Advising Students with Disabilities

Faculty or staff members advising students with disabilities should follow the same general guidelines they would use when advising any student at Ithaca College. It is especially important for advisors to keep in mind that each individual is unique and that the handicapping condition is only one aspect of the person's total situation. It is also important for advisors to understand that, although a person may have a disability in a given area, this does not mean that the person cannot perform adequately in that area. It simply alerts the advisor to the fact that this student will require more time and different strategies to complete the task. This is why good advisement is essential to the success of students with disabilities.

During your meetings with your advisees, you may wish to keep the following guidelines in mind:

1. Advisement should take place early in the registration process for students sponsored by outside agencies such as Vocational & Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) and the Commission for the Blind & Visually Handicapped (CBVH). This allows the student time to discuss his/her educational plans with the agency counselor.

2. Certain types of disabilities may make it difficult for students to sit in one place for an extended period of time. In these cases, fifty minute classes are advisable. Fifty minute classes, three times/week are also recommended for students with attention and concentration problems.

3. Students who anticipate absenteeism due to medical concerns should be encouraged to discuss their situation with instructors before registering for classes. Students should make arrangements with instructors at the beginning of the semester to insure that class requirements are met despite absenteeism due to chronic disabilities. A reduced course load should also be discussed as an option for students concerned about missing a significant number of classes.

4. Several medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis may cause students to fatigue easily. Students with these types of disabilities should be encouraged to register early for classes, in time slots that will minimize the effect of the disability on their academic performance.

5. If a student is unclear about his/her career goals, suggest that he/she seek the assistance of the Career Planning & Placement Office. Be careful not to jump to conclusions about a person's vocational capabilities based on your perception of the limitations imposed by that person's disability. Consult the Office of Academic Support Services for Students with Disabilities for information about support available in the community which enables students to pursue the career of their choice.

6. Students who have disabilities, and particularly those who have indicated that they may need accommodations in order to be successful in the educational environment, should be encouraged to make contact with the Office of Academic Support Services for Students with Disabilities as early as possible in the semester.

7. If a student is entitled to extended time for tests, be sure she/he does not schedule classes back/back.

8. While a balanced schedule is important for all students, it is essential for students with learning disabilities. For example, a student with a serious language based learning disability should avoid taking four courses that require extensive reading and writing. Similarly, a student who has difficulty with certain test formats should select teachers that use a variety of evaluation techniques.

9. Students who are unable to meet their foreign language requirement due to the presence of a language based learning disability may request a waiver through the Office of Academic Support Services for Students with Disabilities. Advisors can assist students in initiating this process but should be aware that waivers are only granted in cases where both the psychoeducational testing and the student's academic history strongly indicate that the disability will prevent the student from performing in this area.

10. Advisors can receive information about various disabilities and consult about specific advisees by contacting the Director or Assistant Director of Academic Support Services for Students with Disabilities (322A Smiddy Hall, 274-1257).