Nicholas,
THIS is the kind of outstanding example that not everyone is fortunate enough to come across. When you do have contact with such a student, who defies the stereotypes, it changes forever your perspective on what people can do. You are fortunate to have known this student -- and the students who followed him are fortunate as well!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
My story relates to a student with a vision disability who enrolled in our Graphic Design program. Some of the Admissions folks and the Academics department felt that we were "taking advantage" of the student, inasmuch as he would "clearly never complete the program or work in the field." I disagreed, after meeting with him at some length. He was a determined student, who requested and utilized his accommodations properly. After a couple of months I found that he was a truly gifted artist, and brought an additional dimension to his class and the projects they completed. Upon graduation (3.7 gpa and perfect attendance), he was quickly employed as a freelance graphic designer. As he had suspected, his work spoke for itself. We remain in contact, and I think of his often (especially when considering other students with different abilities).
Michael,
The fact that you realize this, even after the fact, suggests that you have recognized both the difficulties that spill over into all facets of their lives, AND their potential to succeed despite those difficulties. The combination will be a powerful boost to your interactions with students with LD and ADHD as you continue your teaching career.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Well, I had several friends in high school who have ADHD. Because of my ignorance at the time, I didn't think it was a big deal. They would always talk about the struggles, and of course this is a disability you can't see. When it is ADHD or a LD, what we're accustomed to tells us that this person is fine and does not have a disability. I wish I knew then what I know now. Fast forward eight years, I am happy to say all of my friends graduated with me having taking the same courses. Thinking back now, there are a few things that could have been done to better accommodate this population of my class.
Robert,
Having close personal experience, like this, with someone who has a disability and is still successful and functional and full of determination can be a powerful motivator for you (as an instructor) to focus on the potential, rather than the limits, in the students you come in contact with!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I have a very good friend who has palsy and is partially deaf. He has graduated with his associates degree and is continuing his education. Sometimes it takes him longer or more time to learn something but he is motivated and doesn't let anything stop him from his goals!
Ashley ,
Hey... that is the right attitude to have. I am pleased that you are looking forward to the experience of working with students with disabilities, and the challenge of thinking-outside-the-box to determine how best to assist. I am sure the students you work with will benefit from your attitude, as well as your teaching.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would love to describe or tell a story about a student who succeed but I haven't come into contact with a student with a disability yet. I'm still new to the company. I look forward to coming in contact with a student with a disability though because I would love to watch the progress.
Melissa,
These are the kind of stories that we not only like to hear, but that are models for others (students and faculty alike). Not all students with disabilities will be as independent or as successful as your student was -- but her very visible success will set the stage for those that come behind her. People will be more willing to give the next student the benefit of the doubt because she was there before them!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I had a student with multiple disabilities in my class. She was pursuing a diploma in a program that would be a challenge to her and openly discussed the needs she had and that she was up to the challenge. We worked with two community agencies to get her the support she needed inside of school as well as out. The school also implemented accommodations for her that allowed for the elimination of barriers but also taught her how to independently utilize accommodations in life/work situations. She learned to become her best advocate. She proudly completed her program and found gainful employment, on her own, in her field.
Amanda,
Those are the kind of stories I like to here!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I am not an instructor, but a member of admissions. Recently, we had a student who underwent transplant surgery. When it came time to complete her externship, the doctor would not allow her to receive the required vaccinations. The student fought for her right to secure an extern site that would forego these requirements and she was successful. She's now scheduled to graduate next term!
Daren,
I think that is a great example... both of how someone learns to cope/manage their disability-related symptoms, and how such difficulties are an annoyance but not a barrier to success. THANKS for sharing.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
My dad actually has a learning disability that he never knew he even had until recently. He just chalked it up to being a bad test taker. But he had trouble reading sentences and putting them together correctly, and then would often miss the point entirely and come up with incorrect responses. On the contrary, if he is placed in a classroom where the professor is giving an oral lecture.. he retains that information extremely well. He now manages all purchases for a very large firm. I, however, never doubted my father, so Im not sure if this is the response youre looking for. I dont know of any other examples to site.
Jacqueline,
It's always nice to hear about folks with disabilities who not only exceed, but excel!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I have a friend who I met when we were working together. They have cerebral palsy. A lot of the employees were standoff-ish towards him because he had a strange gait and a misshapen arm. I often heard that other employees thought he would not be able to hand his position. He wanted to work and got the job as shopping cart collector. That man could work circles around the outer cart people and with only one arm. He has never seen himself as disabled and after a while neither did anyone else. He recently left his job there and is pursuing a career in stand up comedy. I know he'll be sucessful in everything he does.
Andrea,
I think that sometimes sharing such success stories can help nondisabled students see that there are alternatives in life and in practice. But I think the real importance is it also helps them recognize that students with disabilities are more LIKE them (in goals and achievements) than they are different.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think it is great when share success stories about students with disabilities with other students because the stories inspire the students.
Though I don't have an anecdote of my own, this particular story speaks volumes about the power of mentor relationships. You achieved what we all hope: to cultivate the potential a student already embodies. Thank you for sharing such an inspirational story!
Joe,
Absolutely! The trick is to recognize is that what is inspiring about such stories is not what this individual has done "in spite of his disability", but rather what he has learned to do to tap his own potential. There is always a way!!!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
