Defining Disability How do you define disability? Public institutions use the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) to define disability The ADA says that a person with a disability is “a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment” (ADA.gov). George Bush signs the ADA

Defining Disability Cognitive Disabilities Physical Disabilities Deaf or Hearing Impaired Blind or Vision Impaired

Defining Disability (cont’d)

Defining Disability (cont’d) ADD/ADHD Difficulty staying focused and completing tasks/procrastinating Disorganization and forgetfulness Impulsiveness Hyper-focus on activities that are stimulating or rewarding

Defining Disability (cont’d) Autism Spectrum / Asperger’s Difficulties in social interaction (antisocial, anxious, awkward) Verbal and nonverbal communication impaired Repetitive behaviors Can take an emotional toll

Questions to Consider CENTRAL QUESTION: How do we serve students who have a disability we can’t see? Students who may have trouble understanding what they read? Students who may be prone to losing paperwork or forgetting deadlines? Students who may be difficult to communicate with? Students who may appear rude or especially blunt? Students who may be inappropriately talkative, or not understand what we believe to be clear social cues?

The Social Model of Disability Disability forms a part of a person’s identity – yet most definitions of disability are clinical Two models for understanding disability: clinical and social Clinical: Disability is a lack of ability; it is an abnormality that we have to mitigate as best we can Social: Disability is caused by the way society is organized, rather than by a person’s difference

Equality vs. Equity

What do we need to do to help students achieve their goals? The BIG Question What do we need to do to help students achieve their goals?