I feel that it would be in the best interest of the student to have appropriate people have a conversation with the student and perhaps a person/caretaker close to them to outline the expectations of the program and ensure that the student is set up to succeed and be presented with realistic goals.
I understand your concerns, but it is not our responsibility to judge persons with disabilities, it is our responsibility to make sure they have the same chances as anyone else, disabled or not.
Personally I believe the College owes it to the student but Professionally we cannot show discrimination by making such a statement to the student.
Elizabeth,
Exactly. It takes more time and thoughtfulness on the part of the institution, but in the long run, I think we owe it to our students.
Sarah Smoger
I agree. This kind of approach supports a prospective student in his / her personal journey of self discovery both personally, professionally and academically. I support the goal of providing an environment and resources through which a student can make an informed decision.
Marie,
Exactly. We shouldn't impore limitations on others based on our own short-shortsightedness. Thanks Marie!
Sarah Smoger
Jennifer,
So glad to hear this is your typical practice!
Sarah Smoger
An education is an expensive investment. I think we should absolutely be honest and disclose the common requirements of careers within the field of study. But we can't let that limit us from providing the same educational opportunity to the student. It is up to the student what they choose to do with that degree. We cannot know which type of employment the student will engage in. Students often continue their education, go into indirect careers like teaching the subject to others, and even just pursue education because they love to learn. A former co-worker had 5 master degrees. I was wowed; she said she just loves to go to school and learn.
I think that is correct.
Everyone is entitled to make a mistake in career direction. Disability doesn't change that. We can advise them that it might be a difficult career choice, but the choice is theirs in the end. We just prepare them for the career.
Cindy and Sarah I couldnt agree more. When a rep enrolls a student that has a disability, I sit down with them and have a very honest, straight forward, professional talk with them. Just like i would someone with a background issue. They will appreciate your honesty so much more. Not to mention it is going to help you and them in the long run in regards to the best places to work with them in finding employment.
Yes, student with disability deserves honesty because we want to set anyone in that circumstances to become successful.
Mary,
I completely agree. However, if a student meets admission criteria, regardless of if a student will be a successful professional in their chosen field of study, we are obligated under the law to let the student continue and reasonably accommodate them.
Sarah Smoger
I think it is very important for a college to inform a student who will not be successful in a certain career. Even though we want every one to feel included, there are just some jobs that are not appropriate for those with disabilities. It is better to be honest with the student in the beginning than allow the student to be disappointed in the future.
If a student was interested in building, you not encourage them to be a brick layer but maybe an architect. Some situations are obvious.
Lisa ,
I completely agree with you. Just because a student has a disability, it doesn't necessarily mean that they wouldn't be successful as a student or working professional in their chosen field of study. I recently read a wonderful article about a gentleman who had completed a B.A. in Graphic Design. The student was a quadriplegic. Many might think that there is no way he could be successful in the field, but the opposite was true. The student had a booming career in the industry.
Sarah Smoger
Bonnie,
Great insight! I have many instructors who feel that a student shouldn't be admitted into a program because they feel that the student wouldn't be successful in the industry, or feel that they shouldn't have to accommodate a student because they feel the industry wouldn't. Many times I have to remind them that our obligation under the law is to provide for equal access-regardless of one's opinion of if the student would be successful in the working world.
Sarah Smoger
Colleges should be honest with all students no matter what the circumstances are. However, if they are making the assumptions of not being successful based on just the fact of disability that is wrong. Disabled individuals are humans as well. Everyone makes mistakes and has no guarantees of being successful.
ABSOLUTELY! I feel a college or any school should be honest with ALL of their students, especially if their chance of employment is unsuccessful. The school should have current statistics on employment and saturation of the field. Be honest with everyone about everything.
I believe that any college has a responsibility to the student as just that, a responsibility to the student, with or without a disability, to advise them on the possibility of employment after graduation. Also, the financial aide counselor should advise a disabled student of the adverse effects that earning an income will have on their disability benefits. I have found that some of my students with disabilities are attending college for themselves, to gain more knowledge and earn a degree just because they can!! That speaks volumes about the teachers they must have had throughout their childhood and high school.
Cindy ,
I agree. I believe in a process I refer to as "full program disclosure". If I have a student who I believe may struggle significantly because of a disability (regardless of learning, psychological, intellectual disability, etc.) I have a meeting with the student, academic affairs team and someone who can act as an advocate for the student (mom, dad, significant other, etc.) to discuss the expectations that we, the institution has of all students enrolled in the program. I want to make sure that every student feels that they are making an informed decision about continued enrollment.
Sarah Smoger
