Get Your Students Hired
Lashawna,
In general, I agree. There should be one person with expertise at the institution who is specifically dedicated to helping students with disabilities who choose to identify themselves. Just remember that, coming in the door, you won't necessarily know who is or is not disabled during the admissions process, so there is no way to steer students with disabilities in a single direction (and that wouldn't be appropriate at that stage, anyhow!).
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Norman,
The "what versus how" debate is a tough one to get many professionals to understand. They are so used to seeing things done in a certain way that they have equated the doing of the task with the accomplishment of the task. But that's not what is really important. It is the same, quality end produce we are after, regardless of the route to get there.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
As an Admissions Representative, I would approach the Campus Director or Regional Director of Admissions at my school with an explanation of why I understand the technical standards to be inappropriate. I know they will certainly make sure the corrections are made.
Having a knowledgable staff member to assist our students. Also, we need to be educated about the do's and don'ts. It's important that students understand and are given the proper imformation.
There should be one specific person appointed for this specific role and responisbilities. THis would provide all students with consistent and the sam information.
Dr. Jarrow, After reading much of the discussion, I am in agreement with the two most salient points I gleaned from the discussion: (1) expertise on accommodations for disabled students should be on any such committee and (2) one should look first using a perspective to including all students when assessing technical standards.
I would be afraid that people looking at technical standards may forget about WHAT the standard is supposed to be achieving rather than HOW the standard is supposed to achieve its objective.
It is not an Admissions representative’s place to discuss the disabilities in such further detail, it is only important to advise the incoming students at the appropriate level. There should be a specific and appointed staff member who is responsible for this role. Having a staff member that is the one to be responsible for these situations would ensure consistent and appropriate information.
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.
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
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!
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.
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,
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
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.
George ,
What is it that you are confused about? Perhaps I can help clarify things for you.
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.
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