I recognize there are a number of new posts available to comment on this week, however I wanted to add one more. I will make it brief.

Disability can be a ‘hidden identity’, as we discussed a couple weeks ago. The concept of ‘hidden’ as an excuse for ‘neglected’ should be further discussed. Especially hidden are cognitive/learning disabilities.

NPR did a story recently on what is being done for students with Autism in college. Although the focus of the story is on ‘progress and success of students’, anyone with a cognitive/learning disability recognizes the stigma/obstacles AND invisibility of their condition.

Personally, I immediately recognize that i do not perceive/understand students with learning disabilities in the same way I view students of other diverse social identities: race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith… or even physical disabilities... Why is that…? Also, do administrators think the same way as I do (you bet)? If so, how does that affect the services and accommodations provided and college experience of students with learning disabilities?

http://www.npr.org/2011/04/13/135345982/colleges-address-autistic-students-struggles