Jane Jarrow

Betty, The accommodation of extra time is less about the "art" of test taking and more about the process of test taking. What is the opportunity that every other student has when it comes to testing. What, if any, accommodation will this student need to have that same opportunity. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Betty, The laws assure an equal chance, the technology will certainly provide a lot of options (and workarounds) for getting things done. But the basic talent must come from the individual. There will be things that they can't do, and things that they aren't good at, just as there will be for students without disabilities. The important part is to not let the disability BE the barrier. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jason, Wow... those are great examples, Jason. I have a friend who used to give a presentation called "Of Blind Mechanics and Hemophiliac Industrial Arts Teachers I Have Known." He said, in truth, he had only known one of each, but it was enough to teach him to "never say never." Dr. Jane Jarrow

NEAL, It is not a reasonable accommodation if it presents a direct threat to the health or safety of others. During the course of study, if there is reason to be concerned about danger, it is certainly something to be explored. BUT... too many times in the past the ASSUMPTION of danger has led to restricted opportunities for persons with disabilities. If the threat is real, there are provisions in the law. If the threat is supposed, the law requires a more discerning review. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Gail, What you are suggesting is a form of Universal Design -- that is, advocating for all students to have "enough time", no matter what that constitutes for them. I certainly can't argue with that philosophy! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Alan, Sounds like you have just the right attitude to keep an open mind -- and an open classroom -- where all students have the chance to succeed (or not) based on their skills, rather than the perception of others. Good for you! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Alan, You CAN hold 'em back -- but you shouldn't! And you have just given us a great example of WHY you shouldn't. There used to be a great disability awareness poster of a rather plain looking woman on crutches that read "If looking at this picture makes you feel uncomfortable, sad, pitying, dismissive... how much of her disability is in YOUR head?" I always liked that one! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Brett, Those are all good examples of universally designed products -- and some of them were even designed SPECIFICALLY for people with disabilities and are now used by others (levered door handles and bathroom stalls come to mind). So long as everyone keeps an eye on USABILITY, we are all better off. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Heather, You certainly have the right answer here -- case-by-case. And I agree with your premise that if the nondisabled student knows the material, all the extra time in the world won't make a difference. Just keep in mind that for a disabled student who knows the material, the extra time provides a real opportunity to demonstrate that learning. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Heather, Being in the right position is certainly our aim for any student -- but sometimes what WE think is right (or wrong!) is based on assumptions, rather than realities. We always have to be careful not to let our personal experience be the ONLY guide for the student's future experience. Dr. Jane Jarrow