Beth,
By sheer coincidence, within the last two months I have met a bind individual who has not only worked in the field of Medical Billing and Coding for more than 10 years -- she is now a supervisor/checker for others doing such work. Tell your student it CAN be done! If she ever needs to talk with someone about the field or how she manages certain parts of it, I'd be glad to put her in touch with my friend
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Students need to know up front what potential limitations are in the field they want to study. It is unfair to a student to have them get a through a program and are not able to be placed with a livable wage. If a student wants to still attend school in that program, documentation must be in placed to show this student may have a difficult time working in the field. I have seen many times where a student starts and graduates a program with disabilities, but struggles to be placed. These students were not made aware up front how their disabilites could cause a hindrance in being placed, and these students are in worse shape because of attending school (not better).
Eric,
You have expressed what I am sure are well-meant concerns, but your conclusions would have the impact of limiting opportunities for students with disabilities, something we are bound (by law) to avoid. While it is perfectly appropriate to make sure that students -- ALL students -- are well informed about job opportunities, when you start focusing on protecting students with disabilities from (what you consider to be) bad choices without setting the same restraints on nondisabled students, you cross a line that needs re-thinking. You have to find a way to be honest without being negative.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
So should we not explain to a student who is hearing impaired that it may be impossible for him/her to be an audio engineer? I understand being optimistic but we as educators have an ethic responsibility to be realists.
Kenneth,
In this day and age of technology, there are ways of enhancing hearing for a student who is hearing impaired, and ways of monitoring sound through visual means as well. I am not suggesting that "audio engineer" may not, in fact, be unrealistic. But it is the student who should decide that, based on what you tell him/her about the field, not based on what you tell them about your view of their chances.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I do believe that the college owes it to the student to be honest in this regard. However, we would need to be very cautious in our choice of wording, and be sure that we do not "counsel" the student away from their choice. Answer their questions honestly, refer them to the correct individuals to answer questions you cannot, and be supportive and assuring that there can be success for them regardless of their disability.
Donna,
Nicely stated, Donna. You are not required to ignore the obvious, but being honest and being negative are two different things. Being honest (and upfront) gives students the dignity of making their own decisions based on full information.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
If the student otherwise meets our admission requirements I cannot deny them admission just because I think they cannot work in their field of study.
It is our responsibility to answer their questions on employment in their field of study. I would encourage the student to meet with the Progam Chair and Career Services and even suggest they do research on their own to determine their employability.
What I have learned from this course so far is that the scope of disabilities (visible and invisible)has expanded just as the types of educational deliver methods have flourished. Who's to say that employers ability to accommodate an employee's disability hasn't changed as well?
Vickey,
It isn't so much that the scope of disabilities has expanded as that the opportunities for support have made it possible for an expanded population of students with disabilities to seek higher education. That's a good thing! Your recognition that employment opportunities are also expanding is a good thing, too! GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I work for a private, for-profit school group. As you know, our sector of education has come under scrutiny because of some bad actions of a few. Our school group, like most, works very hard to make sure students are provided with accurate information about enrollment, expectations, costs, job opportunities etc. And, like most schools, we work very hard to provide accommodations to qualified students who have disabilities. However, I'm afraid that because of the unfair stereotypes exist about individuals with disabilities coupled with the negative press surrounding this sector of education, that enrolling individuals with disabilities (who honestly MAY have greater challenges finding employment) may be seen as “predatory.†Again, my concern is somewhat rhetorical because I understand we have to follow the law, but I’m wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this….
Elizabeth,
I think that's a fair assessment of the situation. But, then again, people will always find something to criticize if they are looking. I don't think there is any way you can avoid someone thinking that the institution is "predatory" -- you can only control your own actions. If the school does the best it can (as you suggest) to provide accurate information about all this, then you should be able to go home and sleep at night -- AND thumb your nose at your would-be critics.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Everyone has a right to pursue their dreams no matter how unlikely it may be that they will be employed in their chosen career field.
James,
I agree with your statement -- just wish you were a little more enthusiastic about the possibilities. Things change so quickly these days, with new technology and such, that the possibility of finding a way to use their learning in a worthwhile way isn't always so far-fetched.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I totally agree. It would appear equal as well as we are obligated to recognize the likelihood for success in a student without disabilities as well as one with disabilities. I have seen students work toward a goal without recognizing the stumbling blocks to that goal. Are we responsible in being the judge of whether a student may or may not succeed in an area based on their disabilities?
Sue,
I had to smile as I read your post. All I could think of what "The Little Engine That Could" ("I think I can, I think I can!"). And we all know that the Little Engine succeeded, despite the odds, because no one prevented her from having a shot at it! GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
A fair chance is a fair chance. If a student with a disability is still going to have the same assistance through life....train the assistance in addition to the student with the disability.
I am not sure I follow you, Joseph. What do you mean when you say "train the assistance"?
Dr. Jane Jarrow
if a student with a disability is in a classroom about psychology, find an assistant with similar career path choices and they can maintain or gain the same knowledge and be trained in the same field...if they choose to continue as the assistant in the professional environment they will have that continued guidance and work as a team in the decided profession.
Joseph,
I am not sure where you got this idea that people with disabilities can only function in the world of work if they have paid assistants, but you need to disabuse yourself of the notion. People with disabilities in the workplace are generally expected to function just as efficiently and effectively as their nondisabled peers -- and they generally do just that!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
No they should not be denied admission, however, for example at a career college dealing in broadcasting if a student has a speaking disability the college owes it to the student to let he or she know it will be very difficult to ascertain a career in that particular industry.
