Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Ellis, Fortunately, many individuals with disabilities gravitate to their areas of strength when they are looking for employment in a way that is not possible when they are in school. In school, the tasks are the same for everyone and there is a standard means of accomplishing things. In truth, there are few jobs that have the individual doing EVERYTHING that might be done within a profession. That provides a little flexibility (for example, a nursing student who runs into trouble trying to transfer patients when in school (because of size or strength) can work their whole professional lives in… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

After the Classroom

Heather, Those are good questions. Let me answer in reverse order. Yes, employers DO have the same obligation to provide reasonable accommodations as do educational institutions (employers are covered until Title I of the ADA, schools under Titles II or III). Could knowledge of disability inappropriately influence hiring decisions. Yeah -- it could. That is part of the reason that it is expressly illegal to ask, on an application or in an interview, if someone has a disability. At the same time, there are ways that people with disabilities can learn to "sell" their disability. For example, they can go… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Ellis, I agree. Have you seen policies or procedures (or even attitudes) in place at your own institution that suggest otherwise? Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor

Michael, That kind of determination will do it every time!!! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Michael, For students with learning disabilities, the issue is often processing time. For students who are blind, working through assistive technology, the issue may be that it simply takes longer to have the extra step in there. For students with physical disabilities (like cerebral palsy), the extra time may be needed because everything takes more time, more effort. But whatever the reason, providing the extra time is appropriate. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

After the Classroom

Michael, Yes -- and no. There ARE things that an employer can do to support a worker with a disability, just as there are things we do at the college level. And if the student steps up and asks for accommodation, it should be made available. But remember that not all individuals with ADHD take medication in control of their symptoms (see discussion elsewhere on these discussion boards). Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Reality Check!

Michael, I fully agree. I think that the college should be realistic in their conversations with ALL students, disabled and not -- and then leave the decision up to the students. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor

Angelia, Wow! The young women you describe are not only to be congratulated, but they serve as examples to the naysayers who believe that people with disabilities should not be involved in allied health professions. You might be interested in checking out the website at www.exceptionalnurse.com. I believe they have a place for folks to share success stories about students with disabilities in the field. Yours would be great additions. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Need to Know?

Angelia, I couldn't agree more. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Equal Access

Angelia, Think in terms of honestly laying out the difficulties you foresee and the nature of the jobs that are out there in the field. Tell them positively what is needed, rather than (negatively) what they should or shouldn't do. There is nothing within the law that requires you to ignore the obvious. But in the end, ALL students (disabled and not) should have the right to make their own decisions, even if they are bad decisions. Dr. Jane Jarrow