What is the best way to deal with students that use ADD and ADHD as an excuse for not meeting the classroom expetations?
Cheryl,
I agree. The most difficult issue we often face is students who do not come forward, in a timely manner, to request the assistance we are more than prepared to provide. Having taken this class, maybe it will alert you to examine the systems in place at your institution and see if there are suggestions you can make to the powers-that-be that might make the process of requesting accommodations more "user friendly."
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think this happens more often then we realize. The students may not be aware of the accomodation(s) that they may be entitled to and often, the administration isn't too sure either! I think that's why the "case by case" basis is so important; it can be tailored directly to the student's particular need.
Julius,
That's a wise philosophical approach -- "deal with it as the situation arises." In fact, RESPONDING to concerns, rather than anticipating them, can be another way of providing students with disabilities a measure of dignity. It says to them, "we assume you are just like every other student here, and we intend to treat you that way. If you need additional assistance, we welcome your inquiry. But we aren't going to *assume* that your disability makes you less competent.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would find it frustrating, but life has a way of putting obstacles in your way. First you find out the disability , what, how, and the when's. You find ou from the students if there are any restrictions and/ or accommodations that they have applied for and how will that effect them within this class or for the further of there education if any. Then we would try to follow what is necessary to make that happen without giving them an hand up from th other students.
Bruce,
I believe the original question had to do with students disclosing before their admission, rather than in the process of requesting accommodation. You are right -- if a student wants accommodations, he/she must disclose to the proper institutional authority.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Shouldn't the student have gone through the proper process in disclosing a disability? The accommodations would have been identified through the proper procedures.
Michelle,
I agree that students with disabilities should not be required to reveal their disability unless and until they are ready to do so. But I also believe it places the student in jeopardy, and the faculty member in an awkward position, if students decide to wait and see if they can get by without accommodation, only coming forward when they acknowledge that they cannot. The appropriate response on the part of faculty is, "from here on out, we will see that you have the appropriate accommodations you need, but the grades you have earned to date still stand." While that is the appropriate answer, students are rarely satisfied by it. They want you to go back and forgive their poor grades because of their disability. That isn't going to happen. So while students with disabilities have a right to choose not to disclose, they also must acknowledge and be prepared for the consequences.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
If it isn't affecting their ability to do the training or affecting their grades, I wouldn't do anything. If the person has developed "coping" mechanisms for their disability then they should be allowed to try.
Vickey,
That's always a hard sell, Vickey, especially when you are talking about a student with an invisible disability (like LD or ADHD) who *looks* just like every other student in the class. Just keep reminding them... "access, not success!"
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I just handled my first request where the student submitted their request during their second semester. There was no change to our published process and we are meeting with the student today. But what I am discovering is there is a lack of understanding by the student and our staff that accommodation assures equal access not to enhance student success.
TYSHON,
I hope you are not suggesting that people with disabilities are regularly excluded because others believe them to be bad employees. Maybe I missed something here. Can you expand on your meaning?
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Most time people regret have hiring them job.
Dennis ,
Your obligation is to respond to the request for accommodation when the request is made. It isn't your job to go out seeking students who need accommodation (and should be asking for it). But your open and accepting attitude in the classroom may make it easier for students to come forward.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Yes Theresa, I have had the same problem that they informed me about the disability when they where in academic trouble.
Theresa,
That is neither a problem unique to your school nor unique to your students. It happens all the time and it is unfortunate. But we remind students with disabilities that they have rights, but also have responsibilities. Part of that responsibility is to come forward and request the support they need through appropriate channels. You aren't meant to be a mind reader.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
That is not only a logical answer, Vickey, it is the legal answer. By law, students are not required to disclose their disability AT ALL. If they want consideration/accommodation, they must disclose -- but they can do that at any time. At the point where the student discloses, the obligation for accommodation begins, whenever that is.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I've had that problem at my school, where the student didn't disclosed the problem until later in the semester.
If the disability is discovered after the applicant begins the program, the published procedure for requesting accommodation would be followed by the student.
Barney,
I agree that it is not productive to engage in a discussion of whether or not it was a good idea for the student to enroll. They DID enroll, they are there, and they should have an opportunity to try. And you are right -- it is appropriate to talk about accommodations, but leave the specifics of how those accommodations are to be organized to the designated office/individual (disability service provider) on your campus. This is one time when faculty need only facilitate the accommodation that someone else takes the responsibility for prescribing (that is, you are not expected to know all about disability and accommodations; that's not part of your job description).
Dr. Jane Jarrow
