Get Your Students Hired
I am not sure what you are asking, Delmar. Do you mean the technical standards for the CM251 class, or the technical standards for the classes you are teaching? Either way, I would be more than happy to talk with you in more depth. Why don't you contact me at JaneJarrow@aol.com and we'll find a time to get together, either by phone or direct email.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Do you have a minute to talk about the current technical standards for this course? I'm unsure if there in the best interest of the school & the students what do you think? If the students want to pursue their dream who am I to stand in front of them. I've given them the information to make an informed choice now it's up to them.
Cambria,
You are right. We allow students without disabilities to make their own decisions (and sometimes to make their own mistakes!). We need to allow students with disabilities the same dignity -- and control -- in their lives.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I agree. The more knowledge a person, whether it is in administration, admissions, or a student, has the better equipped they are to make a decision about their future. It is very important to allow students regardless of ability the access to options to best make decistions.
Joseph,
I find your approach to all this disturbing. You seem to see students with disabilities fitting in only in the context of what the law says you must do, whether you like it or not. I don't believe that approach is conducive to creating a welcoming environment. I am at a loss to understand why you are so negative about the idea.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
James,
I agree -- but sometimes it is difficult for folks to give up what feels "comfortable" and "safe" because they have been doing things the same way for a very long time. It becomes a challenge -- though not an impossible one -- to get them to think outside the box!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Eric,
It sounds like a great plan, Eric, except that my experience is that faculty often don't see their technical standards as "negotiable"! GRIN But I think the idea of a sit down discussion among well-meaning individuals INCLUDING the student is a positive way to try to resolve differences.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would discuss with a student the issue at hand, and come up with a resolution that both parties can agree that is within guidelines and allows a student the opportunity to succeed in school.
Marty,
I'm curious, Marty. Would you explain the "WHY" in the context of the law, or in the context of the essential functions of the field?
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Beth,
You have your work cut out for you, but if I can help in any way, let me know. The main thing to keep in mind is that technical standards should be based on what is TAUGHT in the program, not what someone thinks is needed to do the task. "Bend, stoop, kneel and grasp" are not technical standards, because you don't teach those skills to students -- those are the way that most people DO the things that are taught in the program (transferring patients, administering meds, etc).
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I will be working with each of the program chairs in the academics department at our career college to develop technical standards for each program over the next few weeks. It will a learning experience for all, as we work together to establish appropriate technical standard that do not create barriers.
Kenneth,
I would tend to agree, Kenneth, as long as we are careful to be communicating facts and not opinions. That has traditionally been the problem for students with disabilities. Folks have colored their facts with a heavy dose of skepticism! GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think that sticking directly to the facts is key. Everything is so open to intepretation. Communication is the most important part.
Sit Sit Sit. You cant train in one setting. I think the communication needs to be ongoing, and part of normal communication practice throughout the staff.
Helmi,
Well said. I agree that communication is the key, and I agree that often the mistakes that are made are due to oversight, not intent.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I feel you should appoach the Dean or other person in charge of the academics department and then express yourself. Then it is up to the Dean to communicate that to the academics team. They may alread be aware of the inapproapriate standards and they simply were not enforced or if they were not aware of it, it is thier responsibilty to make those changes. As long was we communciate to managment direclty or throught our manager I think we will get the quickest resolution.