Get Your Students Hired
Delmar,
I am not sure what a "search tech" is, so you may be right on target in saying it is an unrealistic choice. And I am always in favor of being honest. BUT... I would be careful about your approach to all this. It is appropriate to discuss options -- but when you say "suggest another option" is sounds a lot like counseling someone out of the field, and that is not appropriate.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Thomas,
I don't think you should worry about being honest in the kind of situation you describe. Saying (for example), "Howard Stern is known for his sharp retorts and his ability to argue loudly and clearly with his guests and his critics. Have you thought about how you would handled that kind of demand on your communication skills?", is not a problem Saying,"I think you may be trouble in reaching that goal" is different than saying, "You will never reach that goal. You need to change your major" are two different things.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Yes, I could see where a blind search tech would simply be a poor career choice. I on the other hand would suggest another option that may be a little more suited to there current place in life. I most certainly would not tell a person they couldn't do something do to their disability.
While my school is fairly narrow in it's area of instruction, the job opportunities, though also somewhat limited, encompass a wide range of different types of positions and skills.
However, with the cost of education, I wish it was more simple to be honest to someone whose disability will make it difficult to make a career and even recoup money spent for the education. Academic success does NOT guarantee career success.
In a broadcasting college, I've taught seeing-impaired people who went onto the success in radio, a little person who made it in TV production, and at least one emotionally impaired student whose family thought he could never even graduate. He did because treated him well (better than his family) and showed confidence in him.
But I also had a potential admission who honestly said he wanted to be to next Howard Stern who had a speech impediment so bad that he was not understandable. where is the fairness in letting this person believe that he can reach that specific goal.
I do think this latter situation is one where honesty is the best policy, but so much ends up in the interpretation of lawyers and government workers who have no idea what it is really like to implement such plans that you put everything at risk.
It would be nice if you could treat people humanely and fairly without the intrusive actions by agencies who are more interested in feathering their own nests.
Barney,
I agree. Honesty is never a problem and the student -- ALL students -- should know what the program is all about and what will be expected of them during and after their time with you. Then it becomes their choice.
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.
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
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.
I am not sure I follow you, Joseph. What do you mean when you say "train the assistance"?
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.
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
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?
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
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.
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
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….
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
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?
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
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.