Wendy,
My question would be to ask how you can be certain that the sighted, mobile students in the same setting aren't clumsy or distracted or just bad at what they do and thus EQUALLY (if not more) a threat to others. That's really the whole point behind the law -- to not let assumptions get in the way of potential. If the student -- ANY student -- proves themselves to be a danger, then appropriate steps should be taken. But to restrict someone because they MIGHT be a danger (because they have a disability), is just not fair.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
That is a challenging question. We have had a number of students who are legally blind and are mobile through a wheelchair. I realize that we should not judge whether or not they will later be able to work in this business, but it is frightening when you are responsible for your students and they are using knives, surrounded by fire and can be a hazard to other students around them. Is it fair to the other students who might be affected?
Doris,
I couldn't agree more. I am the mother of a daughter who is a wheelchair user with a significant disability. I made it a point, as she was growing up, to find a way to give her a chance to participate in things WHEN SHE CHOSE TO, but didn't push her to do things that she wasn't interested in, just so she could say she had. She seems to have turned out pretty well! GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I was raised with a brother that was physically handicap and my mother put him in anything he wanted to do. Even though he didn't get the job it was an encouragement to watch the excitment on his face when he succeeded. I believe everyone should have a chance to accomplish dreams in their life.
Amy,
Go get 'em, Tiger! I suppose it is easier to champion the cause of all students with disabilities when you have seen and experienced someone with a disability who succeeded despite assumptions and stereotypes. But even without the personal experience, it would be nice if we could convince everyone else that students with disabilities are capable and have potential to the same extent as their nondisabled peers. They may do things differently. That doesn't mean that they cannot do them at all.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Paul,
I agree 100% with your statement, and attitude about disabilities. Who are we to decide who is capable or not? It is an amazing feeling and "inspirational" as you called it, to see EVERYONE succeed. I have been teaching for over 10 years and have seen many individuals come through my classroom, some with disabilities and some without- most of them assuming they will have no problem overcoming a task. I, like you, call it a challenge-for everyone because it is new for everyone!I once had a student with a congenital arm disfigurement. To this day she is the best phlebotomist I've ever known. Shame on anyone who thinks they are better than someone else.
Paula,
I agree. That is what "equal access" is all about!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
If they are made fully aware of the requirements of the program and the challenges they may face, there is no reason not to admit them.
Andrea ,
That's the issue -- we CAN'T know that they will never work in the industry. And our speculation to that effect shouldn't hold them back. You are right. Let the try!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
If the student fully undersatnds that working in the industry is not possible and they still want to enroll, do we really have the right to tell them that they can't learn? As long as the environment is safe for them and others, I do not see any problem.
Larry,
Clearly, it wasn't that the baking and pastry job required more mobility -- it was the pieces that surrounded the baking and pastry job. You don't teach students how to lift a heavy sack of flour. In fact, I'll be that isn't even in the curriculum! How the student uses the skills he has learned with you is up to him (as it is with all other students). Your lawyers were right -- he did have a right to be there and the school had an obligation to accommodate.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
We had a student in the Baking and pastry program that was confined to a wheelchair --
in our case we had no choice we had to take this student and provide the student with a special design table to do the assignments among other accommodations -- when the student complete the course work, doing all assignment with passing grades--HOWEVERR there were no jobs available in B&P because most entry level job description require move heavy sack of flour,sugar etc. taking thing out of deck oven etc. So should student in wheelchair be a loud? The lawyers said yes but in reality some job requires more mobility than others!
Randall,
You have learned from your own experience not to assume ANYTHING. That's a lesson all of us should learn!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
It is definetly appropriate to allow them to take the course. I have had students in wheel chairs come through my course which requires that you pull a 75 pound transmission from under the bench that had no issues in performing that task. On the other hand i have had fully capable students say they wanted help getting it to the bench. I find it the best policy to treat everyone as equals and trust them to tell me when they need help with things like that.
Katrina,
I think you are right on both counts. First, it is up to the student what they choose to do with their education, and it makes no sense to withhold learning opportunities from a student because we haven't figured out what they plan to do with the information. And second, those who are enthusiastic about the learning will find a way to apply it that works for them! Nicely done.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Absolutely, I am not there to judge who should/shouldn't be in the program. I am there to assist them in gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in their chosen area/field. This success may come in different forms for all students. Some students come to school for the knowledge only and some come to pursue a career. In my experience those really wanting a job in their chosen career will 'make it.'
Randolph,
Then don't let anyone or anything get in the way! I am sure your students appreciate the extra caring, whether they always show it or not!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I know that the extra mile that I am willing to go is not needed with all students with disabilities but the students like knowing someone is there for them if needed .I believe that if the students know help is close by they try hard and will ask for and accept help when needed ,to me that is the fun and rewarding part of what I do
Randolph,
I like your openness and willingness to go the extra mile. Just make sure you don't EXPECT the extra mile will be necessary (as opposed being willing to provide it when requested). Not every student with a disability will need additional academic assistance. (The paraplegic in a wheelchair is just like every other kid in class when they sit down! GRIN)
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Persons with disabilities need to make their own decesions. They are the only ones who can decide what they will become. Motivation and desire for accomplishment comes from what the student wants for their future ,As instructors we provide needed instructions and students with disabilties will need more instructions and guidance so they can live their dreams and become successful
