Get Your Students Hired
I think it is awesome that we can accomodate those who are disabled. Everyone should have the opportunity to further their education, no matter what the situation.
I find it a bit sad that these kind of policies have to be in place it should be automatic. Those that are disabled should have the same opportunity to follow their dream. There are many stories with disabilities who have overcome obstacles to succeed.
Gina,
I like the idea of showing patience, Gina, but I'm a little uncomfortable with the suggestion that making accommodations for (all?) students with disabilities will distract from the rest of the class -- or that making accommodations is "disruptive." If you are talking about students whose behavior is inappropriate, that is unacceptable with or without a disability. If you are talking about presenting information in a different way or making individual arrangements for a student with a disability, that is both what SHOULD be done and not something that should need to be explained.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Assisting students in the classroom with disabilities can be very challenging, for both other students and the instructor. It takes patients and understanding. Most students do not understand disabilities, they assume the "disruptive student" is just being difficult for attention. I found myself explaining to the class that everyone has different ways of learning. Some people need to see things, some need to do a task to understand, some need to read on their own. Everyone is different.
Crystal,
The ability to accommodate has always been there. The will (and the obligation?) to do so is new. But it is most definitely a positive thing.
Dr. Jane Jarrow