Get Your Students Hired
Shanita,
I can't tell whether you are saying that faculty shouldn't tell people with disabilities that they might not be able to succeed, but that if they DO say that it will have the effect of motivating the student to prove them wrong? I don't think you can plan on that.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Yes we should explain to future students if disabled the problems with finding employment in their field just as we would a student who was qualified but had a background problem that would make it almost impossible to find a job in their field. I understand that we can't discriminate in admitting students but there are generally suitable couses of study for each individual and they should be encouraged into a direction which would best suit them now and offer employment opportunities in the future.
I think it was wrong for the teachers to tell you that you that you wouldn't amount to anything because I wouldn't a teacher to speak to me in that way. In another sense I think it would make an individual work harder to prove a point to that educator that they were wrong.
Geneva,
Absolutely true. There is no job I can think of that comes in one and only one size (that is, where no one ever has different duties, responsibilities, circumstances any different than anyone else). If we believe that the student has the skills, finding the right niche to apply them is up to the student!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I believe that if that person is capable of doing the work after going to school for it they should not stop them. I don't think that the college should tell him that they don't think that they can do the job, because the student is disabled.
There are a lot of jobs out there for the disabled.
Theresa,
That's hard... when someone has the motivation but not the ability to pursue their dream. It is a shame he couldn't get a position working on the business end of the health care industry!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
There was a student who had been enrolled into the Medical Ssistant program. This student was visually impaired, eye hand coordination was not geat. He made good grades in many sugjects. Even though he was a good student, when it came time for blood draws, he could not feel the veins, see well enough to do the work.
He withdrew from the program and eventually graduated with a business diploma. He still cannot find a position due to his limitations.
I don't think anyone should determing the success of a student with a disability. I don't know of any degree program online that would not be appropriate for someone with a disability. It is not our responsibility to sway the student on thier choices based on their disability.
Lisa,
It is NEVER your responsibility to make a decision for a student -- with or without disability -- that you impose on that student because YOU believe it is in their best interest. Unless you can tell me with a straight face that you have never enrolled a student with a drinking problem, or who was enthusiastic but inept, or any other possible impediment to success, you certainly did the right thing in not standing in the way of a student with a disability whose potential you doubted because of what you knew about her disability.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
We enrolled a student a few years ago who told me because of her disability she could only work part time-never be able to be a full time employee. The amount of student loans she was going to end up with probably could not be paid on a part time salary and when she was under stress she "cut" herself. Obviously I had concern. We felt we couldn't discriminate and had to give her an opportunity to go to school. Unfortunately, she did withdraw from school and had loan debt. She also came to school with fresh cuts that were visable. I still wonder if we did the right moral thing by enrolling her? I know we did the right legal thing.
Cynthia,
That's a great observation. Very few fields provide training that can be used in one and only one way. We need to be honest with students, but we need to respect their decisions and their right to choose their own path.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I believe the college needs to make the student aware of what will be expected of them in the field and not make a predetermination that the student will not be able to perform in the field of employment. Many fields of study cover a core field or trade. Many times there are several related jobs that the training will provide adequate background for such as consulting, guidance and support. possible the student can take the course and use the content in this manner.
Vada,
LOL. Are you sure? I keep thinking of the classic line (by Yoda) from Star Wars -- "There is no try. DO!"
Dr. Jane Jarrow
It is not for us to judge. Where there is a will there is a way. I truly believe we all have our challenges in one facet or another. Life is about try.
Kenyatta,
It means that, generally, you cannot deny entry to someone who is disabled whm you would have admitted if you hadn't known they were disabled. The bottom line is that the existence of disability is not a justifiable cause for denial. There may be lots of reasons that ARE justifiable.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
So does this mean that we can not deny entry to anyone who come to the school? Or are you saying we can not deny entry to anyone without a justifiable cause?
Pamela,
I would agree -- success is less limited by circumstances than by motivation.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Yes, students should be aware of the challenges their disability may bring with employment. However, people can conquor more than we know. Many have faced such challenges and been successful. I think success depends on the individual and their drive for success.
Ellis,
I agree. Have you seen policies or procedures (or even attitudes) in place at your own institution that suggest otherwise?
Dr. Jane Jarrow