Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Gary, I couldn't agree more. We cannot guarantee employment for any student, disabled or not. It would be unfair to turn away students with disabilities because we don't think THEY can be employed when we don't do the same examination of chances for everyone. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Cynthia, There is a (sometimes slim) difference between making sure the student knows what problems they may face and telling them that this "might not be the right choice." So long as no one crosses the line from advising to restricting options, it should be fine. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Severity of Disability

I agree with your premise, Kelly, but perhaps not with your wording. I don't see the laws as being "grey." It think the statutes are crystal clear. They say, "you may not discriminate on the basis of disability." Period! I think the ebb and flow you describe has to do with fulfilling the SPIRIT of the law (rather than the letter of the law). Recognizing that the obligation is nondiscrimination, how you carry out that responsibility will, indeed vary from one individual to another based on their individual circumstances. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Attention Deficit Disorder

Michael, Absolutely. Let me add one to your list. Sometimes the medication may interfere with other meds. Just yesterday, someone mentioned a student with ADHD who also suffers from migraines. The ADHD meds aggravate her migraine condition. She can't take them both at the same time, and both difficulties interfere with her concentration!!! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Rock and a Hard Place?

Patricia, I agree -- there should be someone available who can discuss those matters with the student. You just want to make sure that whoever takes on that responsibility is talking about opportunities and not limitations. It is easy for folks to share information with students (based on their personal experience in an area) that comes across as restrictive because it leaves the student feeling that they must refocus their goals. While sometimes that might be appropriate, we need to be careful not to let such conversations hinge on TRADITIONAL positions and skills, instead of focusing on future opportunities. Dr.… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

After the Classroom

Patricia, That is certainly our hope -- that although the disability doesn't go away when they move to the workplace, they have a better idea of how to manage their disability in that setting and, for that matter, what kind of accommodations might be appropriate to request. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Universal Design Hits Home

Patricia, That's a great example of how a universally designed product in one context can lead you to make better use of others with the same universal design elements. Good insight! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Patricia, Yes, we learn from our triumphs and our failures equally. And everyone should have the chance to find out for themselves. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor

Angela, Many years ago, there was a disability awareness film that featured seven disabled women talking about their experiences with life. One of them was a woman with spina bifida who used a wheelchair and recounted her experiences of being stared at or avoided by adults, while children were much more open and inquisitive about her physical limitations and appearance. She said that children often asked her "what happened to you?" because they were curious about her appearance and her inability to walk. Her response? "I tell them I'm a mermaid." That was the title of the video. Dr. Jane… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Need to Know?

Angela, Perhaps it is more an issue of WHAT information is shared than IF. I think faculty should always be given as much information as is necessary to be able to effectively provide access. That means they may need to understand, from the beginning, what the impact of the disability is on the student's learning. That is very different than needing to know the reason for that impact. Dr. Jane Jarrow