Sometimes it is difficult to give the proper help.
We have a little bit of a problem with helping some students with their disabilities within my organization. The reason being as that we are not allowed to ask them of their disability, but only to accomodate them with what ever their letter that they are supposed to present to the instructor at the begining of class.
Most of our accomodations are for "test reads only". With that being said, sometimes it is hard for an instructor to know what extra help to give when we are technically not allowed to ask the student, but we can only observe how they may be performing.
It can be very difficult to teach someone with a disablity because you have to act as if they do not have one durring lecture, and provide more time, I enjoy they challenge because it makes you a stronger instructor, and provides new techniques to instruct the entire class.
Students that I have encountered with any form a of learning or physical disability tend to perform well both academically and in a hands-on environment. What aids their success is their willingness to come forward an ask for the accommodation. Once the challenges are recognized and identified, providing the student with the tools for success is relatively easy. However, students that we can identify with a learning disability that prefer to not ask for help are the ones we most often studggle with. Legalities seem to get in the way of allowing us to help every students at times.
Anton,
you are right that these regulations do pose a challenge. The hope is that the students may open up to you about their struggles & then you will better be able to help them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
