On Ability: An Unseen Minority

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Everybody has abilities as well as disabilities. Some of these are not seen on the surface level... It is important for educators to be aware that some students may struggle with disabilities. The historical context of defining “disability” is:

1. A restricted activity

2. Social oppression

3. A socially constructed attribute

- Some adults that are classified as disabled may not view themselves as disabled, but rather as part of a member of an oppressed group or other cultural group.

- Physical disabilities may include sensory issues that can affect seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and tasting. External factors such as lighting, temperature, sounds, door accessibility, and bathroom access are all factors which can disrupt a student’s learning.

- Mental disabilities have a wide range of cognitive issues that cannot be directly seen. Each student is different when it comes to their learning aptitude. Many individuals work at different paces, and have different levels of self-determination.

As college instruction becomes faster-paced, requiring more reading, writing, and attention, we need to accommodate learners to address these limitations. Detailed and organized learning content, encouragement of self-determination, and honest communication with the instructor should be utilized and taken into consideration.


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