behaviorial disibilities
Shouldn't schools have a more detailed plan for students with behaviorial limitations, such as asbergers? This topic is rarely touched upon, and I feel that IEPs(individual education plans) that are implemented for these type of learners be carried throughout their college career as well.
Sharon,
I agree. Giving all students a chance to share their personal "differences" makes the differences created by disability less stigmatizing.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
This is a great idea. I think this help all of the students to be more understanding of one another and be encouraging instead if irritated.
Carola,
Hmmm... if there is a DANGER of physical aggression, there should be more than a "heads up". There should be a plan in place. But that is the RARE exception in these circumstances. What we want to avoid is having students stigmatized because of a diagnosis.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think that knowing of the disability before hand is beneficial to the teacher, especially if there is a danger of physical aggression.
Amy,
Personal experience is certainly a great teacher. I, too, am the parent of a child with a severe disability. The things I learned as a parent have informed my practice as a professional educator -- no question about it!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I am the proud parent of a brilliant Child with high functioning Autism. The IEP that was established for him from K-8th grade has helped him grow tremendously. I realize it is not an option but early intervention is key to sucess. I personally have more patients for my adult ADD students and asperger students. THey are generally very sweet and bright.
Freda,
We should be willing and able to provide appropriate accommodations in order to assure ACCESS. Whether or not they are successful is up to them, just as it is for all other students. While we HOPE all students will be successful, that is not the purpose of accommodations.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Freda,
Actually, I DON'T agree. The IEP is developed in a very different way, for a very different reason, than we draw up plans for accommodating students with disabilities at the college level. The IEP is about success -- not access -- and it tends to be a negotiated settlement with the parents, not a plan that is based on maintaining curricular standards.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
If we hope for success, we should be willing and able to care out the terms of the IEP plan.
I strongly agree with utilizing the IEP from previous K-12 schools in the college and universities. These plans helps to guarantee that the student receives the opportunity to achieve. Of course, modifications and reassessments may be required.
Kelly,
Actually, that is NOT what it says. That response -- contact public safety to suggest the student is a threat -- was a WRONG answer to that question. The correct answer was to find a way to calm the situation in the classroom now, and -- if you feel it necessary -- you may consider filing disciplinary charges against the student later, for his continued disruption of the class after repeated warnings (part of the description in the scenario). As it states in the quiz, "While it would certainly be appropriate to file disciplinary charges against John (since he has been warned repeatedly and it seems to make no difference in his behavior), his words do not represent any credible threat to safety. They are not words that would raise alarm if the student had no disability."
Dr. Jane Jarrow
On the quiz, it says that it is appropriate for the instructor to contact public safety if a student with Asperger's has an unpleasant, disruptive verbal exchange with another student in class. This seems quite subjective.
Mardi,
I don't think Sharon was suggesting that students be REQUIRED to share the information about their disability, only that they be invited to do so. My reference to modeling behavior for the students had to do with the way Sharon might then respond to the students with disabilities -- her positive acceptance. As to your concern about possible negative consequences, experience suggests that individuals who are insensitive about such things once they are known would have been equally insensitive without the specifics of the information. Individuals with Aspergers' are used to finding others who refuse to be patient or understanding. It doesn't make it easier, but it is not so unexpected. We cannot change the attitudes of the world. We can only model how it SHOULD be and hope for the best.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Sharon what a wonderful idea! My concern is could it also have an adverse effect; meaning those that may not want to disclose this information about themselves or others that did not know may now be judgmental in their treatment; in class or out of class.
The reason I say this is I worked with a fellow nurse who had asperger's; while we were presented by this nurse and our manager what asperger's entails as an inservice. There were those who took it upon themselves to be retaliative instead of supportive and these are health care professionals! Any thoughts?
Thank you for addressing this; I believe Sharon has a great idea and would be willing to give this a try but am worried about possible repercussions.
Michelle,
I am a little concerned that the school is leaving the responsibility solely in the hands of instructors, but I am not concerned for YOUR students. Clearly, they have found a sympathetic ear and feel comfortable in approaching you if they are in need of help. That's all we can ask or hope for.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Our school makes the teachers aware that the student had IEPs. What we do with that information is between the student and the teacher. If one of my students tells me that no accomodation is necessary its class as usual but if another asks me to help them in any way that I can I do. The students are considered young adults and they know what they need help with.
Sharon ,
It sounds as though you have found a very effective way of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for students with disabilities in your classes. Bravo! YOUR response to students with disabilities will serve as a model for the other students in the class -- and everyone wins!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
At the beginning of each semester, I ask students to meet with me privately if they would like to discuss any special learning arrangements that would work better for them. Some students had been tested for learning disabilities, and it was helpful to me to be aware of their need in order to tailor some of my lesson plans and testing methods.
In the past, I was not aware of the disabilities of some of my students until they were sitting in front of me and I was able to observe their behavior. Other students were unaware, as well, and reacted in ways that were not so kind or understanding. It was very challenging to deal with the needs of this student while encouraging appropriate behavior from other students. As one of the requirements for this particular class, I developed a questionnaire "Understanding My Diversity" and encouraged students to share their answers with the class. Fortunately, the outcome of this situation was very positive for all involved.
I believe that knowing of the disability before hand is extremely beneficial to the instructor, especially if there is a danger of physical aggression.
