Physical Disability
While I do understand that schools are legally required to admit the student, frankly I believe they are setting the student up for failure. Before students are admitted to any program, they should be made aware of all physical requirements. In doing so, it will allow the student to make an informed decision whether to proceed with the program or not.
Is it appropriate to allow a student in a wheelchair to enroll in a physically demanding program of study in which he or she won't be able to get a job later? Why or why not?
jackie,
There are many folks with disabilities who lead productive and fulfilling lives, not "in spite of their disability", but because they are motivated, skilled, determined individuals. The disability is a neutral in their lives. That's a great attitude on their part and a great lesson to us all. But we have to be careful not to fall into the "super crip" way of thinking. Such folks aren't noble because of what they are able to achieve. Rather, they are more like every other student than they are different.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I really like to see someone that uses a disability as a spring board in life, it enables them instead disables them. I have a friend that had a major accident 20 years ago and he still to this day he is able to provide for his family lead by example to the ones around him as well. I have witnessed many of students that were able to perform in and out the classroom with their given disability, this is awesome.
Charles,
I have a friend who gives a presentation called, "Of Blind Mechanics and Hemophiliac Industrial Arts Teachers I have known." He says that, in truth, he has only known one of each, but it was enough to convince him not to make assumptions.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I cannot really address the issue of a wheel chair bound person being able to enroll in a physically demanding program but I have had students in my auto classes with other physical disabilities. One did not have the use of his right arm (he was originally right handed)- he completed EVERY task given him, including physical tasks. Another student was missing his left hand and also completed ALL physical tasks (some in less time than two handed people).
These two individuals proved that disabilities DO NOT prevent people from doing the task at hand. I try to make sure everyone is treated the same - FAIRLY and I believe that most people with a disability are only looking for that opportunity.
I have encouraged the last student to apply for Manufacturer Specific Training. My opinion is ANYONE with determination can ACHIEVE any goal they desire. It is our privilege to help them along the way.
Tim,
I couldn't agree more. There are so many possible ways to use information and learning in our society.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
The key to this question is the fact that it states the person won't be able to get a job in that field. I teach in a culinary school and have had student's with all kinds of special needs. Our industry is very diverse with plenty of sectors ranging from being a private chef to hotels and restaurants. To say that someone can't get a job is sort of wrong in my book. Who are we to say they can't do something. We should allow them to come to school and as long as they can still do the work they should be given a chance.
Anthony,
That's it exactly. We never know where or how the experience will be used. The statistics suggest that something in the neighborhood of 40% of the jobs that people will hold in 10 years do not exist today. How students -- ANY students -- parlay their learning into something useful for themselves is up to them.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Yes it is appropriate because even though the program may be physically demanding, what the student gets out of the program is more than just knowledge and experience. The experiences and relationships obtained during the time in the program may lead to a better quality of life for the student, in the future.
Mitchell,
Actually, people who are blind DON'T have acute hearing. They are just more tuned in to what information is available through their ears than the rest of us have to be. And that kind of proves your point. Folks with limitations ALSO have strengths!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I teach to students that will enter a physcially demanding career. I feel that it is not my judgement call to tell a student or even assess if an individual will succeed, struggle or fail at their career choice. Every individual has their own inner drive and motivational techniques. I feel that any phycological or physical disability will be the true guage of that person's ability to succeed or fail. I truly believe that anyone with ANY type of disability has the natural gift of making up their disability in countless other ways, mostly in ways that will drive them to success. A shortcoming here will only highlight some accelerated talent elsewhere within that person.Just as someone who is blind has accute hearing. I will do my best to accommodate anyone with a learning disability and try to help them to secure a successful future within our career. Mitch Becker CCC,CCE
Sidney,
I don't know whether it is tough love, so much as it is demonstrating your respect for their abilities by not focusing so much on their DISabilities. That would certainly be the way I would want it, were it me.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I have had a few also and after the first one I found that the student gets upset if you try to help them in any way.they seem much more pleased with me if I ignore the diability completely.just give them the task and move to the next student.a form of tuff love I guess.
Joel ,
That's really good to hear -- that you were comfortable discussing the issues straight out with the student, and that you could encourage him to move forward with his goals. I would hope his success would be judged on the flavor of his food, not his height when serving guests at the table!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Who are we to determine if that student will be able to get a job. I teach at a culinary school and just had a wheel chair bound student. I discussed with him at length what his goals were in the industry. Many of his goals are well within reach even being in a wheel chair. Many industries have multiple avenues of potential employment that aren't taught at career schools.
Sharon,
That pretty much says it all. Not only do we not know what the student will be capable of simply because they will not be performing the task in the same way WE would perform that task, the student is likely to know "work arounds" for such tasks that we might not ever have considered.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Although it may be hard for some students with physical limitations to be able to perform all the rigors of a specific job in the medical field; I have had students who have amazed me by being able to draw blood or give an injection perfectly (even better than their able bodied counterparts) even though they have limited usage of one side of their body. You can't always judge a book by the cover.
Niel,
You are a great example of why the laws are important. You are right -- we should never let someone else's expectations dictate our path. I am sure you are a great role model for the students you teach -- disabled and not!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
To me it seems that what we are delivering is education and learning. Never should we be promising employment, to anyone. Plus, who is to say a disabled student cannot go on to greater things? For instance I have a macular degeneration disease, since I was a child, and was told I would be blind. My parents were told to put me in a school for the blind. They did not. Currently I am a Chef Instructor, a Certified Executive Chef, and have worked at a few of the best restaurants in the world.
