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Opening the Door: Communication with Students with Disabilities
Disability Services May 2011
Lana Caldwell and Amber Skoog
Perceptions Activity Attitude/Perceptions Facilitate Partnership Encouragement Video – Professional Ethics in the Classroom Can not's and Can do’s Video Segment – Faculty/Student Meeting Hints and Tips Discussion and Feedback
Presentation Outline
Perceptions Activity
Recognition/awareness of potential biases Biases are normal –don’t let them dictate
perceptions Same disability don’t face the same issues Seek information about types of disabilities Disabilities can ‘invisible’ Be open to possibilities and creative
solutions Good faculty relationships - key to student
success
Attitude/Perceptions
Treat students with disabilities the same as any student
Recognize diverse backgrounds, abilities and academic skills
Revise perceptions/attitudes – most important accommodation
Present and maintain opportunities for open and confidential communication ◦ Willingness to meet may encourage early
disclosure thus increasing potential academic success
Facilitate Partnership
Students own suggestions are invaluable Accommodation and advocacy is a
student’s responsibility, but they may be inexperienced and require support
Students fear discrimination
Facilitate Partnership cont’d
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Y7oXx-2K4
Video – Class Room Professional Ethics
Address the student first (not parents, interpreters or others)
Ask before you help even if you mean well Be sensitive about appropriate time and
place Think before you speak Respond professionally to requests Do not make assumptions Use common courtesy
Etiquette
Cannot ask for student’s documentation and/or related information about specific disability
Cannot ask if a person has a disability, even if it is suspected
Cannot discourage students from specific fields of study if student meets admission requirements and maintains appropriate grades
Cannot refuse accommodations Cannot discuss students disability, diagnosis or
accommodations with other faculty/staff
Cannot’s (Legally)
Can approach a student who is struggling about ways to assist them by referring to support services:◦ Counselling Services, Learning Café, Testing Services
and Disability Services Can invite students requesting accommodations
to discuss them once the request has been made Can ask what you can do to facilitate their
learning Can ask about academic impact areas Can discuss alternative accommodations with
student and Disability Services
Can Do’s
VHS video Transitions to Postsecondary Learning
Video – Faculty/Student Meeting
Handout Use Disability Services as a resource
Hints and Tips
Discussion and Feedback
Lana Caldwell, Disability Services Coordinator320-3202 ext 5483
Amber Skoog, Learning Strategist/Alternate Format Editor
320-3202 ext 5450 [email protected]
Contact Information
