Rakhsheed Siddiqui-Lane

 There is a wealth of technology available to assist the disabled students from speech generated devices to alternative input devices.The three used devices are: Dragon naturally speaking, JAWS and KURZwell. Thus, we must make sure our students have access to whatever device they need to enhance their learning.

It was great to get a refresher course on Brown VS Topeka Board of Education 1954, Civil Rights Act 1964 and Rehabilitation Act of 1973. I was also surprised that 75% of students are disabled . I find that very hard to believe. Why are so many people disabled ? Just curious of what is going wrong in America. I do believe that everyone should be able to access data in means in which they can excel and grow.

  Online learners and Disabilities 

This is a great topic to assist all learners. Knowing synchronized activities would be more difficult for the disabled helps apply the three principals more readily to all students. The principles are:

                                                  1.) multiple means of presenting information

                                                   2.) expressing and practicing skills

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    FERPA Challenges was a very interesting topic. It is noted that students must give permission to be video taped if shared on YouTube\ and that students can not  be anonymous on discussion boards. Soloman amendment gives military recruiters certain rights as well as the Patriot Act that gives the Attorney General rights. Financial institutions have certain rights as well. 

FERPA allows students to place their difference of opinion in their rcords. It allows rights after the student leaves but ends at student's death.Employees can not access their records. All important facts to know.

 Annual Disclosures are given via registration or other means. It is okay to give students names in directory for graduation or dean's list. It is not okay to give out students' race, gender, grades or religion without the students written permission.Students should be made aware of the FERPA and their rights.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 protects rights of the students records by allowing students to:

1.) Inspect/ review

2.) Request amendmant

3.) Request hearing if amendament is denied

4.) Not disclosure directory information

5.) File complaint

The institution has 45 days to comply with request to see student records.

Prevention and Education Title 9 and VAWA Training

Understanding what is prohibited by law and getting training is essential in providing a safe campus. I belive that understanding what consent actually means is important in understanding this subject. Consent has to be voluntarily (not from mentally, physically or under age person). Past consent does not mean future consent. Consent with one person does not mean consent with another person. Withdrawing does not mean consent.

Sexual assault is a serious crime and should not be taken lightly .Thus, one should be aware of behavior, don't pressure anyone, keep communication open, know… >>>

 Investigations and Disciplinary Procedures

According to OCR( Office of Civil Rights) the procedures should be easily understood, appication of procedures to complaint, impartial investigation, prompt time frame, take steps to prevent reoccurrence and have a live hearing when necessary .

The Title 9 Coordinator should work with the institution, review promptly, make sure all understand, coordinate grievances, maintain good record keeping and make sure it is accessible to English speaking and persons with disabilities.

The investigation should go to Title 9 Coordinator and not the clergy or school nurse.   

  The Title 9 Coordinator has may duties including : training, surverying campus, requesting confidenciality, record keeping, increasing safety measures and review information to make sure the safety is still effective. I did not know that VAMA can not require a victim of sexual violence to contact the police but are able to use the data for their statistics .