Jane Jarrow

Benson, The bottom line is that disability is neither a barrier to success, nor a promise of it. People with disability come in the same range of abilities as do others. And we hope that they will all be able to bring the right skills to bear on the problems at hand. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Cynthia, It sounds as though you are talking about technical standards, when you talk about "physical and mental requirements". It's important to be sure that whatever is being stated -- and thus passed along to the student -- is legitimately drawn, and not just a matter of tradition. Otherwise, students may be discouraged from pursuing a field that might well be a good fit for them. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Dave, Remember, as an instructor you can set the stage to support your students -- disabled and not -- but the native skill and ability is (and remains) up to the individual student. We aren't responsible for their success, only for assuring their chance to be successful. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Andy, Sounds like you have already determined some strategies that you can offer that will help ALL students -- and are potentially *necessary* for students with some disabilities. This is a great example of how what is needed for students with disabilities often amounts to nothing more or less than good teaching! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Alena, I like the idea of focusing on solutions, instead of problems. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Alena, Mirrors? How so? It isn't the MIRROR that is an example of UD, although the *placement* of the mirror might be an example of UD (that is, having it low enough so that someone in a wheelchair can still see themselves). In a way, the traditional placement of the keys on a keyboard (the QWERTY keyboard) is a form of universal design because it is standard. But not all typical keyboards can be used comfortably by everyone. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Alena, I agree with your statements, but want to clarify. Bipolar disorder and ADHD are two separate things. Having said that, though, you are right. The label should never be allowed to become a barrier to opportunity. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Alena, I certainly agree with your general tone and idea -- that students with disabilities deserve a chance to succeed. I just want to be sure you keep in mind that we do not make accommodations for SUCCESS, only for purposes of ACCESS. We supply that level playing field (through accommodations) -- they supply their own talents and skills that lead to success. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Michael, Exactly! All the time in the world won't make a difference if you don't know the answer! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Cynthia, And I certainly can't argue with that! GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow