Disabilites
I take this subject very personally. I am a hearing impaired person.
During the Culinary Supervision and or Law class; this is when I introduce the subject of reasonable accomadations to the class using myself. I think why I am successful with explaining this is I use humor. 99% of the time I have at least 5 -8 students stay after class and ask me questions about my disability.
The goal is for the students to look at the next deaf person they see and be more positive.
Hi Nancy,
Once a student completes secondary high school or turns age 21 they are no longer under a Individual Education Plan (IEP). So it is their option to declare to the college whether they have a disability or not. If they do then the Student Services Office will work with their instructors to help the instructors to modify or adapt the delivery of instructional content to meet the needs of the student. If they do not declare their disability to the Student Services Office or anyone else then they are not eligible for special services. The most common problem I have found is that young adults prefer that no one knows that they have a disability so they enter college like all other students. Once in college problems start to arise with their ability to keep up with their work, follow directions or do psychomotor tasks. By then they are in trouble with their academic standing. In your situation unfortunately you had to experience a traumatic event with no prior knowledge that he might be prone to seizures if not taking his meds correctly.
I would suggest you talk with your college administration to see if they will try and secure such information prior to students coming into classes especially if there is a question of safety in the classroom or lab.
Gary
Hi Gary
Is there a standard for presenting instructors with information about a students disability prior to a course starting? I understand that unless a student confronts you with their status, the instructor remains unaware. For example, a student had a seizure in my classroom and 911 was called. I later found out this was an existing condition the student was taking medication for (or not that day), but I was never told that. It was an extremely stressful event, and I feel I should have known ahead of time that this might happen.
Thank you
Nancy
Hi Richard,
I admire your effort in preparation. This illustrates the level of dedication you have for your students and your craft. The field that you are preparing students to enter is one that demands excellence and you are bringing that to your students each time you meet with the.
Gary
I agree i have students stay and ask me to make points clear to them so they understand better. i am a slow reader and half to read things over two or three times so it takes me longer to prepare to teach a class. I am a instructor in a gunsmithins trade school so it is very important to me my students learn what they are there for
Youre right,I have had a student that couldnt read,he struggled in the clssroom but worked twice as hard as the rest of the class in lab.
Hi Beth,
This is a great example of how students can be exposed to different situations and individuals and come away with positive experiences. You are to be commended for how you are using this novel approach to teaching success.
Gary
I completely agree. The needs of disabled students should be explained by the program chair and/or ADA/504 coordinator before the first class. This is so the instructor is well prepared and has adequate materials for the student on the first day. I think that students with disabilities are more driven to succeed and will.
It's nice that you put a positive spin on it :-)
