I tried a variety of methods during my undergrad degree. This was
partially because I found that official notification did not get
through quickly as senior members of staff may not prioritise
dissemination of information about an individual student's needs, and
partially to reduce confrontation in the class room (we had very small
lectures, so unless people knew they would challenge me about (e.g.)
not paying attention to the illustrations on powerpoint).
As I got into the second year, I also decided to lead dissemination
because I needed to show that I was able to self-regulate my fitness
to get on my professional register. I found that 'round robin' emails
tended to panic the staff that actually were fulfilling my needs, but
be ignored by those who weren't. I also found that different members
of teaching staff responded better to different approaches
(contrasting a very utilitarian, factual email with one with much more
explanation).
This led me to a more targetted approach; I found that it was
perfectly possible to detail the needed adaptations to class without
going into detail about my disability (basically by adding a sentence
that if they had any concerns about implementing my requests, they
could contact either my personal tutor or the Disability Office).
I know some students are not comfortable with this type of approach,
but it does not have to involve self-disclosure...and I was shocked to
hear a postgrad student apportioning total blame to the university for
the fact that a visiting lecturer locked the lecture room door
(meaning she couldn't leave if she had a panic attack); in that
situation, there would be plenty of reasons for any student to
challenge the door being locked.
I firmly believe that whilst universities do have a duty to
disseminate, equally the student has some level of personal
responsibility (particularly as 'incidents' may only become more
frequent as they move into work).
I know this may not be a popular viewpoint.
On 06/09/2007, Callaghan, Brigid <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Who is responsible for dissemination - the prog leader or subj head?
> Yes, hear you about central system, we too trying to do and have same
> concern.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Heather Griffiths
> Sent: 06 September 2007 10:09
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Notifications to academic depts of students with
> disabilities
>
> We have the same sort of problem, of getting info to the right people.
> We send it to programme leaders and subject heads, but then the leaders
> for each module dont seem to get it. The college is keen on us setting
> up a central system from which tutors can access info on their students.
> but it obviously has implications for confidentiality.
>
> Heather
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> on behalf of Callaghan, Brigid
> Sent: Thu 06/09/2007 09:34
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Notifications to academic depts of students with disabilities
>
>
>
> Hi - how do you over come the issue of: notifying academic depts
> of
> students with disabilities and the adjustments needed, when the students
> are on modular course which change frequently?
>
> Currently, we send notifications to School Administrators who are
> responsible for disseminating the info to academic staff. They say,
> when something changes, e.g. a tutor, they don't know when it happens,
> who the new tutor is and therefore can't pass on the info.
>
> Anyone else have this problem?
>
> I am sure there is a simple answer, but at the moment I can't think what
> it is! Help?
> Cheers
>
> ***********************************************************
> Brigid Callaghan
> Senior Disability Adviser
> Student Services
> University of Bolton
> Deane Rd
> Bolton
> BL3 5AB
> [log in to unmask]
> To make an appointment: 01204 903733.
> Direct line: 01204 903803
> Minicom: 01204 903490
>
> P. Please do not print off this email unless absolutely necessary - save
> the planet.
> ***********************************************************
>
|