Teaching Tales: Disabled or Entitled?

After my first lecture of the semester, two young men approached me. Claus was chunky with an arrogant tilt to his chin; Andrew was dark-haired, diffident, and shy— but they had the same story.

“Dr Crocker, I have a learning disability. The disability office told me to give this to you so you can make accommodations for me.”

I read the forms through. Both Claus and Andrew had problems with writing and needed help from another student to take notes. They would also require assistance with doing the research paper that I’d assigned. I assured them of my cooperation and signed their forms.

Two Volunteers

The next time the class met, I asked for volunteers to take notes for students with learning disabilities. Helen, who had taken Bio 101 from me previously, immediately raised her hand. Since I knew that she was extremely meticulous, I accepted her offer. Another girl, Elhaim, sitting right in front of me, also offered. I was pleased because this meant that if one of them was absent, the other could cover.

After class, I introduced the students to one another and left them to work out the details.

Entitled Demands

Claus immediately began giving Helen instructions. “The way it works is this. You take notes on the class, photocopy them, and give me the photocopies, hole-punched and in a folder.”

Stunned, I stopped putting away my teaching materials to listen more carefully.

Helen frowned. “I don’t have the money to do the copying. Will someone reimburse me for it? And where do I get the folder?”

“How would I know? Go to the office and ask.”

I cleared my throat. “Claus, since you know where the disability office is, how about you go and get these questions answered. After all, Helen is doing you a favor.”

Claus sniffed and raised his chin. “Fine. But I won’t be able to do the research paper either. You’ll need to waive that requirement.”

Remembering the training we received at the pre-semester orientation, I shook my head. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible. Accommodation means that I will help you fulfill the course requirements, not that I will change them.”

Claus flushed. “I’ll have the office call you… You’ll see.” He stalked out of the classroom, leaving a worried Helen behind.

A Different Approach

“Don’t be upset, Helen. You’re volunteering, and no one can force you to do something you don’t want to do. Remember, you always have the option to say ‘no, ’” I said. I then turned to Andrew, who had been listening to the exchanges. “Can you explain more fully what it is you need in the way of accommodations?”

“Yes.” He fumbled in his backpack. “Look, I brought carbon paper. That way, Helen or Elhaim can put it under the page as they take notes and give me the copy after class.”

“That’s a great idea. Where did you get the carbon paper?”

“Oh, the disability office provides it. I can get more anytime,” he answered.

“How about the research paper? How can I help with that?”

Andrew thought for a moment. “Well, I’ve done papers before, but I have real problems with writing anything down. If you think it is okay, in the past I’ve had someone write what I dictate…unless that’s cheating,” he finished, biting his lip.

“No, it sounds like a great idea. Executives do it all the time. They don’t think it’s cheating, and neither do I. And if you need further help, just let me know.”

It was no surprise to me to find that Claus dropped the class before the first exam, and Andrew finished with an “A,” even earning a high mark on the research paper.