Daniel,
Yours is pretty much the philosophy on which the laws were developed... the idea that we cannot know either the abilities or the potential of anyone based only on our knowledge of their DISability. Sectin 504 and the ADA were written to assure that students with disabilities had a chance to show us what they can do. What they do with that chance is up to them.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I believe it would be fair, why is that we assume because they are in a wheel chair they can’t do a physical demanding job. It would however be unfair to allow them to enroll in a program and then just give them a passing grade because they are disabled if they were actually failing. But to deny them access to a specific education because we perceive they can’t do a job is not right. We see someone in a wheel chair, yet we have no idea of what they are actually capable of doing. Who are we to deny them a chance to succeed, who are we to pass judgment about their ability to overcome obstacles. It would be fair to give honest advice to this person so they understand the physical requirements for the type of job that the course would be training them to do.
Karen,
This is an absolutely TERRIFIC example of how folks traditional thinking (that all culinary arts grads will be on the line) can lead to unintended, but very real, restrictions on the opportunities of students with disabilities. THANKS for providing a first hand testimonial to free thinking.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Here at our culinary school we have had students in wheelchairs, sight impaired students and deaf students. Not all have stayed in the field, but some have. Who are we to say they cannot land a job? One former student put out videos of culinary demos for the deaf .
It does take special individuals/sites to guide them thru their externship/internship.
A culinary career does not dictate one is going to be on the line. There are many opportunities in the culinary field that are open to individuals with or without challenges.
James,
The field of rehabilitation engineering is all about redesign of the environment (largely, the equipment available within that environment) to allow people with disabilities to accomplish the same things in different ways. Whether it is fixing an automobile minus a few fingers, or driving a tractor minus an arm or a leg, or a great deal inbetween doesn't mater. You are right. Once someone has successfully entered a field of endeavor, we have no problems dealing with the idea that if something happens to limit that individual, we can and should make adjustments so that they can continue. Then why is it, do you suppose, that people have difficulty figuring out that it is OK for people who have those same functional limitations because of exisitng disability to enter the same field?
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I agree also. Students with disability deserve the right for any education regardless how they will use it. Any one of us can be disabled for any reason at any time. We count our blessings when we are healthy and always help out people in need. Being in the field of auto mechanics, I don't run into anyone with wheel chairs but I know a lot of friends who have lost fingers in the field and they manage to continue working without too many problems.
NEAL,
It is not a reasonable accommodation if it presents a direct threat to the health or safety of others. During the course of study, if there is reason to be concerned about danger, it is certainly something to be explored. BUT... too many times in the past the ASSUMPTION of danger has led to restricted opportunities for persons with disabilities. If the threat is real, there are provisions in the law. If the threat is supposed, the law requires a more discerning review.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think we need to look at the difference between physically demanding and physically dangerous. I am sure many with drive and passion for a physically demanding job will excel however where do we say this job is beyond demanding it is dangerous both for yourself and anyone working with you. Which brings me to an underlining problem I have with looking at the letter of the law and not the spirit of the law? Some common sense may go a long way here.
Alan,
You CAN hold 'em back -- but you shouldn't! And you have just given us a great example of WHY you shouldn't. There used to be a great disability awareness poster of a rather plain looking woman on crutches that read "If looking at this picture makes you feel uncomfortable, sad, pitying, dismissive... how much of her disability is in YOUR head?" I always liked that one!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I feel that the student has the right to enroll in any form of study that he or she feels they can accomplish. I had a student with Tourettes Syndrome in a couple of my automotive training courses. This young man had an astonishing mechanical capability and did very well in my classes. What suprised me was the other students and their acceptance of this individual. I will admit it was a little intimidating at first as his outbursts came at any given time and were a little unnerving, but after a couple of days, he was one of the guys and did very well in the class. He is currently working in a major dealership in this area and his bosses love him for his ability. You can't hold the person back by being judgemental and this young man is positive proof.
Bonita,
I couldn't agree more. We leave all other students to make their own decisions about whether this is something they are interested in doing and whether they think it will be time well spent (that is, will they get a job that works for them). We need to give that same courtesy to students with disabilities.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
It is appropriate to allow individuals with disabilities to enter into a program that presents a challenge. Only the student understands his or her own limitations. It is important in the enrollment process to disclose the possible risks of related to employment, at that point the student should decide.
Anita,
And how do you know that ANY of your students will get a job later in the field? If that is your criteria, then perhaps the institution should shut down entirely, since they COULD be providing false hope to anyone who pays tuition. You are right -- there is no way to tell if someone will/won't be employable. We give every other student at the institution the courtesy of deciding whether they want to take that chance. Aren't students with disabilities entitled to that same courtesy?
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I don't think it's appropriate because if they can't get a job later in the field then they have wasted their time and money (and possibly have been taken advantage of by the school). On the other hand, who is to determine whether or not the person in a wheelchair would be able to get a job later? In my field of teaching (massage therapy) it would be challenging for a person in a wheelchair to do massage and get a job, but not impossible.
Dana,
Between changes in the way society sees and understands the strengths of people with disabilities, and the opportunities that technology brings, there are certainly a lot of doors open that were never open before!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I believe that every person should be able to have a chance for Many people with dissabilities have done amazing things in the workforce.
Sean ,
The term "wheelchair bound" is likely only appropriate if the student is tied to the wheelchair. GRIN (I also have a cartoon over my desk of a guy laying in the street with tire tracks across his chest as a man in a wheelchair goes by; the legend says, "Now THAT is a wheelchair victim!") The more appropriate terminology is "wheelchair user" or "person in a wheelchair". Once we get past the terminology, though, I LOVE the sentiment you express here.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think it is appropriate for wheelchair bound students to enroll in a physically demanding program regardless if it helps them get a job later in life. The wheel chair bound student may want the experience of participating in a physically demanding course for personal or professional reasons. They may become supervisors of a physically demanding job. As educators we should not deny anyone education just because we think it won't help them get a job related to the course.
Steven,
Now... how do we get the rest of the world to come to that same realization?!? GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I have had several deaf students in the past.
They have succeeded very well in an enviroment in which I believed hearing was neccesary.
We found ways to observe and feel certain reactions instead of hearing them. That made me realize the way I have been teaching is not the only way things can be accomplished
