Jane Jarrow

Lori, It is for that very reason that we do NOT share more information. We don't want or need individual faculty deciding that, in their best judgement, a student does or does not need a given accommodation. There are lots of reasons -- and lots of laws -- that provide guidance as to what is provided to students with disabilities. Faculty aren't privy to all that information, so they shouldn't be empowered to get involved in the decision-making Dr. Jane Jarrow

phillip, I am not sure I follow you here. Extended time on a paper-and-pencil assessment doesn't translate to either needing the same accommodation in a hands-on activity, or to having that hands-on activity completed within a set time period. You seem to be equating speed with quality. I don't think that holds in the real world. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Lori, I agree, so long as you keep in mind that not all individuals with ADHD experience the same symptoms or with the same level of severity. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Phillip, Your post is a great exercise in translating the "functional limitations" of ADHD into practical implications and application. You are right. It isn't that these individuals won't be able to DO the necessary tasks, only that they will need to develop appropriate coping strategies (sometimes with accommodation) to allow them to function effectively, given their limitations Dr. Jane Jarrow

Lori, I couldn't agree more. In fact, that is what "equal access" means. It means the same level of honesty, the same level of opportunity, and the same level of confidence! Dr. Jane Jarrow

phillip, I think you've said the right things, but with the wrong words. It is not our job to give the disabled student the same ABILITY to have success, only the same OPPORTUNITY to be successful. And you are right -- it isn't up to us to try to predict how ANY student will perform in the world of work. We can only judge on what we see, not what we assume. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Cynthia, That's wonderful. Congratulations to her AND to you. As the mother of a daughter with a disability, I know how much of her success may lie with the constant support and encouragement she received from home. Our kids have the native abilities, but it is up to us to make sure the world doesn't stand in their way. I salute you -- one warrior to another! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Cynthia, Always nice to hear success stories, not just because it reminds us that there is a purpose behind what we do, but also because it reminds us that students are more able than DISabled, and that there is no way to predict to future, only to provide the tools that students take with them. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Cynthia, I agree with you -- and I'll add to your argument. In this day and age of technology, "seeking employment in your field of study" is a fluid idea. Employment opportunities are changing quickly as new technology allows people to practice in a given field in new ways. We don't know what opportunities will present themselves to students to USE the information and training they get from us. That means ANY student, not just students with disabilities! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Laura, I have to disagree. The purpose of accommodation is NOT to facilitate success. They are given to provide ACCESS. If the student has full access, then what they DO with the opportunity is up to them. We HOPE all students will be successful, but it is not our intention to assure that they are. Rather we want to give them an equal chance to show us that they can be. Dr. Jane Jarrow