Disabilities
Some students seem to view their disability as a great shame or embarrassment. How do you get passed that to address the issues?
cristina,
this is a good point. We are to guarantee equal access to education & to the tools to help all students be successful; but we do not guarantee success, that is up to the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
For the most part my approach is to show to them a receptive instructor willing to adjust and help them, but not eliminate or facilitate the assignment. I feel holding them to the same standard shows them I expect the same from them because they are no less, and that in society they can not use any crutches if they are to succeed; which is why they are in school.
Students with a disability for the most part, just need a little extra one on one time. Understanding the students disability.....will certainly help the instructor...come up with a solution that will benefit the student.
Zelda,
this is a great example of working with the students & showing that you want to help them. I love your final statement!
Dr. Ryan Meers
Sometimes when going over the disability policy, I explain the various types and give examples and ensure my students that a disability does not equate to ignorance. I also tell them how being left handed how I had to go through the disability office during my undergrad years to ensure that I had a left haned desk in each of my classrooms. I encourage my students that to buy into the idea that in order to get what you want, you must first know what you need.
Ronald,
this is very true & appropriate when the students are still living at home.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have also found that parents of student with disabilities are very involved and always open for discussion concerning the best ways to approach their sons and/or daughters.
I try to have them refocus the term disability into an opportunity to teach others. If they are agreeable, ask them to share their disability with the class, and possibly teach the class coping skills and motivation to overcome obstacles.
Rita,
I think this is an important reality that we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Sherri,
this is true & unfortunate. Hopefully we can help them even with this attitude while in our classes.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Living with disabilities myself. I know of the embarrassment and shame. Until I learned to be ok with my disablitites and work with my teachers so I could understand and process assignments better. Just understanding that every student is different and have many different needes and disabilities is just another form,
I explain that each person is wired diferently has has differnt gifts and challenges. I explain that while they may struggle with one item that they are not alone and that if you look at each person you will find that we are all basicly the same no one is perfect and we are all just works in progress.
I find some students with disabilities have an attitude of entitlement. They have had passing grades handed to them their entire lives.
Jeremy,
sometimes you cannot. I try to be open & supportive & hopefully this encourages them to open up to me so I can help them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
