of her wheelchair that read, "I may not be perfect, but parts of me are terrific!" Dr. Jane Jarrow