From: v067ftek@sci.ccny.cuny.edu (Timothy McCarthy)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Classes with disabled
Date: 23 Dec 92 19:25:40 GMT
Reply-To: v067ftek@sci.ccny.cuny.edu (Timothy McCarthy)
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 26886

[Forwarded from the alt.education.disabled newsgroup by Patt
 Bromberger]

>In article <1992Dec8.012628.345@colorado.edu> cdash@moet.cs.colorado.edu
 (Charles Shub) writes:
>In almost a quarter century of teaching, I've$had$my share of students
>with handicapping conditions, ranging from difficulties in hearing or
>seeing to difficulties in mobility or ability to use equipment to
>learning disabilities to psychologocial considerations.  Every time
>a person with$a disability is in one of my classes, I worry if I am
>doing all I could to provide a rich environment for that student.
>Some examples...

I think you show that you are doing a great deal for your students, (all of
them), just by asking these questions.  It shows you care.

        As a student with C-4 quadraplegia, I encounter the physical
complications most as I pursue my MLS.  I have dealt with the disability
for 10 years now, (I'm 29), and have only experienced my College education
while dealing with the inconveniences it has presented.

        I feel very strongly that it is the responsibility of the student
to make known, before the semester starts, what special accommidations will
be necessary.  This advance notice also will allow the professor & TA's an
opportunity to discuss other options, or supplemental assistance which might
make the semester run smoother.
        One problem with this (actually 2) are that if the student is from
out of town, a face-to-face early on might be difficult.  Secondly,
professors sometimes don't arrive on campus until the semester begins, and
are unavailable.
        I would reccommend that you at least allow a method for a student
to reach you if you are off campus until courses start.  You will benefit
by advance notice probably more than the student, and it allows them to
control their situation as much as possible, which is what they want.
        If a situation arises where either you & student disagree on the
methods of control or neither of you know of the possible solutions, I
recommend you contact your school's Office of Services for Persons with
Disabilities.  They have the experience, and to some extent the
resources, to provide useful input and assistance.  I do not believe it
is YOUR job to shoulder the responsibility of knowing what you should
provide, in the way of assistance, without the student contacting you.
        Unfortunately, not all do!  In such situations, contact OSPD so
they might help to inform the student of his/her responsibilities, but
PLEASE, DON'T BYPASS THE STUDENT!   - They are individuals responsible
for their lives, and should be treated that way.

>3)  Physical handicaps can normally be compensated for by allowing
>    extra time, but where does the fairness line get drawn?

        If you disagree with what the student requests, again I recommend
you contact OSPD to determine past accommidations they consider reasonable,
but remember each individual has different needs.  One visually impaired
student is not the same as another, nor are physical impairments the same,
or hearing impaired, or learning impaired, etc.
        I feel strongly that if you trust the student to know what works
for them, 95% of the time, it will work out fine.

Good Luck!
Tim McCarthy
v067ftek@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu
Peace!