Jane Jarrow

Niles, I like the idea of dealing with concerns about technical standards by asking an existing curriculum committee to review things, rather than seeming to "attack" existing standards on behalf of students with disabilities. It is much more likely to be well received when it comes from the academic side of the house. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Teri, I wish that were so. My experience is that faculty generally don't want to hear from someone outside their own field. They can CHOOSE not to "hear" what is said by assuring each other that the outsider "doesn't understand what we do." It is often better to have someone from within the program (or, at least, from within their profession), walk them through the changes that have to be made, and why. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Mozell, Sounds as though you have a good handle on the politics of your institution, and how to get things done within the bureaucracy. Go with it! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Eleonora, I agree that students should have proper information -- but it is equally as important that instructors have adequate and complete information. A disability services officer is there to help both! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Niles, The important thing is that extended time is determined based on the needs of the student with a disability, not on the basis of what is or isn't done (or is/isn't comfortable) for any other student. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Teri, Very true. If you don't KNOW the answer, no amount of extra time will help you to write it down! GRIN Dr. Jane Jarrow

Mozell, That is the basis on which extra time is approved... the idea that it may be necessary for students with disabilities while not being unfair to others. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Niles, Don't forget that Title I of the ADA assures appropriate accommodations for employees with disabilities, just as Titles II and III provide for accommodations to students. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Mozell, That COULD be true. But then again, if the individual has good coping strategies, they may have learned to schedule in breaks for themselves that will help them to focus as needed. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Teri, Hmmm... I would have to disagree. While maintaining attention on one task for a long period can be difficult, multi-tasking may be next to impossible for someone who has ADHD. Too many things to get distracted with! Like everything else, this varies greatly from one person to another,but it is something to consider. Dr. Jane Jarrow