Sarah Smoger

Cynthia, Agreed. As institutions of higher ed, we are obligated under the law to provide for equal access to all students. Sarah Smoger

James, Great attitude! It's refreshing to hear from a faculty member who believes that with the proper support, all students have the ability to be successful. Sarah Smoger

Cindy , Interesting perspective. If we have a student with a disability who meets all the admissions criteria, but because of a disability may require accommodations which fundamentally alter the core competencies, technical requirements, program outcomes, then it may be a case where a particular field of study is not realistic for that student. Sarah Smoger

Cindy , I agree. I believe in a process I refer to as "full program disclosure". If I have a student who I believe may struggle significantly because of a disability (regardless of learning, psychological, intellectual disability, etc.) I have a meeting with the student, academic affairs team and someone who can act as an advocate for the student (mom, dad, significant other, etc.) to discuss the expectations that we, the institution has of all students enrolled in the program. I want to make sure that every student feels that they are making an informed decision about continued enrollment. Sarah Smoger

Why is it important not to draw conclusions about psychological disabilities based on your observations of a student in the classroom? Explain.

If medication exists that helps cut down on distractions and attention problems, shouldn't students with ADHD be required to take that medication? Why should we provide accommodations if they aren't doing their part?

Is it appropriate to allow a student in a wheelchair to enroll in a physically demanding program of study in which he or she won't be able to get a job later? Why or why not?

You grade students down for spelling errors on their papers. What reasonable accommodation could you make for a student with a learning disability that affects his/her spelling?

In what way can a misconception about students who are hard of hearing, deaf, blind, or have limited vision cause injustice? Explain.

How can/should you approach the academic units on your campus to discuss what you now understand to be inappropriate technical standards? You need to be honest with students about the requirements they will face, but what happens when you know those requirements are open to challenge?