Stereotypes
Why is it not acceptable to ask about disabilities on a document prior to acceptance and it is okay to ask a persons race for financial aid? Seems like the same thing? It's like asking a juror to disregard counsel's last statement isn't it? As a human being it's hard to "unknow" something.
Gregory,
That's a more complicated question than you might think, Gregory. It comes back to the question of having appropriately framed technical standards in place. If such technical standards (remember, I said APPROPRIATE) do exist, and the student with a disability is unable to meet the stated requirements, then they are not going to be able to proceed through the program any more than someone who doesn't have physical restrictions but doesn't perform to expectations.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I work on a campus that has construction trades that require some climbing and lifting. How would I handle a student who has trouble walking but has intrest in one of the construction trades?
Michael,
That is exactly why we are so careful about what information is shared with whom.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
this is true because once you know it becomes a consideration to the fact. which will in a way give the student with disability a unfair chance .
Lauren ,
The fact that you cannot "unknow" something is exactly why the prohibition against pre-admission inquiry exists. It would be illegal to refuse to accept a student with a disability because of the disability. If you ask about their disability on the admission form, and the student doesn't get accepted, how would you prove that the disability was NOT a factor in that refusal? As to asking about race/financial aid, I don't know anything about the timing, but the issue in asking about disabiilty has to do with the ADMISSIONS form (that is, prior to admission). I am guessing students aren't applying for financial aid until after they are accepted -- or, at least, not to the same office?
Dr. Jane Jarrow
