Treating all students the same
I have had a student who was hard of hearing, and had interpreters in class helping him. I treated him like every other student i had in class and didnt cut any corners with him. When he didnt understand me i had help but for the most part as long as i took it slow when i explained stuff to him on a one on one situation. After my class was over he thanked me for treating him the same as everyone else but helping him when needed.
Ronnie,
We would ALL do well to remember that students with disabilities are more LIKE every other student in class than they are different!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I agree I also have had students that were hearing impaired and they do not want to be treated different. The students seemed to be glad that they were given the same task to do as the other students.
Years ago, I saw a cartoon that showed a young woman talking to a classmate in a wheelchair. She asked, "Would you rather be called 'handicapped' or 'disabled'? And the other responded, 'Actually, I'd rather by called Alice." GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I completely agree with you on this. Our students who do have a disability of some sort likely already feel different and, if there disability is physical, they are likely treated differently by the majority of people they come in contact with. I'm sure they appreciate just being able to feel like all the other students when they are treated just like one.
George,
You seem to have come to your own realization that students with disabilities are more LIKE every other student than they are different. That's what it is all about!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I have also had hearing impaired students in my class. I did not treat him any different. He seemed to work harder because I was treating him just like any other student. He appreciated the fact I did not single him out and give him special treatment.
Billy,
Hmmm... I am not sure we are using the words to mean the same things. When you say "all students should be treated the same" are you suggesting that they shouldn't be given accommodations (because that WOULDN'T be the same)? If so, I would have to disagree. If, however, you are saying that all students should be given the same respect and assumed to have the same potential -- then I agree wholeheartedly!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would agree with this statement you made. A student with disabilities deserves the same treatment and respect as the rest of the class. They do not need to be treated different and most of them do not want to be treated different. I believe it is a good standard practice to treat all students as equals, if they need additional help with subject matter all that they have to do is ask and the assistance is there for them no matter if they are disabled or not. As an instructor all students should be treated the same no matter what there individual needs are.
Scott,
I am always fascinated to see really good sign language interpreters at work. It is wonderful to see them interpret intent, and emphasis, and enthusiasm and (if necessary) confusion, along with just the words. I always feel it is treat to watch these folks at work! (By the way, an old adage maintains that interpreters are only distracting to the REST of the class if the lecturer is boring. If the lecturer is boring, the hearing students watch the interpreter, and the deaf student falls asleep! GRIN)
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I have also had this student and the "signers" were excellent They made sure to keep the student fully informed of exactly what was being said and explained
Paul,
I once heard a speaker respond to a question as to what specific techniques could be used to improve outreach to the population under discussion. His response was, "there IS no technique beyond the attitude." You clearly have the attitude! I am sure your students appreciate both your efforts and your openness.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I found that when working with students with this that very little extra effort was needed to keep them included in the class and lecture. Some small changes in the way I presented my lecture to help them better see what was going on and some simple follow up with the student made a big difference. I also knew a very little bit of sign language from teaching my kids when they were very young to help them comunicate before they could talk, and tried to incoperate it when I could. I could see the appreciation on the students face when I would try to use it even if it was on a few basic signs.
Roger,
You make a good point. Sign language interpreters (and the deaf students they serve) are always at a disadvantage as the classes get more advanced or specialized, because the interpreter sometimes struggles to understand the information so they can convey it adequately. I think it is great that you take a little extra time to make sure such students are getting all the info they need. BUT... based on what you have said, you are still treating all students the same, because you would offer that same extra time and attention to any student who needed it! The difference here may be the REASON they need the extra help, not the impact on your willingness to provide it.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
i also have had a few students with a hearing and other disabillities.but to me it seems that the hearing impaired students might take a little more planning on my part to ensure that they understand the lessons. in a technical school the interputers might not know how to trsnslate some of the information the way it needs to be explained, in that case i will spend more time helping the students review their notes, if their is not enough time in the class, i will let them know that i am available after class if they would like additional help. i make this offer to all my student reguardless of weather or not they have a dissabilitie.
You underline the basic theme of this class, Rick. Students with disabilities are more LIKE every other student than they are different." When students are treated with respect and dignity, have the same options, and have an opportunity to make the same choices (and, yes, even the same mistakes!), others see them as competent and capable individuals and treat them as such.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Scott,
One of the first lessons we generally teach to folks when it comes to disability awareness is that "everyone cringes the first time they say, 'good to see you' to a blind person. But you don't need to worry. They already knew they were blind!" You are right. OUR discomfort is never a legitimate reason for keeping people with disabilities at arms length -- or keeping them down! It is very astute of you to recognize that the interpreter often plays a role in how a deaf student is perceived. It would be interesting to know, though, whether the interpreter is ALWAYS that light-hearted and humorous or whether the interpreter was that way because that is how the deaf student was (and the interpreter would assume a different persona with a deaf individual who was more sedate). THAT would be the mark of a truly exceptional interpreter (and I have met quite a few in my time!)
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Many disabled students I have worked with show high levels of determination. They gain the respect of their peers and staff alike through their dedication and hard work. I have witnessed the same thing where fellow students are comfortable and work with disabled students easily. It's hard not to admire a hard worker.
I have found that most of the hesitation of opening up to a person with disabilities is from fear that you may somehow embarrass the individual. It takes a little longer to really get to know their personality. When dealing with a deaf student, the interpreter’s personality plays a big part in the personal connection with the student. In my experience both the interpreter and the deaf student were very light hearted and humorous. The student became just another one of the guys and most of his classmates started learning sign language so that they could communicate with him without the use of an interpreter. I recall a time that I had to ask them to "quit talking" (signing) during a lecture.
Michael,
And I'll bet that slowing down helped some of the other students in class, too. That's one of the happy side effects of many academic accommodations. The same actions that are NECESSARY for students with disabilities are also HELPFUL for others. It is always nice to hear from instructors who have had a positive experience with students with disabilities -- they spread the word much faster than I can! GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
