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1 Project EXCEL-UO Summer Institute 2011 Expanding Cultural Awareness of Exceptional Learners at the University of Oregon

11 Project EXCEL-UO Summer Institute 2011 Expanding Cultural Awareness of Exceptional Learners at the University of Oregon

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11

Project EXCEL-UO Summer Institute

2011

Expanding Cultural Awareness of Exceptional Learners at the University of

Oregon

22

Project EXCEL-UO Overview

Train-the-trainer

Print Resources

Web-basedResources

CULTURE

CHANGE

33

Training Activities

Day Theme

1 Awareness—Defining and Understanding

2 History, Laws, Accommodations, University Supports

3 Universal Design, Planning, Delivering, Evaluating Instruction

4 Developing Goals and Spreading Information

Day 1 Agenda

Concept of Normality Terminology/Communication Children and Youth College Students and Disability Types LUNCH Universal/Inclusive Design Student Panel

4

55

Concept of Normality

Brief Overview of Normal Distribution

Defining normality and abnormality (Testing)

Social Construction of Disability

• Why categories exist?

6

77

Constructs of Disability (based on the work of Carol Gill, Chicago Institute of Disability Research)

Medical Disability is a deficiency or

abnormality Disability resides in the individual

The remedy for disability-related problems is cure or normalization of the individual

The agent of remedy is the professional who affects the arrangements between the individual and society

Sociopolitical Disability is a difference

Disability derives from interaction between individual and society

The remedy for disability-related problems is a change in the interaction between the individual and society

The agent of remedy can be the individual, an advocate, or anyone who affects the arrangements between the individual and society

88

Terminology

People first language – students with disabilities Ask, don’t make assumptions Talk directly Speak normally Be aware of personal space Avoid offensive terms, such as restricted to a

wheelchair, victim of, suffers from, retarded, deformed, crippled.

If you are unsure, ask the person with a disability what terminology is preferred.

99

Facts About Children & Youth

Approximately 10-12% of students aged 6-21 are receiving special education services in public elementary, middle, and high schools

(U.S. Department of Education, 2005)

1010

Range of Disabilities Among Children & Youth

High Incidence Categories

• Learning Disabilities (LD)

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Speech Language Disorders (SLD)

• Emotional & Behavioral (EBD)/Psychological

• Mild Mental Retardation (MMR)

Low Incidence Categories

• Visual/Blind

• Hearing Impair/Deaf

• Physical/Orthopedic Disabilities

• Traumatic Brain Injured

• Autism

• Moderate & Severe Mental Retardation

• Multiple Disabilities

10

1111

DD, 1.1

Learning Disability, 47.4

Speech/ Language, 18.7

Mental Retardation, 9.6

Emotional/ Behav, 8

Other Health, 7.5

Visual, 0.4

Hearing, 1.2

Orhopedic, 1.1

Autism, 2.3

TBI, 0.4

Multiple, 2.5

Major Differences between K-12 and University Settings

K-12 IDEA Mandates Free

Appropriate Public Ed Child Find Zero Reject 15 federally defined Categories Mandated Supports and

Services including major modifications as needed

Funding

College/University Civil rights law (to prevent

discrimination) Self-Disclosure Qualify for admission

Broad definition, (record of impairment or substantial limitations in major life activity

Reasonable Accommodations that do NOT fundamentally alter program requirements

Limited Funding

12

1313

Basic facts about College & University

Approximately 60% of students without disabilities attend some form of postsecondary school following high school (NCES, 2006)

Approximately 42% of students with disabilities report having been enrolled (2 years prior to interview, NLTS2)

• Students with disabilities that do attend are approximately 5X more likely to be attending 2-year community colleges or vocational/technical schools rather than 4-year universities.

• In contrast, students without disabilities are most likely to attend 4 year colleges (3 x’s) rather than 2-year or vocational.

1414

Percentage of Students With Disabilities in Universities

Approximately 9% of students at 4-year doctorate degree granting (public & private) institutions report having some form of a disability (NCES, 2006).

• Definition in university context is broader than in K-12

At the University of Oregon, approximately 4% of students report having a disability.

• Disclosure in university context vs. disclosure in a survey.

Number of Self-Identified Students at UO, OSU, &

OUS Over Time

1550

20442319

2942

337241

2 592

553 68

2

761

599

553

472

434

353

0

300

600

900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

2700

3000

3300

2001 2003 2005 2007 2009

UO (Unduplicated)

OSU (Unduplicated)

OUS (Unduplicated)

15

Percentage of Self-Identified Students With Disabilities of

Overall Student Population

0

1

2

3

4

5

2001 2003 2005 2007 2009

UO

OSU

OUS

16

17

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

LD ADHD

Psych

Health

Orthopedic

Hearing

Visual

Other

Note. Other at UO includes head injury, seizure, autism spectrum.

USDOE, NCES 2006-184.

Proportion of Students by Category

National

UO

1818

Disabilities In The University Context

We’re going to talk about disabilities by providing an overview with medical labels, common characteristics, and typical college student experiences.• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Learning Disabilities (LD)

• Brain Injury

• Health Conditions

• Psychological/ Mental Health

• Asperger’s Syndrome

• Mobility

• Hearing/Deafness

• Vision/Blindness

1919

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Defining

Inattention

Hyperactivity

Impulsivity

Age of Onset—Explicit age-of-onset requirement evidence of impairment before 7 years of age.

Impairment present in two or more settings Clear evidence of clinically significant impairment from

symptoms in social, academic or occupational functioning

(DSM-IV TR )

2020

ADHD: Challenges in College

Taking notes Maintaining attention and focus Meeting deadlines Organization (study strategies, writing) Time Management Processing speed (especially reading) Interpersonal relationships (roommate

issues)

2121

ADHD Activity

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/misunderstoodminds/experiences/attexp1a.html

Question/Discussion on ADHD?

2222

Learning DisabilityDefinition: A disorder in one or more of the basic psychological

processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations, including such conditions as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.

The term does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing or motor disabilities, of mental retardation, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage

2323

Learning Disability--Identification

Identification• Traditionally LD has been identified as a discrepancy

between IQ or “capacity” and achievement “performance” in one or more areas, reading, written language, mathematics.

• By far, the largest proportion of students with LD are identified due to difficulties in processing written language in the area of reading.

• Increasingly identified by Response to Intervention (RTI)

• Age of Onset-Primarily Childhood

24

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Learning Disabilities: Potential Challenges in College Reading Comprehension Reading Speed Spelling – in class writing Quick responses on exams Organization of writing Comprehending and using spoken language Technical vocabulary Mathematics—Lesser extentBy the time enrolled in college, Students with LD may have developed

compensatory strategies to deal with challenges.

2626

Oral Language– the embedded curriculum

Activity• Tell a round robin story. Each participant add

a sentence. The first sentence is—”Yesterday I went to the grocery store to buy some vegetables”

• Now we are going to retell the story (with a twist). “N”

Simulations

Other Simulations

• Perception

• Figure (Perception)

• Color/Word (Processing Conflict)

• Auditory Information

• Decoding (Reading processing)

27

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Group Activity In pairs, discuss what you expect of students:

• How might your course design/requirements create barriers for students with LD or ADHD?• Memory

• Organization or Time Management

• Oral Language

• Reading

• Writing

• Math

• Attention & Hyperactivity

2929

Brain Injury and Concussion Disturbance in brain function caused by a blow or jolt to the head

Usually period of altered consciousness (amnesia or coma) – from very brief (minutes) to very long (months/indefinitely)

May impact visual, aural, neurologic, perceptive/cognitive, orthopedic, or mental/emotional areas

Severity ranges from "mild," (a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to "severe” (extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia)

3030

Brain Injury: Some Potential Areas of DifficultyDepends on location and severity of injury Processing speed Reasoning/calculation Judgment Memory/Concentration Speech Physical functions/Motor skills Personality changes, mood swings Organizational abilities may be impacted Sleep

3131

Brain Injury – What you can do

Be consistent - helps improve memory, reduce confusion, promote emotional control

Provide structure - Give step by step instructions

Allow response time Frequent repetition Avoid overstimulation

3232

Health Conditions-Defining

Includes a range of medical conditions that can have a temporary or chronic impact on academic performance, i.e. Arthritis, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Asthma, AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, and heart disease.

Medication side effects and the secondary effects of chronic illness can impact memory, attention, strength, endurance, and energy levels.

3333

Health—Potential College Challenges Fatigue Pain Concentration Memory Maintaining consistent class attendance due to

fluctuations in health condition and need for treatments

Limited mobility Diminished stamina for long writing or reading

assignments. Tolerance of stress

3434

Psychological/Mental Health

Covers a broad range including Bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, chronic mental illness

Often functioning can be greatly improved with medication, therapy, and social support

3535

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms of bipolar disorder are more severe than

the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time.

Age of Onset – Adolescence/Early Adulthood - At least half of all cases start before age 25. Some people have their first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms late in life.

NIMH (2009)

3636

Depression--DefinitionPeople with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The

severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.

Symptoms include: Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness Irritability, restlessness Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex Fatigue and decreased energy Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping Overeating, or appetite loss Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not

ease even with treatment

Age of Onset—Between the ages of 30-40

3737

Bipolar and/or Depression: Potential College Challenges Cont.

Attendance Concentration Adjustment to Medications Meeting Deadlines Tolerance for Stress Financial Stresses Processing Speed

3838

Anxiety Disorder—Defined Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. It helps one deal with a tense

situation in the office, study harder for an exam, keep focused on an important speech. In general, it helps one cope. But when anxiety becomes an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it has become a disabling disorder.

Five major types of anxiety disorders are:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder GAD, • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder OCD, • Panic Disorder • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)

(NIMH, 2009)

3939

Anxiety Disorders: Potential College Challenges Cont.

Being comfortable in a classroom environment

Engagement and participation High stress situations - Taking examinations,

answering questions, group or individual presentations. Meeting deadlines.

Course content, such as war or domestic violence images or discussions can be triggers

4040

Psychological: College Challenges

Poor concentration, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, apathy, problems with perception, physical symptoms

Medications can cause undesirable side effects, ie. disorientation, drowsiness, lack of creativity

When treatment is effective periods of active symptoms may be infrequent

4141

Psychological – What you can do

Listen to student’s needs or concerns Engage student in conversation if invited by student Invite student to meet with you if you have concerns

about performance, attendance, etc.. Be aware of campus resources – Disability Services,

Counseling Center, Office of Student Life Take seriously any reference to suicidal ideation Recognize that getting to class and/or engaging with

academic work may be a huge undertaking

4242

Asperger's Syndrome Social Interactions – challenge understanding obvious

and subtle social cues and rules; failure to develop developmentally appropriate peer relationships

Communication Skills – very literal and concrete, may blurt out thoughts, limited use of gestures, precocious speech, may have restricted interests, repetitive behaviors (especially when stressed)

Change is very hard- inflexible adherence to non-functional routines or behaviors. Likes rules!

Needs to find interest or relevance to be motivated. Sensory sensitivities – smell, textures light, sound

4343

Asperger’s - What you can do

Provide very concrete and specific instructions – rules to follow

When possible relate to area of interest Make any changes as predictable and

structured as possible Be aware of hypersensitivities to light,

noise, smell etc.

4444

Mobility Impairment--Define Orthopedic or neuromuscular conditions can impact

mobility and/or hand functions. • Spinal Cord Injury (paraplegia or quadriplegia), Cerebral

Palsy, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, amputation, Muscular Dystrophy, cardiac conditions, Arthritis, and respiratory diseases

Movement and function may be facilitated by canes, walkers, prostheses, or wheelchairs , as well as splints or braces

Very wide range of experiences, specific diagnoses, prognoses, and severity

4545

Mobility: Possible Challenges and College Manipulation of objects: grasping, writing, or

typing Turning pages, retrieving research materials Physical access to classrooms, offices, and

programs -Identifying accessible seating Increased time to travel between classes Decreased endurance for extended activity

4646

Mobility - Non-classroom Challenges

Heavy doors Cracks in sidewalks Steep ramps/ pathways Crowds Inaccessible restrooms Inattentiveness of others while walking Power outages – no elevator access Slick sidewalks due to rain or ice and snow Difficulty transporting books and equipment due to

needing arms and hands free

4747

Hearing Impairments & Deafness—Definition ~ Frank Bender

Hearing impairment is a broad term used to describe the loss of hearing in one or both ears. There are different levels of hearing impairment: • Hearing impairment refers to complete or partial loss of the ability to hear

from one or both ears. Can be mild, moderate, severe or profound; • Deafness refers to the complete loss of ability to hear from one or both ears.

There are two types of hearing impairment:• Conductive hearing impairment - a problem in the outer or middle ear. This

is often medically or surgically treatable, if there is access to the necessary services. Childhood middle ear infection is a common cause

• Sensorineural hearing impairment - usually due to a problem with the inner ear, and occasionally with the hearing nerve going from there to the brain. This type of hearing problem is usually permanent and requires rehabilitation, such as with a hearing aid. Common causes are excessive noise, aging and trauma.

(World Health Organization, 2009)

47

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4949

Unaware of the degree of their hearing loss Following lecture materials, taking effective notes,

working in groups, and physical and emotional challenges associated with fatigue.

Emotional barriers impeding requests for support, utilizing campus resources, or open to using technology supports.

A feeling of both ability level and cultural isolation & frustration.

College Challenges for Students with Hearing Impairment and Those Who are Deaf

49

5050

Communication may be enhanced via speech, hearing aids, lip reading, or use of an interpreter utilizing sign language.

FM or infrared amplification systems may be used (amplifies sound from microphone to receiver)

Many people who are Deaf learn American Sign Language (ASL) as their first language, and English as their second language.

ASL is a distinct language with unique characteristics• When utilizing an interpreter – speak to the student.

• This could also impact writing skills.

Supports for Students with Hearing Impairments or those Who are Deaf

50

5151

When communicating with student, always face the student.

Facial expressions, gestures, and body language will help convey your message.

Use visual aids (PPT, Notes, etc.) Try to avoid writing on the white/chalk board and

talking at the same time – if so, repeat paraphrase your message to the class.

Be aware of your speech volume and pace Check for comprehension – A good strategy for

entire class. Be open to the use of FM technology

Strategies to Support Students with Hearing Impairments or those Who are Deaf—What You Can Do

51

5252

Current Hearing Technology

52

5353

Visual Impairments & Blindness--Definition Three categories:

1) Restricted Central Visual Acuity2) Visual Field Loss -Restricted Peripheral Vision 3) Difficulty with focusing and eye movements (Focusing or binocular coordination)

"Low vision" a severe visual impairment applied to individuals with sight who are unable to read the newspaper at a normal viewing distance, even with the aid of eyeglasses or contact lenses. They use a combination of vision and other senses to learn, although they may require adaptations in lighting or the size of print, and, sometimes, Braille.

“Legally blind" person has less than 20/200 vision in the better eye or a very limited field of vision (20 degrees at its widest point)

Totally blind students have no vision and often learn via Braille and/or auditory

5454

Blindness or Low Vision: Potential College Challenges• Reading Course material• Following visual information presented in class• Becoming oriented to campus, and traveling

throughout campus• Taking notes during class• Writing papers• Responding to written exams• Lack of accessibility of some web pages, pdfs, and

other electronic resources• Technology failures• Effectively studying visually based concepts

Vision—What You Can Do Determine reading materials far in advance

(when possible make available in electronic format)

Describe visually presented information, be aware of print size in lectures

Minimize non-text content in exam/quizzes Advance copies of lecture notes, slides,

etc..

55

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Student Veterans “Wounded Warriors”

Head injury (different than past wars – higher survival rate, head trauma often resulting from reverberations of loud blasts, as opposed to direct impact to the head)

Mobility

Hearing

Psychological

5757

Universal and Inclusive Design

Molly Sirois

Advisor, Disability Services

164 Oregon Hall

541-346-1073

[email protected]

57

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Constructs of Disability (based on the work of Carol Gill, Chicago Institute of Disability Research)

Medical Disability is a deficiency or

abnormality Disability resides in the individual

The remedy for disability-related problems is cure or normalization of the individual

The agent of remedy is the professional who affects the arrangements between the individual and society

Sociopolitical Disability is a difference

Disability derives from interaction between individual and society

The remedy for disability-related problems is a change in the interaction between the individual and society

The agent of remedy can be the individual, an advocate, or anyone who affects the arrangements between the individual and society

58

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Human Variation Model

Disability defined as a mismatch between physical and mental attributes and the ability of social institutions to incorporate those attributes

Shriner & Scotch,

2001

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Universal Design (UD)

• The design of products and environments to be usable by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability, or situation without the need for adaptation or accommodation

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Universal Design in Education

• The design of instructional materials and activities that makes learning goals achievable by individuals with wide differences in their abilities to see, hear, speak, move, read, write, understand English, attend, organize, engage, and remember.

continued

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Universal Design in Education Universal design for learning is achieved by

means of flexible curricular materials and activities that provide alternatives for students with differing abilities.

These alternatives are built into the instructional design and operating systems of educational materials. They are not added on after-the-fact. (Research Connections, Number 5, Fall 1999, p. 2)

62

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Student Panel

Undergraduate and Graduate students with disabilities share their experiences as college students.

6464

Final Activity

Take a few minutes to write

• Three things you learned and

• One thing you would like to know.

Things to REMEMBER!! Please bring one of your course syllabi on Day 3!!!

Day 2: Agenda

History and Laws• Special Education

• Federal Legislation

• Law and Universities

How it Works on College Campuses • General Resources

• Documentation and Notification

• Accommodations and Other Strategies

65

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History and Laws

History of Special Education

• IQ testing

• Civil rights movement

• State initiatives

• University of Oregon

6767

Historical & Current Outcomes

Employment Earnings Independent Living Post-Secondary

• Training, 2 Year, 4 year • Attendance vs. graduation• Increasing numbers

Potential causes of poor outcomes

Legal Issues

Heidi von Ravensberg, JD, MBA

Adjunct Instructor

School of Law

University of Oregon

(541) 346-2472

[email protected]

68

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Federal Legislation: Overview

***1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act (Sec. 504) 1974 Educational Amendments Act 1974 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

(FERPA) 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act

(EAHCA) 1986 Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments **1990 and 2008 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990 & 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

(IDEA)

7070

Law and Universities Non-Discrimination

• Section 504 (1973 Voc. Rehab. Act) mandates that any public institution of higher education that receives federal funding including financial aid can not discriminate against otherwise qualified students with disabilities.

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990 ADA) mandates that any public or private institution with 15 or more employees can not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities.

• Admissions

• Education

• Exit Requirements

7171

Admissions

Students must be qualified - meet academic and technical standards required for admission

No quotas on admission Confidentiality - Cannot inquire about a

disability

7272

The Enrolled Student

Reasonable accommodations Modifications to policies, practices and procedures

• Architectural barrier removal

• Provision of auxiliary aids and services

• The institution must make only reasonable accommodations or modifications:• To students who have disclosed and documented their

disability

• No undue financial or administrative burden

• Does not fundamentally or substantially alter major program or degree requirements

• Is not a direct threat to health or safety

7373

Appropriate educational adjustments INCLUDE Accommodations must be made to allow meaningful

access to education.

Requires one to distinguish between thinking and learning processes that are affected by LD or ADHD and thinking or learning processes that are essential to the academic integrity of a program.

Sec. 504 provides examples -- taped texts, substitution of required courses, adapting the manner in which something is taught or assessed -- but provides no guidance on how to apply these accommodations.

7474

Academic Standards

Institutions are not required to make accommodations that would lower academic standards or compromise integrity of programs or schools.

However, important to be able to justify how an alteration would lower the academic standards.

7575

Legal Decisions Determining Reasonableness of the Requested

Accommodation • Courts will defer to the institution’s determination where the

facts add up to a professional academic judgment

• Courts want to make sure institution goes through specific process (did relevant officials consider the range of accommodations, feasibility, cost and effect on the academic program and come to a rationally justifiable conclusion that the available alternatives would result either in lowering academic standards or requiring substantial program alteration.)

Wynne v. Tufts University School of medicine, 932 F.2d 19 (1st Cir. 1991).

7676

Types of Accommodations Auxiliary aids and services Assistance animals Barrier removal Reduced course loads Incompletes Refrain from academic suspension or termination Substitution of courses Waiver of courses Exam accommodations Excuse or accommodate behavior or conduct

7777

Legal Decisions

Requested accommodations were ordered or found reasonable

Extra time to take exam or complete course of study

Retake examinations or courses Modified curriculum or course substitutions

• Receive incomplete in course

• Refrain from suspending from academic program

7878

How it Works on College Campuses

Typically one office is responsible for determining eligibility and coordinating the provision of accommodations

The entire institution is responsible for making sure the campus is inclusive and welcoming to all students

7979

University of Oregon Disability Services

164 Oregon Hall

(541) 346-1155

[email protected]

8080

College Disability Resource Offices

• Determine eligibility for accommodations, and coordinate as needed

• Facilitate removal of barriers: architectural, curricular, attitudinal

• Empower students to articulate their needs and self-advocate

• Provide guidance on academic issues/decisions• Work with faculty and others to increase access

for all students, and to provide individual student accommodations when needed

• Serve as a resource to university community • Develop disability related institutional policies

and procedures

8181

Other Support

Time management/organizational skills Specific study strategies Academic Planning Teaching self-advocacy/ self-

determination Conferencing

Other UO Resources

University Counseling Center Academic Advising Teaching and Learning Center Office of Dean of Students Career Center University Health Center

82

8383

Sample Syllabus Statement

The University of Oregon is working to create inclusive learning environments. Please notify me if there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that result in barriers to your participation. You may also wish to contact Disability Services in 164 Oregon Hall at 346-1155 or [email protected]

8484

Course Syllabi

Procedural Considerations

• Adding a disability statement

• Working in pairs develop a statement for students with disabilities that could be included in your course outline.

• Report Out

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How you “Invite” Students to Discuss Barriers/Needs

In pairs, think about the first day of class. Do you think you could say or do

something that would make students with disabilities more comfortable “disclosing” and talking with you?

Write a brief example.

85

8686

Documentation

Students identify disability and provide documentation.

Meet with student and review all info, including history, report of experience, other sources (parent/teacher reports)

Substantial limitation in a major life activity Diagnosis, Functional Limitations Impact in academic environment

8787

Confidentiality of Documentation

Disability related information is confidential. The DS office is charged with maintaining this confidentiality.

Typically students will want to discuss accommodation needs directly with instructors, and often will share specific relevant information.

However, it is the student’s choice whether or not to disclose information, such as the type of disability.

8888

Determination of Accommodations

One of the ways that we meet our legal obligations and support students is through the accommodation process.

Enable an “otherwise qualified” individual to have an equal opportunity to participate.

Focus of all accommodations is to mitigate the effects of disability

Designed on an individual basis, may vary from class to class for the same person, i.e. notetaker in one setting, lab assistant in another.

8989

Proactive Considerations for Determining Appropriate Accommodations

Is the individual “Otherwise Qualified?”

Is the requested accommodation an “appropriate or reasonable academic adjustment?”

Would the accommodation require a substantial modification to an “essential” element of a program?

9090

Other Accommodation Considerations

Reasonable accommodations should not result in the lowering of academic standards or alteration of the fundamental nature of a course or program.

Denying an accommodation must only be done after careful consideration by qualified professionals who are knowledgeable about disability and legal implications. It is never appropriate for faculty or staff to deny a requested accommodation without documented consultation.

Discussion: Are These Reasonable Accommodations?

A student with visual processing challenges requests to not have to write a required paper

Student with a learning disability in writing asks to spell check quiz

Student with a serious documented illness misses four weeks of your class

Elevator malfunctions and as a result a student misses a midterm

91

9292

Notification Letters

Outlines recommended accommodations May be individualized for a specific class or

situation, or may be very generic and stable over time (i.e. extra time on all exams)

Appropriate to have a private discussion with student about their needs and perceptions of any barriers in a particular course

The student chooses how much personal information to share

9393

Imagine that Kevin comes to you at the beginning of the first class, hands you his notification letter and then goes back to his seat.

OR Kevin sends you an email letting you know that he has a notification letter.

In pairs, discuss how this process of notification could be improved

Notification Activity

Typical Accommodations • Electronic Formats of Readings• Class Relocation• Tests and Quizzes

• Separate Testing Environment • Additional Time On Exams• Modified Exam Format• Assistive Technology

• Notetaking• Sign Language Interpreters• Flexible Attendance Policies • Course Substitutions• Decelerated program

9494

9595

Alternate Print FormatsMost appropriate for students who are unable to or have difficulty with reading

standard print (blindness; low vision; visual focusing/tracking; attention problems)

Who have difficulty with reading speed and/or reading comprehension

Most commonly electronic formats are prepared for access to speech output, enlarged font, and Braille formats.

9696

Alternate Print Formats – What you can do

Order textbooks or course packets early Ask publishers if they have an accessible

electronic version available before you commit to a particular text

Identify the order of readings early, especially if using excerpts or partial textbooks.

Be aware of access when posting online

9797

Class Relocation

Necessary in cases where a student is unable to physically get into

the building or classroom The distance or terrain between classes

is not able to be navigated, so they may need to be clustered closer together

9898

Class Relocation and Mobility Challenges – what you can do

Be sensitive to the fact that some students may have difficulty traveling between classes quickly.

If a class or class related activity is held in an alternate location, ie. Library, Museum, be aware of possible transportation challenges

Be aware of the layout of the classroom and any need for adjustable desks, etc..

Report unsafe or hazardous conditions

9999

Tests/Quizzes

When test accommodations cannot be provided by the instructor, students may request that Disability Services coordinate this process

The student submits an online request AFTER the student has met with the instructor, and discussed accommodations and test parameters

The request should be made early, but no later than 5 working days before the test. Disability Services works in collaboration with the Testing Center to facilitate this process.

100100

Separate Testing Environment

Most appropriate for students

who have difficulty with: Visual distractions Any type of noise Extreme anxiety around performance Perceptions that others are watching them Need to verbalize questions or move around

101101

Testing Environments- What you can do

Discuss accommodation needs privately with student Respond in a timely manner if tests are being proctored

by Disability Services and information or confirmation is requested

Minimize test scheduling changes whenever possible Consider whether you or your department has access to

an appropriate quiet place for students to take exams/quizzes

For larger classes, consider offering an alternate administration in a smaller room with a proctor, ie. GTF who can respond to questions

Additional Time on Exams

Most appropriate for students who Experience slower processing speed (i.e. ability at

97%, processing speed 3%) Experience memory/retention problems Need more time to write and organize thoughts Experience slow reading speed Need a scribe, reader, computer assisted, or

modified format Experience panic or an inability to think through

problems when under intense time pressure

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Additional Time on Exams – What you can do

Some students prefer to take exams with their class, but need additional time. Consider allowing such a student to start the exam earlier, or move to an alternate location at the end of the exam for additional time.

Consider designing tests so that there is additional time built in to the structure for all students

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Modified Exam FormatMost appropriate for students who have difficulty

or are unable to demonstrate their knowledge in certain formats.

For example:

• A student may need a Braille version of an exam, a reader, or to utilize speech technology.

• A student who is not able to accurately fill in the bubbles on a scantron sheet may need to mark off answers .

• A student unable to write may need to respond to questions on a computer or to a scribe

• For performance or studio based courses, an alternate format may be reasonable, i.e. videotaped presentation, oral in front of instructor instead of entire class

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Modified Exam Format – What you can do

Consider the feasibility of offering more than one exam format for all students, ie. take home version or in class version.

Prepare exams in Word with simple text (limited graphics). This format is the easiest for creating other formats, ie. Braille.

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Modifications to Course Requirements In many cases small adjustments to

existing course requirements may be appropriate. For example, a student who experiences panic attacks, or stutters, or has great difficulty with speech fluency, may be allowed to write a paper in place of giving a presentation. Alternatives to group work may be appropriate in some classes.

Discussion Question

What are some strategies to minimize the need for individualized test format accommodations or modifications to course requirements in your course?

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Assistive Technology Scanned materials to speech. Most commonly used by students

who either are unable to read standard print (low vision, or blind) or have significant difficulty with reading speed or comprehension, and learn more effectively through auditory input

Voice recognition Enlarged text Alternate formats Range of different inputs (puff switch, alternative keyboards,

etc…)

.

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Notetaking

Most appropriate for students who have difficulty• Writing (fine motor movement, paralysis, pain in

hand, fingers, or wrist)• Processing auditory information • With focus and concentration – trouble listening

and writing at the same time• Hearing clearly enough to accurately take notes• Seeing visual material presented, or seeing well

enough to write or type notes, switching eye focus from paper to screen or instructor

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Notetaking – What you can do

Consider making outlines and/or notes available to all students (rotate volunteers)

Allow students to record lectures to supplement notes Allow students to use laptops Present new or technical vocabulary visually, use in

context Prepare lecture outline and make available in advance Respond quickly to requests to help identify a volunteer

notetaker

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Sign Language Interpreters

Provided when American Sign Language is the most effective form of communication

Classes, meetings with instructors, study groups, any class related activity

When requested, campus events and programs

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Sign Language Interpreters – What you can do

Make sure that any video clips, movies, etc. are captioned, provide scripts when available

Provide an additional copy of the textbook or other materials to the sign language interpreter

Be aware that lighting can be a challenge especially in darker rooms

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Flexible Attendance Policies

It may be appropriate to be more flexible with strict attendance criteria in cases where a student is experiencing significant medical challenges, and unavoidably misses classes, i.e. surgery, chronic illness flare up, manic episode, chemotherapy treatment, serious depression, or blood transfusions…

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Activity Sierra is going through chemotherapy

treatments and misses 3 consecutive weeks of class.

• Working in pairs, think about one of your classes.

• Describe two or three accommodations that might be reasonable for this student.

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Decelerated Program

Some students need to complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees over a longer than typical period of time.

A student may need to reduce their per term course load because of medical conditions.

There can be financial aid and scholarship implications.

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Course Substitutions

May be considered for students who are unable to meet specific academic requirements due to the impact of a disability. These may occur at the departmental level with academic major requirements, or at the institutional level with general education.

For example, a student who is deaf may be allowed to meet reading competency requirements and have a cultural component substitute for an oral component of meeting the BA language requirement. A student with a severe math disability may be allowed to substitute computer based, or logic courses.

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Many Accommodations Occur Outside of Classroom/Lab Settings

Housing Recreational Programs/events Student Union Libraries Museums Student Employment Tutoring/Support Programs

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Scenario Activity

Sarah contacts you by email to report that she has just been released from two days in the hospital due to “stress”, and has been unable to attend class for the past 5 days. She has a midterm exam tomorrow.

How might you respond, what other information would you want to have? What would you do?

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Scenario Considerations

Separate the immediate issue of the exam tomorrow from the medical situation that may or may not be an ongoing concern.

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What if you found out that:

• She is a freshman who just broke up with her boyfriend of 2 years

OR• She has Bipolar Disorder and stopped

taking her medications last weekOR

• She is a returning veteran and a tire blow out (like a bomb blast) on the freeway triggered a full panic attack – she felt safer at the VA hospital

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Final Activity

If you wanted to tell other faculty members in your department two important things about accommodating students with disabilities what would they be?

Please bring a syllabus tomorrow

Day 3: Practice - Agenda

Universal Design – an Overview Adaptive Technology Center

• Creating an Accessible PDF and Syllabus Considerations

• Demonstration of Kurzweil 3000

Universal Design and Blackboard Universal Design: Designing, Delivering

and Evaluating Instruction

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Day 3: PracticeToday we want to focus on Instruction. In doing so, we want to

spend time thinking about the following: Designing Instruction—Syllabi, Course Planning—

continuation of yesterday afternoon Delivering Instruction-Teaching strategies Evaluating Students

Rather than thinking about these issues as pertaining ONLY to students with disabilities, we want to think about strategies that are good for students with disabilities but also good for all students.

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Universal Design: An Overview

What is Universal Design?

• The philosophy comes from the disciplines of engineering and urban planning based upon the premise of universal access for all individuals.

• In terms of developing and building a community, the core

value would be to permit the optimal accessibility for all individuals without having to make special accommodations by the nature of the pre-planned design.

• The following factors would be considered: Safety, engineering options, environmental issues, aesthetics, and cost (North Carolina Center for Universal Design).

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Principles of UD are now being incorporated within the educational continuum.

Why? With such student diversity, using a UD preplanned approach will provide access to learning to a greater number of students and will potentially reduce the need for individual accommodations.

A pre-planned UD approach to learning and instruction will benefit both the student and the professor/instructor.

What’s UD’s Connection to Education and the UO?

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Universal Design for Learning and Instruction

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Planning for Instruction• Physical Characteristics of Class Room Setting• Syllabi

Delivery: Instruction & Curriculum:• Interaction• Material/Information Delivery• Informational Resources and technology• Environment: Class Climate

Evaluating Instruction: Assessment:• Feedback Mechanisms• Clear Communication and Expectations• Assessment Administration and Rubrics

Examples of UDI

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Adaptive Technology Center

James Bailey, Adaptive Technology Access Adviser 140 Knight Library1299 University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-1299541-346-1076 [email protected]

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Adaptive Technology Center – Purpose

Support adaptive technology across campus

Support students using adaptive technology

Provide alt-text conversion to students

Advise on accessible electronic documents

Advise on accessible web

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Alternative Texts

A very critical area for student success

Required by students who are blind or low-vision

Required by students with reading LD

Faculty have great impact on this area

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Alternative Texts - 2

Texts that can be read by assistive technology

Paper text – requires conversion

Electronic texts – may be accessible

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What is an Accessible Alternative Text?

Braille

Large print

Electronic files > text files – audio files

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Focus On: Accessible PDF Files

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Rationale

PDF is the most common document file on Moodle or Blackboard

May be structured for accessibility

This helps students with low vision, blindness and reading learning disabilities

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Tools

MS Word

Acrobat Pro

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Types of PDF Files

Picture only

Searchable text

Tagged

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Ways to Create PDF Files

Scan a document into PDFthe least accessible product

Convert from a “picture” filesimilar to a scanned document

Create from word processing file more accessible

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Examples of Poor PDF files

Very poor initial copy

Poor copy and a marked original

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Poor Scanning Example – One

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Poor Scanning Example – Two

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Identifying a Picture Only PDF

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Identifying an Editable PDF

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The Select Button

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Converting image-only to text

Convert within Acrobat pro

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Reading converted text

Recheck with select and try to read it

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Creating an Accessible PDF with MS Word

Using correct document structure in Word makes for a very accessible PDF.

It essentially takes no more time than ignoring document structure.

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Sample Syllabus

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Sample Syllabus

Columns Headers Table

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Sample Syllabus – page two

Table Headers Image

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Exercises2. Creating PDF from MS word

Software

MS Office 2000 (or later) on Windows platform

Adobe Acrobat 5.x, 6.x, 7.x, or 8 Office 2007 requires Acrobat 8.1 (may also

use Save as PDF plug-in from Microsoft)

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Creating PDF from MS word

Sample Workflow

Create your content in MS Word Use "Styles" to provide document structure and

modify content presentation Use the Column tool in MS Word to display multi-

column layout Add appropriate descriptions for any images

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Creating PDF from MS word - headers

Use “Headers” instead of just “Bold”

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Creating PDF from MS word – columns Use “Columns” instead of just “tabs”

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Note Ruler

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Creating PDF from MS word - tables

Use headers in tables

Expand abbreviationsi.e. Tuesday instead of Tue

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Exercises2. Creating PDF from MS word - images

Use alternative text descriptions

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Creating PDF from MS word - conversion

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Check Reading Order – One

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Check Reading Order – Two

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Summary – Accessible PDF

Start with clean well copied original matter Create text-based or editable text Create new documents in Word Use header styles rather than BOLD Create true columns Put in Table headers Use alt-text for images

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Demonstration of Kurzweil 3000

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UNIVERSAL DESIGN & BLACKBOARD

Robert Voelker-MorrisTeaching Effectiveness Program (TEP)Teaching and Learning Center

68 PLC (The Teaching and Learning Center)

541-346-1934

[email protected]

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Blackboard

Create File Name Conventions Provide File Extensions Construct Navigational Consistency Designate Essential Content Provide Support Resources Consider Multiple Media Types

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I. Planning for Instruction

Designing Your Course: • Working in groups, create a list of important issues to

consider when designing your course. These issues should be relevant to students with disabilities but might also be important for all learners.

• Try to incorporate issues into your own course planning (examples, list of assignments, choices, timing of reading, strategies for instruction, calendar of topics, due dates, homework, assessment, grading options, etc.)

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II. Delivering InstructionInstructional Techniques

• Multi-sensory or multi-format instructional approaches (Visual, verbal, auditory, practice/hands on)

• Auditory output redundant with info on visual displays

• Visual output redundant with auditory displays

• Opportunities for group work to verbalize and apply understanding

• Challenge!!

• Balancing the need to cover a lot of content while delivering it in a variety of instructional formats!

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Delivering InstructionInstructional Techniques continued

Grouping Strategies (Peer-tutoring, Cooperative learning).• The importance of clearly defined roles

• Individual & Group Accountability

• Can be implemented for projects or classroom activities

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Delivering Instruction

Individually, think of a commonly taught lesson/ activity in your area. Write down the topic and the typical approach you use to deliver instruction.

Working in pairs, discuss each approach and generate a list of strategies that might enhance the instruction for students with disabilities AND all students--REPORT

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III. Evaluating Students/ Assessment

Providing options and choice Rubrics Curriculum-based Assessment

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Providing Options & Choice Different assessments for different content

throughout the course. Choice of assessment using alternatives for

each content area (multiple choice, or essay). Providing flexibility in time to complete

assessments (design a one-hour assessment but allow two hours for completion).

Issue: Do you lose anything when you offer these alternatives?

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Rubrics

Example

Why?

• Specify performance expectations

• Provide examples of expectations

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Rubrics

Excellent. Is organized into sections, separated by dividers, and contains four sections (Developing Relationships with Families, Classroom Management, Social & Emotional Learning, Academics). Each section meets all criteria provided in the requirements. Each strategy is completed by the due date. Course activities and readings are integrated into each entry. Each strategy is organized, easy to follow, and at least 3 to 5 pages long. Strategies are easily accessible, clear, easy to understand, and follow a personal theme.

Average. Is organized into sections, separated by dividers, and contains four sections (Classroom Management, Social & Emotional Learning, Developing Relationships with Families, Academics). Each outline is completed by the due date. Most outlines meet all criteria outlined in the requirements section but some do not. Some outlines are not completed by the due date. Course readings are integrated into most but not all entries. Most entries are organized, easy to follow, and at least 3 to 5 pages long but some do not meet these criteria. Most strategies are easily accessible, clear, easy to understand, and follow a personal theme but some do not meet these criteria.

Below Average. Is organized into sections, separated by dividers, and contains four sections (Classroom Management, Social & Emotional Learning, Developing Relationships with Families, Academics). Some (one or more) outlines are not completed by the assigned reading date. Most (3 or 4) entries do not meet all criteria outlined in the requirements section. Most outlines are not completed by the due date. Course readings are not integrated into most of the entries. Most entries are not organized, easy to follow, and at least 3 to 5 pages long. Most strategies are not easily accessible, clear, easy to understand, and do not follow a personal theme.

Unacceptable. Is not organized into sections, and/or separated by dividers, and/or contains less than four strategies. Some entries are not typed and/or spell checked.

NOTE: Some = one or more, Most = more than half.

Benefits of Rubrics

Specify performance expectations Predictability

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Curriculum-based Assessment

Instructional Assumptions of Traditional Assessment• All learners begin in same place• All learners gain equal access to

information presented• Comparison to a criterion, or peers, is what

matters Curriculum-Based Assessment

• What is it?• Benefits• Example

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Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4

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Assessment Activity

Working in pairs, discuss What types of assessments you use? Select one assessment you use.

• Based on our discussion, could your assessment be modified in some way to be more supportive of all students, including students with disabilities?

• Would this modification compromise the integrity of the assessment in any way?

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Day 4: Agenda

Review of Faculty & Student SurveyExploring resources and training

materialsDeveloping personal training and

outreach goals

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AdvocacyOur model is designed to enhance the

university culture by

• Providing specific training to approximately 120 faculty and over three years.

• Asking these “trainees” (YOU) to go out and provide information to other faculty and staff in their own departments.

• Through other print and web-based resources

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Student & Faculty Surveys

Overview of survey findingsFaculty & Student

Allison Lombardi

Relevant Subscales: Faculty: 1.Willingness to provide and perceived fairness of accommodations2.Knowledge of Disability Law

Student:1.Student reported use of accommodations2.Student feelings of stigmatization around requesting and use of accommodations from faculty

Scale:Ranges from1 = Strongly disagreeto6 = Strongly agree

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Relevant Subscales: Faculty: 1.Perception of and satisfaction with Disability Services

Student:1.Perception of and satisfaction with Disability Services2.Perception of campus climate

Scale:Ranges from1 = Strongly disagreeto6 = Strongly agree

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Relevant Subscales: Faculty: 1.Willingness to make adjustments to course assignments and requirements2.Perceived accessibility of course materials

Student:1.Perception of faculty teaching practices

Scale:Ranges from1 = Strongly disagreeto6 = Strongly agree

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Relevant Subscales: Faculty: 1.Willingness to minimize instructional barriers

Student:1.Perceptions of faculty attempts to minimize instructional barriers

Scale:Ranges from1 = Strongly disagreeto6 = Strongly agree

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Relevant Subscales:

Student:1. Self efficacy and

Advocacy2. Family Support3. Peer Support

Scale:Ranges from1 = Strongly disagreeto6 = Strongly agree

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Website

http://ds.uoregon.edu/ Website Overview of Current site

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Binders & Blackboard Sites

All training materials are included in your binders

We are also including electronic copies of these materials on your blackboard site and flashdrive

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Strategies for Providing Information Continued…… Working in small groups plan and outline a training

module for other members of your department. Each group do different time frame (15 minutes, 30

minutes, 1 hour).

• What type of information should you provide?

• What are good venues to provide the information?

• What materials would assist you in delivering the information?

• REPORT OUT

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Strategies for Providing Information Continued……

Now think about new faculty who are added each year (and adjunct during the year). Generate some ideas about strategies that could be used to provide new members with information.

Create a list of strategies--REPORT OUT Next, develop a page of guidelines to give to

new members of your dept. to help them work with students with disabilities--REPORT OUT

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Reflection Activity

List the top three challenges you personally feel you will face in providing information to other members of your department.

Rank order these challenges 1, 2, 3 with one being the most challenging.

How will you address the challenges?

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Institutional Change

Continue in groups Based on everything we’ve talked about

develop a list of important issues that should be considered by the university as a whole.

REPORT OUT

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Institutional Cont.

Continue working in groups. What strategies/activities could be

implemented to affect broad institutional change?• REPORT OUT

Each group choose and discuss ONE issue and develop a strategy for initiating the process.• REPORT OUT

Past Participant Update

Bill Ryan, School of Journalism

Incorporated disability awareness and related projects into Winter term course

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Developing Goals What we want to think about now is one or

two goals that you want to accomplish in the upcoming year.

Structure for taking this week back home and putting into practice.

Linking good intention with effective action

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Goal Setting Activity

Goals could potentially fit a number of categories—think of at least one unit goal.

Personal Development Goals Unit Development Goals - Interpersonal Unit Development Goals - Material Institutional/Culture Change Goals

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SMART Goal Setting

Specific-clear focus, open-ended OK Meritorious-valuable, worth doing well Achievable-imagine accomplishment Realistic-tailored to your situation Terrific-others applaud, especially

students with disabilities

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Examples of SMART Goals

To present selected materials from EXCEL workshop to faculty in the Psychology Department

To improve the retention of students with disabilities majoring in Art History

To strengthen the working relationships between Disability Services and three faculty in the History Department

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Objectives Getting more specific than goals. What are the

main steps to take to achieve a goal?

Goal: To present selected materials from EXCEL workshop to faculty in the Psychology Department

-Ob1: Ask dept. chair for 15 minutes of time during next depart. meeting.-Ob2: Develop 15 minute presentation on most relevant accommodation issues.-Ob3: Deliver presentation to faculty and staff

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Actions

Possible Issues

• Type of training you would like to initiate (within unit and/or institutional)

• Content included

• How and where implemented

• By when will it be implemented

• Results you would like to see

• Resources/Supports you will need

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THE END!!!!! Next steps? Final workshop evaluation Stipend Request Form Certificates of Appreciation

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!!!