Get Your Students Hired
That is definitely a difficult concept sometimes because you want to be sure the individual knows the requirements and demands of the field of study. However, I have personally experienced working with a parapalegic that most people would have never expected could perform his duties. The man is amazing and one of the most requested and admired service partners in his field. He performs tasks nobody would expect him to perform, and those he knows he cannot perform he brings along another person so he can walk them through the process. Some people try to jump in and help him, but most have learned to just let him know that if he needs help with anything to just speak up. He respects that approach,
Brittani,
I would be very careful. There are specific restrictions in the law against "restrictive career counseling." As a teacher, you are in a position of power. Whether you say, "You don't belong in this field" or "I am only concerned for your welfare" it comes down to the same thing. You don't have to prohibit them in order to be discouraging.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I feel as teachers we should try and talk them out of it gently. As in suggesting better career options for them. I do not in any way suggest we discourage them in doing something they are passionate about.
Tammy,
Absolutely -- because that is what you would do for/with any other student! The big thing is that we not be MORE restrictive or MORE protective of students with disabilities than we are with others.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I do believe that we have a moral obligation to explain to the prospective student the barriers they may face, and possibly give them so alternatives; however, as a college, we must allow them to attend for that degree if they chose.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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,
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 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.
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 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.
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