Staff should point out the difficulties they face but with the additional accommodations and future advancements in technology the student may end up being successful depending on the situation. The decision should be up to the individual, his family and people who know him best.
William,
I agree. We always want to be honest with students about challenges we see on the horizon, but the decision as to whether or not to proceed must be left to the student. We give that deference (and that respect) to students without disabilities. We assume that they are capable of making their own decisions, whether or not we agree with them. We need to make sure we provide that same freedom to students with disabilities and not limit them by OUR expectations.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
A college education does not ensure that anyone will be successful in their given field. I think it is the the responsibility of all students to consider their chosen field wisely and understand that success isn't guaranteed.
Candice,
I couldn't agree with you more. All that the laws do is try to assure that students with disabilities are given the same dignity, and allowed to make their own choices. Most (we hope) will choose wisely. Some will not. That makes them MORE like other students than they are different.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
The college is responsible in explaining and discussing their chance of employment with a student whose disability may not lead him to successful employment. If the student decides he would still want to pursue enrollment and for as long as the process of training does not pose any risk to his/her safety, I don't see any reason why the student should be denied access to enrolling in her selected training program.
Susan,
I agree with your statement -- almost! I think the college is responsible for explaining and discussing the DEMANDS of employment in the field, and if there are concerns about how the student's disability might impact on their ability to perform, they should certainly be out in the open. But I am not sure it is possible for the college to know whether or not ANY student can count on "successful employment" -- at least, not if that means "you will/will not be able to get a job." Beyond that, however, I agree. Once the institution has been open with information that allows the student to make an informed decision, the choice to go forward should rest with the student.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would not deny the student, but I would talk to the student help them to be aware of what the program and future job requires.
Skyler,
I think that is very fair. The idea of making sure the student has enough information to make an informed decision is just fine, so long as the STUDENT still gets to make the decision.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I agree, the student with a disability should be given the opportunity to research the field they are considering as a major. This information should be carefully reviewed with the student by Career Services and the outcome documented.
A reality check may or may not take place at the
meeting if the student is persistant. The college's legal department might need to advise the college.
Ceola,
Hmmm... I am not sure how to read what you have suggested here. Are you saying that if the student decides to go ahead with their quest despite all this good advice given to them by Career Services (who are saying, "you don't belong here"), that the legal department might need to advise the college what to do about that student? Actually, the legal department would need to advise the Career Services department if they were actively trying to counsel a student out -- rather than providing clear information and leaving the decision to the student. You seem to think that a reality check SHOULD end with the student opting out. That isn't necessarily the case and it shouldn't be forced on him/her.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I see what you are saying. You are correct about
the Career Services department getting the advise
from the legal department but mainly to make sure
they have covered all bases, if the
student decides to go with their quest. In situations like disabilities ( not all ), I would
want Career Services to provide clear information ,be upfront and honest about the outcome, especially the work force piece. I say
"yes" give them an opportunity but they need to know there might be a placement issue because of
their disability. That's the reality check.
Ceola,
I can live with that! GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think a college should be honest to a potential student if they have a significant disabilty that could hinder their progress in a specific area of study or chances of obtaining employment. I think this is very cost effective for the student that could possibly walk away with thousands of dollars worth of debt and unable to obtain satisfactory employment to help repay those debts after college due to dishonesty.
LaTavia,
How do you know that ANY student at your institution will be able to get a job and pay off their school debts? To advise students with disabilities because you think they are unlikely to be successful when you aren't equally "honest" with other students is... potentially discriminatory.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
The college "owes" the student the opportunity to receive an education in their chosen field. I do believe that it should be clearly explained to the student the requirements of the program as any student. If their disability will in any way hinder or add to the difficulty of the program this should be brought to the student's attention. The college should allow the student to make their own decision after given all the available information. They are the one who knows best what they are capable of.
Gina,
I agree. Not only are they the ones who know best what they are capable of, they are the ones who will live with the consequences (positive or negative) of their decisions. I was always taught that you don't ever take authority for making decisions if you don't also have the responsibility of following through. I don't WANT that responsibility for every student I come in contact with -- so I need to respect their right to decide for themselves.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Yes, I believe that the college should be honest with the student when explaining the requirements for any given field of study. They should be well informed on what will be expected of them as a student and also in that field when they become apart of the work force.That way they can make an informed decision.
Elizabeth,
That is what it is all about -- informed choice. Students have the right to decide for themselves, but are best able to do that when they have all the information.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
It has been my experience that the issue of whether or not to deal honestly with a student about the prospects for success are best thought of in context of meeting "the program must be beneficial to the student " directive handed down by our accrediting body. In light of it I would choose to be as honest as possible about a students prospects while also allowing them to make the final decision in the matter.
Josh,
Things always get complicated when you are trying to respond to such general directives, given by people who have no direct contact with your students or your program. What does "beneficial" mean in this context? Able to get a job tomorrow with a 50K salary? Able to be employed in the field within 3 months of graduation? How do you know that about ANY student? Able to learn something worthwhile during the program? Without clear direction as to how to implement this directive, the best you can do is what you are doing -- be honest about prospects and leave students with disabilities to make their own decisions just as others are allowed to do.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
