Michael Hooven

I find that students are very appreciative of the procedures we have, and that they benefit from them in demonstrable ways. For example, I have a student with Tourette's Syndrome who has become noticeably more relaxed and willing to participate as he has become confident that his particular needs will be addressed on an ongoing basis.

John Persico

Thanks for posting Brenna. You mentioned a protocol. I will need to look into this more. I have not actually seen many disabled students at the school but I do think we try very hard to accomodate students with physical disabilities. I had not thought much about the actual building structure, but I will have to pay more attention to this aspect of the issue as well as how my class does or does not facilitate accomodation.

Elizabeth Collis

I agree with Brenna's position. Making students feel comfortable with approaching the instructor to seek extra help allows them to concentrate on learning instead of worrying about whether or how to address their barrier.

Terry Skottegaard

Brenna,

I agree that having clear protocal for students with disabilites is important. When such protocals are not in place it can make it awkward and difficult for a student to get the support they needl

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Jamison,
What have been some ways you have been able to help students to see the value of your content and then support them in their efforts?
Gary

Jamison Englund

I think we do a good job addressing this with students early on to determine if there is anything we can do to encourage their learning experience.

Cheryl Anderson

Hi Breanna,
I agree, all schools are required to have specific policies for students with disabilities. I find that some learners are embarrassed over their disabilities and will needlessly struggle. I think open honest instructors can help draw these issues out. We can point these learners to the Disability Services people and ensure that accomodations are made.
Cheryl

Dennis Behl

I agree with Brenna, and would add that in my experience teaching at this institution the policy is reflected in the faculty's attitudes and learning activies. For example,last quarter an able-bodied student one day entered my classroom in a wheelchair and was in that chair for a two week period. When I inquired about her injury, she offered an explanation that seemed a bit oblique. Perhaps she is concealing a personal reason,I thought. We later discussed the experience of navigated the campus in the chair and other's reactions. At the end of the two weeks,she was "healed" and disclosed to me and the class that she had been in a sensitivity training experience, as part of her interpersonal relations class. Her instructor had required this experience to open her eyes to the world of the disabled student and how others react to the disabled person. Wow. What a powerful learning activity for that student and successful explanation of the school's policy of equal access.