Jane Jarrow

In what way can a misconception about students who are hard of hearing, deaf, blind, or have limited vision cause injustice? Explain.

You grade students down for spelling errors on their papers. What reasonable accommodation could you make for a student with a learning disability that affects his/her spelling?

Is it appropriate to allow a student in a wheelchair to enroll in a physically demanding program of study in which he or she won't be able to get a job later? Why or why not?

If medication exists that helps cut down on distractions and attention problems, shouldn't students with ADHD be required to take that medication? Why should we provide accommodations if they aren't doing their part?

Why is it important not to draw conclusions about psychological disabilities based on your observations of a student in the classroom? Explain.

jackie, There are many folks with disabilities who lead productive and fulfilling lives, not "in spite of their disability", but because they are motivated, skilled, determined individuals. The disability is a neutral in their lives. That's a great attitude on their part and a great lesson to us all. But we have to be careful not to fall into the "super crip" way of thinking. Such folks aren't noble because of what they are able to achieve. Rather, they are more like every other student than they are different. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Zachary, There is a famous quote from FDR... something to the effect that while we know that all men are not created with equal skills and abilities, but equality of opportunity is something we continue to strive for. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jeremy, Those are great possibilities. But remember, too, that LD is not an "all or nothing" condition. Some students are more limited by their LD than others, and some need more accommodation than others. The possibilities should always be considered on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Zachary, That's what it's all about. Giving the opportunity to succeed, not guaranteeing that it will happen. Dr. Jane Jarrow

David, Again -- the thing I learn and relearn every day is that we should never make assumptions about what someone will or will not be able to achieve based on our own, limited experience. Dr. Jane Jarrow