Club at college for students with disabilities needs imput

Hello.
Students will proably meet only twice during the semester; yet
want to be an an “email list-serv” at the college; get and recieve
group email about their current support situation. It may be a
club in name only. Some students with LD may not want to
self-identify to the whole university, by attendance at a club, for
meetings every week. They want to belong, but only if the group
meets twice a semester, and they meet individuals in the club
in the hall, over time; and in-between classes. At least that is
my experience at Kean University. Their Projcect Excel coordinator is
Dr. Marie Segal ([email protected] ) ( EdD ); and others work with
Ms. Royanne Hargrove ([email protected]) (MSW) at Office of Community and Disability Services—Kean University.
Kean University is closer to New York city than Philadelphia.

Good luck.

/signed/ Joe Tag < [email protected] >

– end –

My experience has been similar — it’s hard to get momentum going (though a single charismatic person can make a lot of difference). I also think that the existence of the club, even if it only has a few members, has an indirect benefit on the larger group of folks not wanting to self-identify in that they see that somebody out there apparently doesn’t see identifying as pinning an “I’m a retard” sign on the forehead.
I’ve had a couple of students get to where they realized they really needed accommodations, so they went through the steps — and had concerns that somehow if they identified, they would have to go to special classes a la grade school and things like that. The idea that nobody would go into class and “pull them out” or anything was a major relief.
We’re having some success with “intrusive intervention” — seeking out students and getting them in for some tutoring or support or what have you. Often if we can make that connection between getting help and doing better — passing a math test is a real winner — then much of the reluctance to ask for help fades. There’s a lot of fear that you’ll ask for help and still be hopeless ;(

Calling it a club suggests it will have social functions. Is that what you want?

Or do you want it to be a support group? That’s a different thing altogether.

If you’re thinking club, plan social activities like get togethers and hikes and movie nights, dances and building floats for the homecoming parade, etc. etc. If you’re thinking of truly helping students, then consider putting together lists of good courses to take, courses that are ld- friendly, amassing a file of good notes taken in classes and a file of tests so ld students can access those notes and those tests to help them through their courses.

Hi.

Well, getting old Tests or Quizzes might not be possible.
It is important to find professors who will: Write on the board, the
assignments for the next class-session; or when the next Test is,
as they verbally announce them. It is hard to concentrate, with
mumbling and chatter of students. If the professor does not
write the assignment on the board, the student must see
the professor before leaving the classroom, and get confirmation
of the next due-date or Test date. I have problems with this sometimes,
because other students want to see the professor too.
Sometimes classmates are rude. Also, it is better to find a professor who will answer emails or phone-calls; IF THE STUDENT HAS ASKED THE RIGHT QUESTIONS ( like those above ) . Students should be aware of
how much time they take of the professor, too.
I also observe at Kean University; some commuter students get their
parents to go to professors offices or Deans offices for them.
THIS IS NOT A GOOD IDEA. The student should be assertive, and advocate for their own cause. ( What my problem was, how to deal with
an UNRESPONSIVE, INCOMPETENT college L.D. Support program; Project Excel at Kean University. I had letters to that director, and not even the
Dean of Education followed through! ) . Students need to REGISTER themselves, not have their parents do Registration for them next semester.

Have a Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

Joe Tag,Jr. – end –
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Every once in a while we get a student bringing the parents along because they’re going to be better able to comprehend what’s happening and apply it — as in, the same LD that makes it hard to keep up with a lecture can make it hard to keep up in a meeting.
Far more often, the parents bring the child :( Folks, time to advocate for yourself — if Mom and/or Dad is there, speak for yourself too. Sometimes they expect IEPs or the equivalent “pullout,” or for us to call the parent if grades are slipping! Our unit *does* get very assertive — and chase down teh *student* if attendance or grades are slipping, but it’s generally a bad sign if the parents are doing everything. Even with significant LDs of all and sundry kinds, these kinds of administrative skills are fairly important for getting along in the world, getting the taxes paid, etc.

Services for student with LD is a joke. That is the first thing you need to know.

There are some LD friendly instructors at every college. The thing to do is get involved with them and get them involved but someone needs to spearhead that effort.

I would further suggest that you contact by email or in person every instructor and have them refer their LD students to your group/club.

Have a clear mission statement and GO FOR IT!