1. Disability Services Beth Callahan 822-7223 BCallahan@tcc.edu ASA 08/07/2006

2. Objectives Understand the most common disabilities seen on campus. Learn how to recognize characteristics of different disabilities. Talk about best practices in the classroom.

3. Common Disabilities Learning Disabilities ADHD/ADD Psychiatric Disabilities Deaf and Hard of Hearing Mobility Disabilities Visual Impairments

4. Learning Disabilities Learning disability is a general term that describes specific kinds of learning problems. A learning disability can cause a person to have trouble learning and using certain skills.

5. Types Dysgraphia- writing disability Dyslexia- reading disability Dyscalculia- math disability

6. Characteristics Reading comprehension difficulties Listening difficulties Writing problems Math problems Social problems Short-term memory problems May appear in a state of confusion Lack of self confidence Asks the same question over and over Can not tell right from left

7. Possible Accommodations Volunteer note taker Quiet room for testing Extra time for tests and quizzes Notes outline before class Course substitutions Alternate assignments

8. Teaching Tips Present material in a variety of different ways Post notes on Blackboard Provide different types of assignments Use advanced organizers Slow down and repeat new concepts Give examples of key concepts and try to relate to real world situations

9. Teaching Tips Ask the student what is difficult for them and what they have found that works Speak with student often on their progress Recommend the tutoring center, writing center or math lab Offer suggestions on how to study for your class

10. ADD/ADHD ADHD/ADD is a problem with over-activity, inattentiveness, impulsivity, or a combination.

11. Characteristics Inability to keep focus on tasks over a long period of time Tendency to get bored, particularly during lectures Difficulty with change Variability on performance from class to class Social problems Fidgetiness, squirming in chair Problems with time management and organization

12. Teaching Tips Keep instructions brief and uncomplicated or provide them written as well Help student find a volunteer note taker Clearly define course assignments with dates and requirements Use the Blackboard so student can check assignments again Use more than one way to present an idea

13. Teaching Tips Break directions or new concepts into smaller steps Allow time for clarification or questions Provide assistances in proofreading written work Be flexible about providing alternative assignments Stress organization for classroom assignments

14. Psychiatric Disabilities Describes a broad range of mental and emotional conditions. The term ‘psychiatric disability’ is used when mental illness significantly interferes with the performance of major life activities, such as learning, working and communicating, among others.

15. Types Asperger’s Bipolar Disorder Major depression Schizophrenia Obsessive Compulsive Disorder PTSD General Anxiety Disorder

16. Characteristics Test taking anxiety Distracted easily Problems with concentration Drowsiness Problems with attendance Trouble meeting dues dates and keeping appointments Difficulty dealing with stress, social situations, and new situations

17. Possible Accommodations Preferential seating Volunteer note takers Pre-arranged classroom breaks Tape recorder Changing in test format Extended time Attendance accommodations Substitute assignments

18. Teaching Tips Provide regular feedback Hand out class notes or outlines Be flexible with assignments when a student is hospitalized or absent because of disability Speak with the student ahead of time about accommodations and what they will need Do not crowd the students personal space Ignore behaviors that are not ordinary and are not disruptive

19. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students who have no or partial hearing in one or both ears. May use American Sign Language (ASL), visual cues and/or lip reading English is their second language

20. Possible Accommodations Interpreters Note takers Real time captioning (C-Print) Copies of overheads and power points before class Listening devices Provide closed captioning on all videos

21. Teaching Tips Prepare ahead of time Be aware of your actions Be tolerant Be visible Talk to the student Make sure all videos or You Tubes are captioned Ask Disability Services for extra help

22. Mobility Disabilities There are many different types and degrees of mobility disabilities: arthritis multiple sclerosis amputation cerebral palsy strokes

23. Characteristics Trouble getting to class on time Difficulty moving objects Difficulty standing or sitting for long periods Low stamina Tendency to have more incidences of illness that last longer

24. Possible Accommodations Note takers and scribes Tape recorders Extended time on tests Moving classroom for accessibility Advanced notice of field trips and classroom changes Classrooms with wide and clear aisles Seating near exits Modifications of classroom

25. Teaching Tips Make sure all equipment is accessible to students Think ahead about possible difficulties when doing something new Sit down when talking to a student in a wheelchair when speaking with them for more than a few minutes Review emergency procedure with student Ask if there is anything that they need that you may not have thought of

26. Visual Disabilities Students will have varying levels of impairment from low vision to blindness.

27. Characteristics Struggle with glare and reduced lighting Difficulty learning visual concepts Difficulty getting to class due to transportation problems May have a service animal Certain colors may be hard to see

28. Possible Accommodations E text text Brailled text Large print tests and handouts Scan/read technology (JAWS, Dragon) Preferred Seating Readers Scribe and note takers Tape recorder

29. Teaching Tips Get material (handouts, tests) to Disability Services well in advance for enlargement or modifications Do not assume the student is already familiar with technology When writing on the black board also say it out loud Consider the student when showing a movie or You Tube in the classroom

30. Frequently Asked Questions Will some of these accommodations take more time to prepare for than others? What makes an accommodations reasonable or unreasonable?

31. Frequently Asked Questions If a student asks for accommodations in class, does the instructor have the right to know what the disability is? Can I refuse an accommodation if I do not think it is fair to other students in class?