Equal Access
Sure, but the "qualified/unqualified" decision is usually for the marketplace or a regulatory body and not the educational institution. The FAA, for example, effectively defines the blind as "unqualified" for a pilot's license.
If the field entails high risk to the person who is receiving the service, then there should be clear diligent procedures to communicate that to the student. I am not sure if a law would be a severe message.
Many years ago, I have heard of a case of a student who wanted to pursue nursing. The student had a prosthetic arm with a metal hook. I remembered hearing the discussion. Most of the faculty involved in the discussion were concerned about how can the student show proficiency in performing nursing skills as most of them are performed using two hands, such as injections, catherization, etc. The generalization of the discussion was to counsel the student but ultimately the choice was his to make.
Do you think there is ever a time when the functional limitations of a student's disability make it logically impossible to pursue certain fields? We know the law requires equal access for qualified students. Can a student's functional limitations leave them "unqualified"?
Zachary,
There is a famous quote from FDR... something to the effect that while we know that all men are not created with equal skills and abilities, but equality of opportunity is something we continue to strive for.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think it's great to live in a society where we can work together to make sure that all humans are treated equally. Physically limitations are unfortunately inevitable, however, we can do our best to make the most of every situation and improve our society to reflect equality.
David,
Just goes to show you -- never say never! GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
A student's disability might make it nearly impossible to pursue a career in professional sports. If a student has functional limitations, it would be difficult to perform at a "qualified" level. However, former MLB pitcher Jim Abbott was born without a right hand and pitched a no-hitter in the Majors in 1993. He was one of many recent notable exceptions to the rule.
Nicole,
Did you know that there is a Deaf Pilots Association, and a site called exceptionalnurse.com that speaks to people with disabilities in health care, and a host of other examples of people with disabilities doing things those of us without disabilities cannot imagine doing in that position. I don't have a problem with being up front with folks, but be careful that you don't put yourself in the position of limiting someone's personal options on the basis of your own experience. You may know nursing, but you don't know the student's disability or what coping strategies he has developed.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I believe that there are times when a student's disability would absolutely leave them physically unqualified for a position. A blind student would not be capable of completing a nursing program, and it would be unfair to misled a student otherwise.
Deb,
I think being honest about what the student is facing in the job market is fine -- and your practical experience (years in the field) allows you to speak from that experience. Just keep in mind that the majority of students with disabilities have invisible disabilities, and you have probably worked with lots of nurses with disabilities over the year... and didn't know (or NEED to know) it!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I am a registered nurse. Teaching is a new challenge for me and I am enjoying it. While I would never discourage a student from becoming a nurse I would inform the student of what the "job description" of a floor nurse is. The students must participate in a specified number of clinical hours in order to graduate and obtain their license. In my experience, I have only worked with one Director of Nursing that used a power chair due to a stroke. She was still capable of doing her job, however, the majority of job involved paperwork and supervision. Nursing students need many hours of "hands on" experience. I feel that the students need to be fully aware of the elements associated with the path they have chosen.
Carlyn,
I think the technology can go a long way toward presenting new opportunities, but there will still be places where the student's disability cannot be overcome in the TRADITIONAL way in which the activity is performed. The good news is that the technology often CAN provide alternative ways of using the knowledge and skills gained.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I would hope not. I would hope that we could figure out a way to make it possible for them to pursue anything they want to do. Technology is so advanced that there should be a way to help each and everyone accomplish their goals.
Patricia,
You are probably right about the pilot, but I can think of a number of law enforcement jobs that don't necessarily require being able to walk -- from evidence clerk and lab technician to desk sergeant and dispatcher. Thinking outside the box is the way to keep options open.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
yes I do, if you are blind you can't be a pilot,if you can't walk it would be very hard for you to be a police officer.
Mark,
Good point! Years ago, a popular disability awareness poster read, "Now is the best time to have cerebral palsy!" Their thinking was the same as yours -- with advances in modern technology and medicine, doors were open to people with disabilities in ways that had never been imagined. And that was some time ago. Today, less and less is outside the realm of possibility for most people.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
There is a two-sided coin or answer to this question: On the one hand in today's world, a student's disability might make it literally impossible or difficult in gaining access in the pursuit of certain fields.
Maybe so on the above, but with the advance of medicine coupled training in ways to improve or change a disability, tomorrow's world might open doors for students with disabilities. I would not bet against it.
Putting it another way, one's weaknesses today might be overcome and become tomorrow's strengths!
Virgie,
I'm confused. I said, "Can you give an example? I want to make sure you are thinking this through logically, and not basing your comment on stereotypes," and you tell me that you ARE a stereotype? Can you explain, please?
Dr. Jane Jarrow
No, I will not, I am a STEREOTYPE...Beleive me, I am thinking this through logically.
