Access Needs and Supports

The most basic definition of “access” is a means of approaching or entering a place. Every student in this course brings a unique set of strengths and challenges that informs his/her/their approach to this course. In keeping with the premise of the course to advocate diversity in higher education, and to make entry as open and welcoming as possible, I ask that we be attentive to and supportive of our own and one another’s diverse strengths and access needs as learners, teachers, and people.

I ask you to address a short series of questions to describe any differences or disabilities that you bring to this course that you want me to know about, what access needs you have as a result, and how these differences can be resources to yourself and/or to others. Please also indicate if you would like others in the course to be aware of these differences and disabilities, either explicitly (with your name attached) or anonymously (i.e., I would share with the class that someone in the class has these differences and access needs but not specify who, so that everyone can be aware and attentive but individuals do not need to reveal aspects of their experiences if they choose not to).