The following statements are really important for CTE instructors to realize:
Online instructors should be aware of three (3) specific definitions in the area of disabilities:
- Impairment
- Accommodation
- Accessibility
Besides this being the “right thing to do” in order to remove barriers to attaining higher education, the U.S. Federal government has made it a legal requirement. Access to college programs, services and activities in the traditional “brick and mortar” college environment as well as the online versions must be available to every learner. These federal mandates, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, will be discussed later in this course. It is important that online instructors understand the legal requirements and be proactive when developing and teaching online courses. Inclusion is seen as the responsibility of the educational institution and online instructor.
My opinion is that all disabilities should be viewed with a certain amount of feasibility and practicality when it comes to CTE fields which require courses with labs. The degree of success for some however may be limited. For instance, if a blind person is trying to learn "welding" or "machining" which require courses with labs, I believe there would be limited success in these areas and may even prove to be very hazardous to the persons health/safety. Instructors would need to assume the liability of any injuries if they allowed the student to take the course/lab which would not be acceptable. Also, even if the person with the disability managed to pass a course or two in the field (without completing a lab course) the likihood of a person with this type of disability in such a field probably would not find employment readily since employers would be hesitant to take the risk or be insured for such with someone of this disability in this field.
