Attempting to Accommodate for a Disability
Facts about Disability
-
Students with medically documented disabilities are eligible for accommodations through the Office of Disability Services (ODS) (828.227.2716).
-
Students with physical disabilities may require alterations to the classroom layout associated with limitations in mobility, speaking, hearing, and/or vision.
-
Students with medical disorders may experience difficulties participating in their academic programs due to the condition itself or the ongoing treatment protocol.
-
Students with learning disabilities have neurological impairments that affect information processing, memory and retrieval, and output. These disabilities can impact reading, writing, math, attention, concentration and/or overall organization.
-
Students with psychiatric disabilities have a condition that may affect their ability to participate in a routine educational program.
-
Students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) may experience inattentive, hyperactive and/or impulsive behaviors. These behaviors may compromise an individual’s social, vocational and academic performance.
-
Students with disabilities may not realize that they have a particular problem and that treatment/ accommodations are available.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Speak to the student in private about your concerns.
-
Treat each student with sensitivity and respect.
-
Acknowledge the difficulties that the student is having.
-
Refer the student to the ODS (828.227.2716).
-
Follow up on your questions about accommodations for the student with ODS.
-
In order to receive accommodations, a student must have valid documentation on file with ODS and present verification of approved accommodations.
AVOID
- Using patronizing language with the student.
-
Underestimating or overestimating the impact of disability.
-
Assuming the student qualifies for accommodations without ODS verification.