Simple tips for professors who care

By Stacey Dunn

A new school year has begun and that means new schoolwork, new friendships, and new professors. New professors mean new worries for students. They wonder if they will demand a lot from each student, or be understanding to each student’s situation. In a disabled stu- dent’scase, he or sheasks additional questions such as:

--Will my professors accept that I may learn slower than the rest of the class?

--Will my professors see through my disability and realize that I can handle the work?

--Will my professors treat me differ- ently due to my disability?

With effective communication between professors and students, integration in the classroom can be easier.

Communication must start at the be- ginning of the school year. A meeting with the student and his or her professors should be short and result in simple solutions. For instance, they may agree that note-taking as- sistance will help the student who is hearing impaired or learning disabled. Ifthe student is visually impaired, he or she may be allowed to tape record the lectures. Also, ifthe student is mobility impaired the professor must be sure to find an accessible classroom in which he or she would lecture. Overall, the meeting should

accomplish an understanding that the work can be done.

The key word in the prof/student witha disability relationship is treatment. The stu- dent appreciates that he or she receives the same attention as other students. However,

The role of the professor concerning students with disabilities

--hand out typed or printed notes

--use an amplification system (FM sys tem)

--repeat other students’ questions for the benefit of the student who is impaired

--if part of the teaching plan is to have

when the student has spe- cific needs, the prof. must! respect those needs. The following list elaborates on how teachers can accom- modate various disabilities. Students who are mobility impaired:

A meeting with the student and his or her professors should be short and result in simple solutions

students speak aloud inclass make certain it is alright with the stu- dent with the speech impairment to call on him/her to answer

Students who are learning-disabled:

--inform the student whether or not the class, lab, or field trip is an accessible place

--make sure that the furniture or equip- ment is at an appropriate level for students who use wheelchairs

Students who are visually impaired:

--make sure required materials are avail- able in braille, large print, or audio tape

--use tactile models, visual relief maps, replicas, etc., to convey ideas

--state aloud what you write on the chalkboard or overhead projector

--inform them of the location of copy machines that will enlarge print

Students who are hearing or speech impaired:

--provide a de- tailed course outline before the course begins

--clearly explain course content and describe assignments

--allow plenty of time for completion of assignments

--allow for alternatives in the assign- ments and exams, such as an oral presenta- tion instead of a written one, taped responses, and large print materials which proves that the student is capable of completing the course.

These ideas are small but positive steps in the right direction. However, if a problem comes up that may look difficult to solve, profs should keep in mind the various organizations which are aware of individual

needs of persons with disabilities.

The following isa list of some disability groups:

--P.E.I. Cerebral Palsy Associatio (892-9694)

--P.E.I. Council of the Disabled (892 9149)

--Canadian National Institute for th Blind (566-2580)

--P.E.I. Learning Disabilities Associa tion (892-9664)

--P.E.I. Recreation and Sport for th Physically Challenged (368-4540)

--P.E.I. Association for Community Liv ing (566-4844)

If profs wish to have more informatio on their student’s disability, they can contac one of these organizations.

Professors may not realize at times tha they have an influence over students. In disabled student’s case, profs must use thi influence wisely and encourage the student t¢ do good work, to participate in extracurricular activities and to advocate for improved condi; tions.

Professors can arrange disability re lated discussions at some faculty meetings and/ or during other University committee mect; ings. Whichever way professors support stu‘ dents with disabilities, it shows the commit ment made by the University to these students}

Self-protection for

Men and Women

Instructed by: John Mosher, Vivian Hayward and Kim Sentner

Monday Nights 7-9:30pm September 26-November 28 Register at the Barn $25 per person Sponsored by the UPEI Student Union

WE KNOW YOU HAVE TT. We KNOW YOU WANNA USE IT.. WHY DONT YOU SATISFY OUR NEEDS?

UNION IN THE BARN

Interested In

RESUMES TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE UPEI STUDENT

Travel?

Travel Cuts is looking for an enthusiastic student to work part time promoting unique student travel services to UPEI.

IF YOU UKE TO DO IT IM PUBLIC, WELL tIEP YOU. Asst. 6/1 me X-Peess AT XPRESSSTUI PEA.

SANDAL SUB/USSION GUIDELINES APPLY. GIVE IY TO YOUR DESIRES.