Ensuring a Quality Higher Education for All Students

Georgia Gwinnett College - Center for Teaching Excellence Presentation Dr. Tess Reid November 3, 2011

TRIVIA TIME!

True or False?

1. I must provide some type of identified service to students with documented and suspected exceptionalities. 2. I can be personally sued for failing to provide documented accommodations for students with documented exceptionalities. 3. There is not anything I really have to do when provided an accommodation letter from a student, other than reading it. 4. A complaint can be filed against me with the Office of Civil Rights if I fail to teach in the way an accommodation letter states. 5. Because GGC receives financial aid, I am required to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The laws mandate an equal opportunity for students with disabilities theyre entitled to benefit from all the services at GGC and to use campus facilities, including the dorms.

Goals of the Presentation

Identify your own needs as faculty to provide appropriate accommodations and modifications (content, physical access, required activities, etc) to students with exceptionalities; Identify key elements and barriers students with exceptionalities come to college with;
Learning Disabilities High Functioning Autism Psychological Disorders

Identify your responsibilities as faculty to ensure compliance with Federal Laws related to students with exceptionalities or suspected exceptionality, Review and use resources available to faculty in support of students with exceptionalities and struggling students.

Learning Exceptionalities & Problems

Learning exceptionalities is the most prevalent disability served in K-12 schools and colleges. Exceptionalities/Problems with learning can include one or more of the following;
Information Processing Auditory, Visual or both Language Processing Expressive and Receptive Dyslexia A developmental reading disorder Dysgraphia A developmental writing disorder Dyscalculia A developmental and situational math disorder Dyslexia is often concomitant with Dysgraphia

High Functioning Autism: Aspergers

Psychological Disorders

Psychological Disorders Defined

Anxiety Disorders (PTSD, Social Phobia) Mood Disorders (Bipolar, Major Depression) Eating Disorders (Body Dysmoprhic Disorder) Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (typically documented as Other Health Impaired OHI)

Psychological Disorders
17.5 million university students in the US 8.5 % sought counseling through their school center with an additional 29% seeing mental health professionals outside the school. Visits to university counseling centers have increased by over 40% between 1995 and 2008 In 1995, 9% of students seen at counseling centers were taking psychiatric medications. In 2008, this number increased to 24% In 2008, 7.5% of college students had such serious impairments that they could not function in college settings without extensive psychiatric/psychological support.

Student Self Report: Psychological Disorders

13% reported symptoms of significant anxiety 18% reported symptoms of depression 25% reported problems with their studies as a result of sleep problems 10% has seriously considered suicide in the past year 1.9% had a suicide attempt in the past year

Support for Students with Exceptionalities and Struggling Students

Extended time on exams Exams in separate location Preferential seating (near exit) Identify safe locations for student to deescalate Identify tolerable compulsions Avoid unnecessary exposures to triggering stimuli Provide alternative assignments to avoid triggering past traumas If test anxiety major hurdle, consider classes where most of grade is based on papers, projects done outside of class

Support for Students with Exceptionalities and Struggling Students

Connect academics with interests Allow limited choices if student is indecisive Establish the hierarchy of who student should contact if suicidal Acknowledge students feelings rather than arguing over feelings Provide safe location to regroup if tearful Peer note taker in class Educate student about disorder Avoid certain classes that may trigger or worsen eating disorder symptoms (e.g. a nutrition class) Assist student when thinking through appropriate majors Ensure student has comfortable location to eat

Support for Students with Exceptionalities and Struggling Students

Provide written and verbal information Quiet, non-distracting environment for test taking Assist student with deadlines assignments due in small chunks (scaffolding major/large projects Communicate with all students professors

Universal Design for Learning

What is Universal Design for Learning (UdL)? Sample College Algebra lesson plan Support for UdL

Take Away: EQUAL RIGHTS

Universal Design for Learning can support ALL students. GGC students who report an exceptionality are typically those with psychological, learning and Autism disorders. GGC faculty have a legal obligation to provide support to students with exceptionalities as mandated in the Americans with Disabilities Act, section 504. ALL GGC faculty are legally required to provide accommodations and modifications to students with registered and documented exceptionalities, are ethically and morally responsible for providing support to students who are struggling and/or suspected of an exceptionality. A Civil Rights Violation claim can be filed by a student for failure to provide documented accommodations and modifications. GGC faculty can be personally sued for failure to provide documented accommodations and/or modifications under Section

Sources
Academic Challenges in Living with Bipolar Disorder http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOwEBvNd-EY ADA One Physical Accessibility Resources for Higher Education http://ada-one.com/articles-tips/access-higher-ed/ Characteristics of Aspergers Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7lQa3q_OAk&feature=related Dansie, Kim. 2011. Psychiatric Disorders in College Students. PPT. F.A.T. City: Visual Processing Learning Exceptionality video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4f4rX0XEBA&feature=related Office of Civil Rights http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/