Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
As an online instructor, how would you assist students with disabilities to make the transition to post-secondary education?
Helping students understand what their rights are, how the school can help them, and how the instructor can help them are the best way to assist students with disabilities as they transition into later education.
To help students with disabilities I would make sure they are aware of what is available from their advisor/student services. I would make sure they are aware of what is due each week and how much extra time they are allowed and do my best to help them with the time requirements needed. I would also ask the student reach out to me during my office hours/call me when he/she is available if something is not clear so I can better explain the task.
That’s an excellent idea. I will implement that exercise, maybe even extending it to cover, how do you learn best?
Ralph,
In my experience, rarely are students given any kind of orientation to learning whether or not they have a disability.
Renee Shaffer
I believe that all student matriculating into higher learning recieve some sore of orientation to the program of learning. Whether disabled or not orientation helps with the transistion. Within thiis orientation it is important to impart that those with disabilities will have to make that diability known. I believe there should also be a discussion about the difference when entering teh higher learning system between the passive approach allowed in K-12 and in the new environment.
This academic bridge will prepare the student for life post school.
Ralph Fornari
I start every class with an exercise. I give everyone a piece of paper, ask them to write down something they think is important about themselves and something about teacher... Then I ask them to put it in the book and when we reach that topic to interrupt class and tell us all why this topic is important to them.
It seems silly... but I have multiple learning disorders and a speech impediment that I work to overcome each day... and when they see someone put together who seems articulate but can own up to their short comings they seem to be more welcome and freer to discuss what they see as important... This is when I open the floor to what writing skills, what speech skills and what communication skills are important to have in my industry and offer them a handful of places where they can reachout for help anonymously... BUT I also show with each assignment what is expected, walk through every assignment at least three times beginning, middle and end of class.... and Pray if they don't understand they will talk with me in one way or another...
Ashley,
Coaching the students could be a full time job for someone like a graduate student. I wish colleges thought about this more and develop more student success programs which gently push students.
Renee Shaffer
I think that having a support system is extremely important. We must push the student to succeed and by taking every effort to enhance their learning process, we are ensuring that the student can accomplish their goal no matter the disability.
Jeannette,
Hopefully, this course will prepare you for that eventuality. Good luck and thanks for taking this first step.
Renee Shaffer
I really think of all posts I agree that this might be good for everyone involved.
I have not had to experience of teaching students online with disabilities.
Peter,
Sounds like it was a good class for everyone!
Renee Shaffer
Dr. Cecil,
Excellent points. I always make sure to tell all of my students about the opportunities available to them in reference to the Office of Disabilities. Often times, they are unaware that they have disabilities which can be assisted.
Renee Shaffer
In my first online class a student informed me that my microphone had too much static and encouraged me to replace it. He was legally blind and used my lecture for the information to learn. I offered phone chats to read to him his grading comments. This first class was the eye opener to me to expand my lessons.
For adults in online higher education, this transition period may have been decades. Adults seeking online higher education may not have had the benefit of the No Child Left Behind and the Americns with Disabilities Ace because they were already finished with K-12 public education before these were enacted. Even a student with a disability who is 40 years old would likely not have received much K-12 educational benefit from No Child Left Behind or from the Americans with Disabilities Act. For those individuals, they may not even be aware that they have a disability that can and should be accommodated in the online classroom. Helping students become aware of the availability of assistance in the Office of Disability Services could be a major factor in helping them to make this transition.
By treating them with respect while also informing of the different learning environment in post-secondary education. I would also make sure they are aware of the office of disability assistance and the services it provides.
Willie ,
Great to hear that you are a student advocate!
Renee Shaffer
For students with disabilities, I think a big factor in their successful transition from high school to postsecondary education is accurate knowledge about their civil rights. Most students do not know that they have rights. I have a student (face-to-face) who has anxiety disorders, which I am just not learning in this class is covered under ADA. He does not know that he has rights. Not to act as his counselor, I hope to know be able to inform him to go to Student Disability Services.
Jaclyn,
What a great observation! It is truly a different world for students with disabilities trying to manuver in higher education especially if their parents or guardians haven't helped them be proactive in the past.
Renee Shaffer
