Reality Check!
Doesn't the college owe it to a student with a disability to be honest about their chance of employment if they are considering a major in a field in which they are unlikely to be successful? Shouldn't we protect students with disabilities from such unwise choices (at such significant costs)?!?
Many employers have put much effort in creating job descriptions that describe the skills and qualifications needed to fulfill a particular position. And there will be commonalities in the job descriptions for similar positions amongst different companies. If the disabled student is unable to fulfill these qualifications it doesn't make sense to tell the student the school can accommodate them, get their education, and then when their program is completed the student finds themselves unhireable due to their disability.
I think it is very important to inform a student of all aspects of their future when entering into a college setting. I instructed at a school where the admissions reps weren't exactly forth coming with students, and so it was left to me to inform them of the potential of not getting licensed due to criminal backgrounds. You don't want students to find any reason to be discouraged in furthering themselves so be honest as well as directing them towards more attainable goals.
I support the text, which states " it is the responsibility of the institution to ensure that equal access is being provided." I think that it is possible to advocate for the student, provide equal access, and not discriminate by putting policies in place to ensure that the student is well educated on course and career expectations. To further allow an introductory period that allows a student to actually sit in class, visit more in depth with their program supervisor, and experience the work load for themselves provides the student the opportunity to self identify without cost. This process protects the school, the admissions representative, and the student from any perceptions of bias or discrimination.
Honesty and transparency are never a bad choice. Allowing prospective students the opportunity to use facts to evaluate their future is always appropriate. Much in the same way we appreciate our employer clearly defining the expectations of our job responsibilities; we should be able to paint a realistic picture so that students can evaluate their ability to perform the duties or learn to perform the duties.
It is important to be honest about their prospective employment, however, I have also been surprised by students who did not perform well in the classroom, but were able to thrive in the workplace. It is crucial to not only analyze the student and the effect of their disability, but also what type of learner they are and if that can be accommodated in the classroom as well as the work environment.
Gabriel,
Exactly, I've found this to typically be my experience as well.
Sarah Smoger
Yes, it is important to be honest with the prospective student that has a limiting disability and how this may impede them in finding gainful employment in their chosen field. In my experience, I have found that prospective students and parents truly appreciate the honesty and allows them to weigh the factors that could pose a challenge in gaining employment and whether it's worth moving forward.
As professionals, we need to encourage honesty and integrity in both directions. Therefore, if the opporutnity arises to discuss the disability, I would encourage it.
I agree with the process of program "full disclosure". With that being said one has to be careful not drive a decision with our questions or comments. While one can have an opinion as to the qualifications of the student to pass or succeed in a program those opinions should stay as such. Fully disclosing a program would be to identify the physical needs of the program truthfully so that the student can make and informed decision. Full disclosure should not be a element to exclude students.
I believe we should help individuals become successful in their chosen profession whenever possible. As with the graphic artist, new computer technology allows the individual to work in the field. Sometimes we must help an individual choose a field that is achievable considering an individual's disabilities. the gentleman above would not succeed if he had chosen to become a long-distance runner. We need to be creative and find a do-able career in the area the individual finds fascinating and wants to study.
Tyler,
Right, we should be in the role of providing information, we shouldn't make the decision for the student-that's the line where what we do would become discriminatory.
Sarah Smoger
Lisa,
Great story and example. Thanks for sharing.
Sarah Smoger
Melinda,
You are correct, and I think that is exactly why some proprietary institutions have such a bad reputation.
Sarah Smoger
Denelle,
You are absolutely correct. Our job is to pass the information along so that the student can make an informed decision about continuing with enrollment. From there, it's the student's decision.
Sarah Smoger
Matthew ,
You are correct. Remember, if the student meets the admissions criteria, disability or not, we cannot say that they can't continue because of the information they have disclosed about their disability or the need for accommodations-that would be outright discriminatory.
Sarah Smoger
Mark,
Review and be real, yes. Discouraging and discriminatory, no.
Sarah Smoger
Heidy,
That's why it is important to be up-front during the admissions process, right? While we can't tell a student who meets all of the admissions criteria that they cannot continue in their chosen field of study, we can provide them with all the necessary information on what the expectations are of a student in the program, review program technical requirements, competencies, etc., so that the student can make an informed decision about if it is the right program for them.
Sarah Smoger
i agree that we need to be honest and give them the opportunity to know what may happen if they decided to stick with this degree. but who are we to tell them that they wont be successful? just because prior instances show that someone with a disability didnt do well in that field doesnt mean that everyone with a disability with tend to follow the same pattern
I think honesty is the best policy but how it is presented is the most important thing. The potential student should not walk away feeling worthless
