The number of students with disabilities is growing rapidly in America's
colleges and universities. Nationally, the percentage of college freshmen
with disabilities has increased steadily from 2.6 percent in 1978 to 8.8
percent in 1991. Federal legislation mandates that the college provide academic
accommodations when needed to ensure that otherwise qualified students with
disabilities have educational opportunities that are equal to those of their
non-disabled peers.
Studies show that faculty and staff members who have interactions
with students who have disabilities generally have a more
positive attitude about
working with these students. Additionally, those who are familiar
with accommodation strategies are better prepared to make
arrangements that will ensure that
students with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate
in their programs. Finally, the students' own suggestions
and ideas, based on experience
with their disability and with school work are valuable resources
in accommodating disabilities in college. It is beneficial
for faculty members to make a general
announcement at the first class meeting inviting students who feel
they may need accommodations due to a disability to make
an appointment with them
or visit the office of Services for Individuals with Disabilities. Such a statement
would also be effective in a course syllabus.
For information on:
Information Courtesy of Guilford
Technical Community College. Used
with permission. |
