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 5483lana.caldwell@lethbridgecollege.ca

Amber Skoog, Learning Strategist/Alternate Format Editor

320-3202 ext 5450 amber.skoog@lethbridgecollege.ca

Contact Information