Since our mission is to insure that our students and future graduates have the best chance to be successful, we owe it to them to be honest with them and to provide the proper employment guidance.
You are right, Jamie. There are lots of situations in which the student may find a welcoming environment on the outside because he is known to the people he will be working with, and they are willing to stretch a little. It is always healthy to remember that the education students are receiving doesn't lead to one and only way career path. Knowledge can be reworked and repackaged! I am glad you see it as appropriate not to pigeonhole students on the basis of their (presumed) limitations.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I'd also add that we may not know the student's specific situation. We have disabled students who have relatives in their chosen career field who have already committed to them that they will hire them and provide significant accommodations. They are willing to go above and beyond for their relatives as long as they have some education in the chosen field. While statistically, we may have reservations about their ability to succeed in the industry, each situation is different.
You're right, Teri. Students with disabilities have the right to make bad decisions, just like everyone else... and sometimes they will! What we owe them is the chance to be informed before they make those decisions. Our job is to be honest.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
