How Schools Can Support Students with Disabilities: Insights from Personal Experiences
Acknowledging the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities, educational institutions must take proactive measures to ensure their success. This article delves into the strategies that schools can employ to support these students, drawing insights from personal experiences and expert responses.
1. Providing Extra Time and Additional Benefits
One of the primary challenges faced by students with disabilities is the need for additional support to navigate their academic journey. These provisions can range from extra time for completing assignments to additional resources that facilitate their learning process. Similarly, extra time should be planned into assessment processes to ensure that students with disabilities have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills without undue pressure.
2. Personalized Graduation Requirements
Another critical aspect is ensuring that graduation requirements are flexible and tailored to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities. By establishing personalized graduation requirements, schools can create a more inclusive environment that recognizes the diverse needs of all students.
3. One-on-One Support and Regular Check-Ins
Regular one-on-one support from educators and school personnel can make a significant difference in the academic journey of students with disabilities. These check-ins, often referred to as 1on1 check-ins, can help students stay on track while addressing any issues that may arise. This personalized attention can foster a deeper sense of belonging and support, which is crucial for student success.
Case Study: Lisa Daxer's Experience at Wright State University
The story of Lisa Daxer, a former student and employee at Wright State University's PhD program, highlights the importance of school support for students with disabilities. Lisa's experiences at Wright State underscore the critical role that schools play in ensuring the success of their students.
Lisa recounts her struggles at Wright State, including the unaccredited status of the program and the significant number of staff and students with disabilities. She emphasizes that schools have a vested interest in the success of their students with disabilities, especially since they are often funded to enroll and employ these students.
Strategies for Success at Wright State
Based on Lisa's experiences, several strategies can be employed to support students with disabilities at Wright State or similar institutions:
1. Guaranteed Funding for Employment/Enrollment
Many students at Wright State find employment or enrollment opportunities through guaranteed funding from faculty members like Kevin Bennett and Valerie Shalin. These instructors often have secured funding to support students with disabilities, ensuring that they receive the necessary resources and attention.
2. Flexible Work Arrangements
Students with disabilities at Wright State can benefit from flexible work arrangements, such as the part-time job that Lisa initially secured. This job provided her with a steady income and allowed her to balance her academic and personal responsibilities.
3. Ensuring Equal Treatment and Respect
Despite facing numerous challenges, Lisa's experiences highlight the importance of ensuring that students with disabilities are treated equally and with respect. This includes addressing issues of discrimination and ensuring that academics and faculty members are supportive and understanding.
Conclusion
Supporting students with disabilities is not only a moral imperative but also a legal requirement under various education laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. By implementing strategies like providing extra time, tailored graduation requirements, and personalized support, schools can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students. Stories like Lisa Daxer's provide valuable insights and highlight the need for continuous improvement in educational policy and practice.