Did you know that the majority of accommodation requests are for disabilities that are not considered apparent? To make matters worse, that number only includes those students who choose to identify as having a disability. Imagine what it is like to struggle with a disability, but be afraid to request help for fear of judgment.
As a faculty member, these disabilities can be unfamiliar, and the scope of supporting them can seem nebulous. Fortunately, many strategies for supporting invisible disabilities are common pedagogical strategies. Implementing them will make your course more universally designed and more proactive than reactive to accommodations.
This workshop will discuss:
Potential characteristics of individuals with invisible disabilities
Common pedagogical strategies that support all learners in your classroom, including those with invisible disabilities
Specific strategies you can employ to support specific disabilities, when you are aware of them
Participants will have the opportunity to discuss these strategies during the workshop and make a plan for implementing them in their course.
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact Jen Wagner at jlw83@psu.edu or call 814-949-5485 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.
