I think it is often hard to communicate that there is a problem with your school. People have economic concerns and do not want to lose their jobs. It is a hard line between being an advocate, voicing concerns, and keeping a job.
It is incumbant upon us to list the requirements, and provide an opportunity for the potential students to discuss these requirements. We cannot ask about a student's ability to complete requirements. As far as the way requirements are listed. If we have questions about how they appear, we can bring our questions to the appropriate person for clarification.
Gary,
You are right -- clearly stated technical standards that are available to students from the start are a great way encourage students (all students, with and without disabilities) to self-select. They can know, from the start, whether this is a logical and appropriate place for them. The trick is that (a) the technical standards have to be reasonable and appropriate (and there is an art to that!), and (b) the student (with or without disability) has to be ready to be realistic about their abilities as well as their interests.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would never talk someone out of following their passion. I would advise them to research possible employment opportunities. I don't talk about disabilities only admissions process.
Cesar,
And that's the way it should be. I like the fact that you are focused on possibilities instead of limitations.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
It has not been the case so far in all the classes I am assigned to teach. I mainly teach Into to computers and I don't know of any technical standards that would stop a student from doing the requirements of the class.
George ,
Good to hear. There are certainly a lot of technology applications than can help someone with a disability to do the same things everyone else does.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
It is and always should be your responsibility to bring any situation to light that would impact the school and any student involved with the school. To not do so would be a violation of the trust the school places in you. By doing so you not only protect the school, but provide a better understanding of the technical standards for any prospective students in the future.
Olin,
Be honest and upfront? Absolutely. But you need to make sure that you don't let your concerns about the viability of a student's enrollment translate itself to an active suggestion that the student re-think a decision to proceed. You don't want to discourage students with disabilities, just empower them to make their own, wise decisions.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I wish knew how to answer the question, but there are so many grey areas and I feel I don’t understand the law enough the way it was presented in the course.
George ,
What is it that you are confused about? Perhaps I can help clarify things for you.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would immediately go to my Director of Admissions to avoid placing my institution in legal jeopardy or having a potential graduate denied access to the career of their choice because of bad policy.
Cynthia,
WHOA. Back up! What exactly do you think is bad policy? The inappropriate application of technical standards? I would agree. Or are you suggesting that the student should not be admitted if you aren't sure that they will be able to meet the technical requirements. THAT would be wrong.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Dr. Jarrow,
I read the question for discussion as, "If you found your institution was inappropriately applying technical standards..." therefore I would address them immediately to the appropriate person to correct the situation...
Cynthia,
And I certainly can't argue with that! GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
If I have a student who may have challenges as far as technology goes I will be honest and transparent. I will let them know their may be some technical demands and they need to know how to handle those demands. I will also explain that there are ways to be successful.
Alena,
I like the idea of focusing on solutions, instead of problems.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Interesting. Yes I think we can be between a rock and a hard place. A current example: Yesterday I was contacted back with a telephone call by a student assigned to my online class. He has yet to participate in the lessons on line and per policy I have reported this and placed two separate phone calls and sent messages via our platform message system several times in the last ten days. The voice message on this student's voice mail message was very difficult to understand and indicated to me that there is probably a disability in hearing/speech. It was extremely difficult to understand him on the phone yesterday and I could not understand the exact nature for his reason for not being active in the course. Trying to communicate with the student on the phone yesterday put me in mind of our course CM 251 and wondered what if any accommodation are in place for this student. Not knowing about this student's situation beforehand I find is a real problem as a teacher. Referring him back to his adviser seemed like the best approach in getting him the help he might require. Yet I came away from the interaction with a bad feeling that I could not fully assist someone needing it. I have made a written referral to our Distance Learning Coordinator on behalf of the student and asked to be informed of what I need to know to assist. That is my rock and a hard place!
Sherry-Lynn,
I certainly don't want to dampen your enthusiasm as a caring instructor who wants to see all students succeed and thrive. But I would remind you to be careful to separate out your desire to help from your role as a facilitator of access. You seem to want to take responsibility for whether or not a student with a disability is getting the accommodations needed. That is THEIR responsibility, first and foremost. You did just the right thing in making a referral to the student's advisor. But there are lots of reasons why a student may not be able to communicate well by phone -- and not being able to communicate well by phone (whether disability-related or not) MAY have little or nothing to do with the fact that he has not been active in the class. Don't make the assumption that anyone who is struggling in the class must have a disability. That sells everyone short!\
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Hi Lisa,
At times it is hard to place a student who has limitations in the career field. there are students admitted into programs athat make it hard for them to succeed. More information is needed at the time of admissions if there is a disability.
