Robert,
You have the right idea, but I think you worded it backwards (GRIN). By law, all people with disabilities are equally entitled to the same protections. The law doesn't provide MORE protection (favoritism) based on the level of disability. But the law doesn't prohibit favoritism -- it just discounts it.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
By law, if someone is disabled, there can be no favoritism with the level of disability a person has.
Larry,
That is it exactly! "Each according to their need" is the definition of what is "just" (as in, Department of Justice!)
Dr. Jane Jarrow
to begin to accomodate based on severity would directly contradict what the law is all about to begin with. Equallity. Not more or less depending upon what your particular case is.
Exactly, Michael. The issue is not about comparing one person's challenges with another. It is about making sure that, whatever the challenge, the individual has an equal chance to demonstrate their knowledge and skill.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
A disability is a disability. Whether it be a learning disbility or a physical disability, mild or severe. As someone who does NOT have a disability, I cannot speak to the severity of a person's disability. The best an institution can do is accommodate said person in the best way possible without degrading the learning experience. In other words, level the playing field without cheapening the quality of education.
Laura,
Absolutely. The focus is on their status as a person with a disability, not the type or severity of disability.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Jeffery,
No, you aren't mistaken. The law is about protecting equal access for "Americans with Disabilities." What is necessary in order to assure that equal access will be different, based on the type and severity of the disability. But the goal is always the same... to provide protection from discrimination... and so the obligation is the same as well -- "each according to his/her need."
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Students with disabilities - miled to severe -are equally protected under the law from discrimination.
well, my assumption is that they are all entitled to the exact same support nonetheless, no matter how minor or extreme. There shouldn't be any reason to differentiate, because it should be applicable to all.
Am I mistaken?
Ann Marie ,
You are absolutely right. The law promises equal opportunity to ALL people with disabilities. That isn't equal to each other, it is equal to the nondisabled world. If you need more, you get more. But if you need less, you still get what you need!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Doesn't the law state simply that a person with a disability is just that ...the degree is irrelavant except in terms of the type of accommodations needed.
Summer,
While I agree with your conclusion -- that you cannot judge the severity of a disability by what you see -- I am not sure I agree with your example. It sounds as though you are suggesting that all people with disabilities could serve equally well as greeters at Walmart. I hope we have higher expectations for the potential of students with disabilities in higher education!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
a person with a severe disability like you are refering to is know different than a person with a learning disability and they should not be treated any diferently. if a person with a learning disability can greet someone at a door then why can a person who is in a wheelchair or who is blind not be able to do the same. just because you can not see how severe the disability is doesnt mean that it is not as severe as someone who is blind or even def
Joe,
The question was meant to be provocative, rather than suggestive, Joe. There used to be a common "catch phrase" thrown around within the disability community that was thrown out as a reminder that "being disabled is the one minority you can join on a moment's notice." But while recognizing that disability can be inherent or acquired, and that everyone MIGHT have a disability (some day!), I think it is important to remember that not everyone DOES have a disability. The laws, and our practice, are in place to protect those that do from the limitations imposed by others.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
In reality everyone can have some type of disability. The way the individual measures their disabilty may differ from someone elses opinion. As mentioned some disabilites are not visible to the eye for all to see. Thus making everyone capable of having some form of a disability.
Teresa,
That is true -- the laws DO cover all disabilities, without regard to severity. I was hoping to generate some discussion as to WHY that is!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
from what i read in this course so far seems to me section 504 isn't decrementing against the severity of disabled related problem the504 Ada covers all disability problems
Elizabeth,
I agree with you. Oddly, the federal government has some strange rules that sometimes play out differently. While the laws (504 and the ADA) make no distinction between HOW disabled someone is, the vocational rehabilitation system *does.* They provide their support first to those they think are "most" disabled. The difference, I think, is that 504/ADA are about equal rights, while Voc Rehab is about doing something extra. (Hey... I don't make the rules, I just try to explain 'em! GRIN)
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I guess I don't see the difference between the two. If the individual is capable of learning and understaning the information it shouldn't matter if they are blind or have a learning disability. Why should someone who is blind be given a 'higher ranking' in life because they are blind? A disability does present a challenge to the individual which is why we make reasonable acommodations. It should not entitle them to special treatment.
