Physical abilities
I have had students in radio broadcasting with some paralysis which makes it difficult for them to use the equipment. Is there anyone else who has had the same or similiar situation and how did you handle it?
David,
It's always hard to see students with big dreams -- and with potential -- who have difficulty finding their niche an being a given a chance to excel. We just have to trust that students with disabilities will somehow find their way to the opportunities right for them. And we have to make sure they have the skills and the training to make the most of those opportunities when they are presented.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I teach culinary arts as well and agree that we can do a great deal to accomodate for students with disabilities. I fear that our school's ability and desire to make accomodations far exceeds that of our industry. Not many restaurants can afford to take the time or spend the money on the many necessary accomodations special needs employees might require, and therefore, lessen their opportunities. The foodservice industry can be so very competitive, we as educators struggle to prepare many of our students for it's rigors.
Megan,
That's exactly what accommodations are supposed to do -- and exactly the reason we are to provide them. The idea is for students to demonstrate their Abilities (capital "A"), rather than be hampered by their DISabilities. But the native talent must still be their own.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Hi,
I teach at a culinary school and we have had many students with varying disabilties. We have done everything from lowering tables to offering as much assistance as possible so long as they are still the ones doing the work. Accomodations are important as long as they are still receiving the education they have paid for.
Megan,
What you need to find is a good "rehab engineer". Someone who knows how to make adjustments to the equipment so that the individual can manage the necessary tasks independently with what mobility they have left. There ARE training programs specifically for rehab engineers, but there are lots of people who are adept at the task without the title. Occupational therapists are taught to think of ways of adapting the environment to fit the individual instead of the other way around. Find someone who thinks outside the box!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
