Working with Students with Disabilities Dr. Sharon Manco August 16, 2016

ADA Definition of Disability http://www. eeoc A person has a disability within the meaning of the ADA if s/he (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity; (2) has a record of a substantially limiting impairment; or (3) is regarded by an employer as having a substantially limiting impairment. 42 U.S.C. § 12102(2). An "impairment" is a physical or mental or psychological disorder. 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(h). Major life activities include breathing, walking, learning, seeing, and hearing. An impairment is considered substantially limiting if it prevents an individual from performing a major life activity, or significantly restricts the individual's ability to perform the activity as compared with the average person in the general population.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 from: www. equity. psu Rehabilitation Act of 1973 from: www.equity.psu.edu/student-disability-resources “No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States shall, solely on the basis of a disability, be denied access to, or the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity provided by an institution receiving federal financial assistance. We must make reasonable and academic adjustments and accommodations that allow faculty/students with disabilities full participation in the same programs and activities available to faculty/students without disabilities.

Requirements 1. Institutions must ensure accessibility of programs and activities to faculty, staff and students with disabilities. (e.g. same options for selecting courses, and majors, removal of architectural barriers, etc.)

2. Faculty, staff, and students with disabilities must be provided with auxiliary aids and services in their academic activities Interpreters for the deaf or technology to present oral material visually Audio texts or text-to-voice software, or readers for the visually impaired Classroom equipment for use by those with manual impairments (automatic faucets, doors, etc.)

3. Reasonable modifications in nonessential academic requirements - extension of time for tests, degree completion - substitution of courses in degree requirements (foreign language) - permission to record lectures - use of service animals on campus

Modifications need not be made for academic requirements demonstrated to be “essential” to the program being pursued or to any directly related licensing requirements

Putting it into Perspective

Learning Disabilities with reading http://www.tutorworkshop.org/affectiveskills/exercises/a ffectiveex3.htm How did it feel? What would help?

Disability of Written Expression Write a paragraph about the most fascinating, exciting thing you did this summer. BUT . . . How did that feel? Did you find it difficult? What might have helped?

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfo1tZ95Ypk How did that feel? Did you find it difficult? What might have helped?

Hearing Loss Spelling Test: Sound Hearing, S. Harold Collins, Garlic Press, 2009 How did that feel? Did you find it difficult? Did you give up or quit? What might have helped?