Get Your Students Hired
Neal,
I wish that were true. There are a lot of students with disabilities (coming straight from high school), who believe in their own potential but are unsure of their abilities because they have been "supported" almost too much through high school. It takes a firm hand, and a lot of faith, to help such students take charge of their own destny.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I also agree.I feel that most students with disabilitiy are well aware of their ablilties.I also feel that most colleges are equipt to help those in need.
Jonathan,
I agree, Jonathon... but I am not sure how this fits in to the discussion. If what you are saying is that students with disabilities should be given the same information about options for employment -- nothing more and nothing less -- than I'm with you all the way!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I believe a college should always inform every student of all the options available, to the college's knowledge, for employment. Communicating this to all students allows each individual to make an informed decision on their career choice.
Nancy,
I think they can and should be ask honest with the student with a disability as they are with any other student who asks about possible and future employment opportunities -- in general. But if you are suggesting that the school is in any position to tell a student with a disability that they are any more or less likely to find a job in the field than anyone else, then we have a problem.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would think or hope that if a prospective or current student asks about possible and future employment in a field that the disabled students is inquring about in terms of success, that a college should be able to be honest. I believe the professional in the school/college who is assigned to explain the ADA to the students should be able to do si.
timothy,
Surprisingly, it might be possible to account for the sterile field, even from a wheelchair. But it would NOT likely be possible for that individual to get up high enough to assist in active surgery when the table height it raised to assure maximum efficiency for individuals who are standing. We make what accommodations are possible -- and settle for reality when it is not!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think students who meet the requirements of a discipline should be able to pursue that field If the student cannot physically perform duties
related to that discipline then the student should be shown why they may not "fit" in that speciailty . Example: A student pursuing Sugical technology who is accomadated by a wheel chair. Sterile concepts would be compromised.
Heather,
Being open and honest is not the same as being discouraging or restrictive. You didn't suggest that, but I want to make sure you keep it in mind. When you say, "...and then not be able to get a job" is sounds as though you are suggesting that your expectations might be conveyed to the student in a way that is limiting.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Yes, I believe that the college does owe it to a student with a disability to be open and honest about their chances for opportunity. I think, with any student, physical and mental requirements should be discussed prior to beginning any program. A realistic outlook should be given. Why would you want a student to complete a program and then not be able to get a job? As an educator I believe it should be our job to be realistic and open with students. We should be guiding them in a direction where they will be successful.
Dajuan,
I think I am inclined to agree with you. I don't think that the college should assume that students with disabilities are either naive or uninformed in their decision-making.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
No, I personally don't think that the College owes the student an explanation. Disability doesn't mean naive, and it's the employers responsibility to have such rules in place to stop discrimination because of their disability. College is just a learning institution that provides tools to be successful.
Jeffrey,
You are right! It is NOT a call that the admissions folks would ever consider making for a nondisabled student. They shouldn't be considering it for disabled students. They have a right to make their own decisions about what they wish to pursue -- and why!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
It is not a judgement call that the admissions department should be making. Not every student is in school for the purpose of employment, and even when they are it is not our place to tell a student that they cannot attend because of our opinion that they won't have job opportunities.
Thank you,
Jeff Porter
Joseph,
I am not sure what the context is for your remark, Joseph. Protect that student from WHAT? From WHOM? It sounds as though you are suggesting that we should "protect them" from making a wrong decision -- a decision that we allow students without disabilities to make on their own. Discrimination doesn't always occur just in the context of excluding someone. Restrictive career counseling is also discriminatory.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Absolutely we should protect that student. As a career education institution is our responsibility to protect the students from such situations. However, it is also our duty to never discriminate.
Erenne ,
I think that is a very wise philosophy and policy. I would only remind you that while they might find someone who "is providing opportunities to people with special needs", they may also find someone who is simply looking for a talented and able employee, and your student fits the bill. Disability is not always a negative in performance, and it is not always a positive in terms of getting hired. In an ideal world, disability is a neutral!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would welcome the opportunity to be incredibly honest with a student about their chances for employment. The challenge though, is that I don't 100% know what their chances are as there could be a potential employer that needs that student and is providing opportunities to people with special needs. Instead, it is necessary for me to provide information on what careers are available based on the program of choice and then encourage the student to reach out to potential employers to find out what the job requirements are going to be. I always encourage students to do this, regardless of their position, so that they know moving forward what types of skills they need to earn the job. This is my way of trying to protect my students from making unwise choices.
Kristopher ,
The question is, who gets to do the research. If you leave it to other students to research their prospects and job opportunities, then students with disabilities should be afforded the same dignity.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I firmly argee that if they meet the requirements for admissions we are in no way to stand in the way of the employment after graduation. We can direct the student in the right direction but I feel like some research should be involved. However, each student can change their lives and they can also make a difference where ever they may be employed.