KATHERINE,
Certainly, students with disabilities are the best experts on their own capabilities AND the best way to accommodate their needs. We would do well to listen to them more often!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I agree. My sister has cerebral palsy. While she has had a lot of success in her life there have been times when she simply could not do something; however, she knows her limits better than anyone especially now that she is an adult.
Garry,
Yep! It is all about "truth in advertising". Our job is to make sure they understand what is involved in the program/field, and it is THEIR job to decide whether to proceed.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
The decision should be left to the learner. The student should know what accomidations can be made and also what obsticals they may encounter as they reach out for their career goals.
Regan,
We certainly hope that the institution doesn't see any of its students simply as "cash cows." And I agree that the student has the right to make their own decision, and that we hope the decision will be an informed one. But remember that we don't get to pressure the student to do something else because we don't think they've thought it through enough. It is their decision either way!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would be fine with allowing it as long as the student was aware of the potential that they will not get a job. If they shadowed the field in which they were entering and where well aware of their own potential limitations at that point and still choose to move forward at that point it is their choice to take on the courses and financial responsibility. BUT...I would hope the educational facility would do their best to help the student understand before starting, not just see the potential student as a dollar sign $$$
Teresa,
While it is always nice to hear about students with a positive attitude, and faculty who have a positive attitude ABOUT them, beware of the "supercrip" syndrome... the idea that these students are somehow more noble or more driven "because of their disability (intoned in a deep, announcers' voice with echo). If they work hard, that will be rewarded with success, as it will be for every other student. But I'd like to think that their hard work is a result of a good work ethic, not their disability.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
The students that I have with physical disablilities are extremely motivated and determined to achieve a high level of success in their studies. They typically invest more time on their projects than the other students. I am certain that they will enjoy success in their careers.
Russell,
I love hearing such positive reports of actual experience, rather than theoretical application. You are right in suggesting that sometimes attitudinal barriers are more debilitating to students than their actual disability.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
We as faculty can't set the limits for a student. We must allow the student to select the programs they're most excited about. I've had students in an Entertainment and Sports Marketing program, who were in wheelchairs but were great coaches for sports in which mobility of the athletes was critical. The students had to overcome some biases before they were hired. But once hired, they proved themselves as capable, talented individuals.
Russell Faulk
Leigh,
That's a GREAT story, and a GREAT example of how someone who appears limited in their ability to perform may, in fact, outshine others because of their ability to apply what they learn to unexpected situations in which the disability isn't an issue. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Yes, absolutely. I work in a culinary school and have seen many physically disabled students enroll and graduate. The accommodations that were made were simple and the teamwork among classmates were not only understanding but patient with the students.
The most recent student had only function in his left arm. He was so quick to adapt in the kitchen you couldn't even tell he was cooking with one arm; until you watched him closely. He rarely asked for accommodation.
As for after graduation most students go through a working interview (stage) now a days and the employers can see the student and how they have adapted to making the kitchen work for them. The student mentioned above has a kitchen manager position and even though his was not as visually known than a wheelchair he is another success story.
Daniel,
Absolutely! Most students with disabilities have found coping strategies that allow them to do what needs to be done, it just gets done through alternate means.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I have had students with Physical Disability some severe . I teach Motorcycle repair the students Ive had found ways to get through the lab tasks with few problems they just took a little longer
Maritza,
You are correct. Our job is not to take choice out of the hands of individuals with disabilities. It is simply to provide them with the information and tools they need to make their own decisions, they own choices.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Our job as education professionals is to educate. We are not here to determine anyone's fate or choices in life. With a world that is changing so rapidly thanks to technological advances, Who are we to say what a person will be able to do? I have provided therapy for children with disabilities and treated them "whole" individuals at all times. I taught colors to blind children in my own way.
I would add two more steps for you, Howard. First, TALK to the student. He/she is the single best source of information about both what the needs are and what kind of support you might offer. Second, check to see if there is someone within your institution who is assigned responsibility for facilitating accommodations for students with disabilities. That individual may be in a position to think of available options that you wouldn't have known about and the student might not have thought to ask about.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Various students have varying disabilities and varying needs. Individual students should be observed to determine what accomodations would be most benefitial.
Guy,
Your crystal ball sees plenty far enough, Guy. It sees that the future is an unknown for ANY student and that all students need the chance to try!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Where I teach we have had many physically disabled students including wheel chair bound people. It is not up to me to tell them you can't/shouldn't take this course. I have had non-disabled students take the course for the knowledge only! We have had some disabled students go on to field-related success after completing our course(s).
My crystal ball can't see very far into the future!
