Scenario Analysis for Student A with Disabilities

Scenario One Overview

• Context: This scenario discusses the challenges faced by Student A, an A student with disabilities in a teacher education program who has completed all but the student teaching requirement, centered around observation and accommodation needs.

Student Details

• Student A's Profile:

  • Enrolled in a teacher education program

  • Has disabilities

  • Academic Status: A student

  • Completed all requirements except for student teaching

Observation Requirement

• Requirement Details:

  • All students must complete a one-month observation period in their assigned school.

• Reported Issues:

  • Frequently left the room for long periods of time.

  • Extremely restless and distracted other students.

  • Exhibited agitation, specifically raised voice with a struggling student.

• Outcome:

  • Student A was informed she could not start student teaching due to failure to successfully complete the observation period.

Student A's Argument

• Claims Made by Student A:

  • Difficulty sitting and doing nothing due to her disability.

  • Request for the observation requirement to be waived based on her academic performance and disability status.

  • Argument that adverse action cannot be taken based on behavior related to her disability.

Key Legal and Ethical Questions

• Is Student A Correct?

  • Does the presence of a disability exempt her from passing the observation requirement?

  • Can the college legally prevent her from completing student teaching based on these grounds?

  • What actions should the Disability Services (DS) office consider taking next?

Audio Recording Accommodation

• Situation Overview:

  • A faculty member has denied Student A's request to audio-record her class, stating that it includes highly sensitive topics which could risk her safety and suppress open class participation.

Student's Accommodations

• Student's Notetaking Method:

  • Utilizes a software program for notetaking, which has proven effective for her.

Professor's Response

• Can the Professor Decline the Accommodation?

  • Evaluation needed on whether the professor's concerns about sensitive content can be legally justified in declining the accommodation request.

Action Steps for DS Office

• Next Steps for the Disability Services Office:

  • Assess both scenarios regarding legal compliance, educational policies, and any obligations under applicable disability laws (e.g., ADA).

  • Coordinate discussions between Student A, her faculty members, and any legal or advocacy services involved to ensure equitable treatment and support for her educational needs.