Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Angelia, Good for you. That is what the law is meant to assure -- equal access for "people with disabilities" -- not "people with really severe disabilities as judged by the public." GRIN. Actually, I suppose we could stop at saying the law is meant to assure equal access. Period. For everyone! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Angelia, I read an article the other day about the part that expectations play in success. The gist of the whole thing was that students who had people behind them who EXPECTED them to do well were more likely to succeed than students who had people behind them who hoped they would do well. You EXPECTED good things, and it sounds like she delivered. Bravo! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Sensory Disability

Robb, It sounds as though you speak from personal experience. You are right. Expectations lead to stereotyping, and stereotyping leads to limited options and opportunities. Our job is to see that doesn't happen. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Leveling The Playing Field

George , Yes... and no. The skills and abilities that determine success depend upon the student. But without the institution doing its part to assure that access to information, tools, and learning environment (and it DOES take work), the student faces potentially insurmountable difficulties. So the college has to do its part FIRST. That's why you are here, right? GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

George , What you have described is exactly the process of decision-making that we allow... encourage!... other students to do. And that is exactly WHY it is the appropriate course of action for students with disabilities. GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Physical Disability

Sharon, That pretty much says it all. Not only do we not know what the student will be capable of simply because they will not be performing the task in the same way WE would perform that task, the student is likely to know "work arounds" for such tasks that we might not ever have considered. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Physical Disability

Niel, You are a great example of why the laws are important. You are right -- we should never let someone else's expectations dictate our path. I am sure you are a great role model for the students you teach -- disabled and not! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Attention Deficit Disorder

Autumn, I don't disagree with your thoughts regarding over diagnosis/medication so much as I have learned not to assume that is what I am seeing when I have limited contact with an individual child. One of the first things I learned as the parent of a child with a disability is that all the great advice you get from professionals working with your child must be balanced against the fact that they see your kid in only one setting for a brief period of time. The parent lives with the child, and the consequences of the disability, 24-7. What the… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Rock and a Hard Place?

Cesar, And that's the way it should be. I like the fact that you are focused on possibilities instead of limitations. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Cesar, Sounds like a good plan. The trick is to treat them just as you do everyone else -- which includes allowing them the courtesy of making their own decisions. Dr. Jane Jarrow