When everyone involved is on the same page, results can be maximized.
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
tell them to follow the rules or the feds will hammer down.
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
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.
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
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.
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
"but what happens when you know those requirements are open to challenge"
That depends, if the challenge is to the student to perform better, or safer, or to improve then offer your help and assistance,
If the challenge will cause harm or hardship to another then offer caution and guidance.
Michael,
I think we are interpreting the word "challenge" differently. I was suggesting that the stated requirements are open to LEGAL challenge (as in, the technical standards are discriminatory in the way they are written). You have to find a way to work with your colleagues from that department to try to get them to recognize the inflexibility of their policies (and the impact), while still being straightforward with the student about the uphill battle he/she may face within your institution because of those existing (restrictive) technical standards.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I am very open with my students and let them know what will be required of them and I will help them but they must be committed to doing the work. I believe that the drive to want to succeed can be a very powerful thing especially for those with disablities.
Heather,
I agree. We can (and should) provide access. But success comes from within (both in terms of talent and in terms of dedication to the task).
Dr. Jane Jarrow
knowing that requirements are open to challenge should not overly be the concern of the admission rep. But what is a concern is whether or not the student was duly informed about how they will be affected with in their choosen career field. Student deserved to be encouraged and to have full disclosure about the difficult that the engineer program presents. It is up to the student to make an informed decision about their career field.
Henry ,
I agree with your second point -- students should be fully informed about career options and challenges and then left to make their own decisions. But I am still concerned about the uncomfortable situation for an admissions rep who is helping a student enroll in a program of study when he/she knows in advance that the department involved is about to make this student's life difficult and career path unmanageable.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I agree with you. I think placing our own limitations on students based on what we "see" can be discouraging. They should definitely be allowed to try.
Yolonda,
Even for as long as I have been working in the area of disability in higher education, I continue to be reminded that our view of how things ARE done is often at odds with how things CAN be done. You are right. Our limited experience should never limit the opportunities of others.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Head on is my answer. Be honest and let the students know. Don't let them get in and then tell they they will not be able to make it.
Kyra,
The trick is not to put yourself (or them!) in the position of telling them they won't make it. THEY have to make the decision. You tell them what it will take to make it. THEY get to determine if they are up to the challenge.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
It has been my experience that the student knows her limitations. The student might not realize the challenges she would face, what the exact duties/tasks of the program she wants to enter, and will probably decide on her own that her goals are unrealistic. It is not up to us to decide; however, we run the risk of enrolling her into a program where we know they will not be successful and actually set her up for failure.
Susan,
I think you are on the right track here. The best option is to make sure that the student is aware of all that the program entails and then let her make her OWN decision as to whether or not to proceed. But you say, "we run the risk of enrolling her ..." Don't take this on yourself or your institution. You aren't forcing the student to enroll. If you have made sure you give all the information, then the only risk you run is that the student will make a bad choice for herself -- and that is a risk that exists with any student who enrolls!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
