Certain disabilities might make it difficult for a student to be successful in a given field. Qualifications are likely determined by employers. Students should research potential employers and general qualifications for the position they desire to see if a disability might hinder career success.
I do believe that there are some fields where a student with a disability is "unqualified". For instance a person with severe MS, MD, or even a serious spinal cord injury (low functioning quadreplegic) would be "unqualified" in a massage career. Their ability to learn the book material may exceede the ability of an able bodied person however their inability to perform the massage makes them "unqualified" for that particular career choice.
Rita,
Again, you sound as though you don't have much faith in the likelihood that students with disabilities will be able to meet the standards set for their program of study. You are right - disability is not part of the process of determining whether an individual is qualified, but neither is it indicative of a problem in their BEING qualified. Making accommodations is not a form of affirmative action (giving preference to a student with a disability).
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Once a student is approved/admitted to an institution, they should do their best to continue to prove they are qualified and meet the standard of the institution, whether or not they ask for accomodations. Disability is not part of the process of determining whether or not an individual is qualified.
Sara,
You have identified the sticking point, but also the hope. The student, because of disability, may not be able to practice within the field in the TYPICAL way, but if he/she has all the education and background, there may be nontraditional ways to put that education and information to use. Look at all the jobs that people have today that didn't exist 10 years ago, but have been brought about by advances in technology!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think this is tricky because they may not be able work in a certain field, but if they are able to get an education in that field, then the student is not unqualified to get the education.
Terry,
Maybe YOU should be facilitating this class! (GRIN) You are right on target once again. There used to be a disability awareness campaign that centered around the word disABILITY (presented just that way) to remind folks that people with disabilities still had the ABILITY to do lots of things.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
This is a difficult question. The desire to do something and the ability to do it is not the same. In sports many short people may desire to “slam dunk†a basketball. However, they are less capable of accomplishing this feat than a taller person if everything else, like athletic ability, is equal. However, a short person with drive, determination and commitment can learn vertical leaping skills to accomplish that feat. In the same way “disability†does not equal “inabilityâ€. In reality anything that is done with a high level of quality must be accomplished be drive, determination and commitment to the final outcome.
Mary,
You are exactly right. Years ago there was a popular disability awareness poster that showed a young woman sagging on her crutches and braces, but with a bright smile on her face. The caption read something like, "If, when you see this woman, you think sad, lonely, handicapped, unable, or limited -- how much of her disAbility is in YOUR head?"
Dr. Jane Jarrow
It is a good point.Seeking education is never a financial waste of money even though we do not feel that the disabled student has made the right career choice.The "Disabled"student that I have had experience with do not consider themselves disabled.Their situation is a part of their lives and they aren't restricted by it.Sometimes we have a tendency to over react to their situation in a personal way. We must stay objective and not focus on the Disability but the person's Ability to pursue what we may consider impossible.
Michelle,
Students with ADHD have a label and a reason for their inattentiveness or lack of focus on detail. It does not mean that they are, by definition, more or less likely to provide quality care than their nondisabled peers who simply aren't good at the job! The reason we provide intensive instruction to potential professionals, including hours of practicum experience, is to determine how all students do in practice. If they cannot perform the necessary tasks in a safe and efficient manner, they should not be graduating from the program. THAT doesn't change, with or without disability.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
We have a large medical program at the two year college that I teach at and honestly worry sometimes if some of the students ADHD etc could actually be a hazard in some situations.
Camille,
That kind of matches with the old adage about success being two thirds inspiration and one third perspiration! GRIN Whatever the percentages, both are important.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I once heard “If you want to accomplish the goals of your life, you have to begin with the spirit.†While it's important to know one's limitations, if you have the desire, determination, and dedication to accomplish something than thats all you need to succeed.
Yolanda,
Isn't that true of ALL students? That they may or may not find fulfillment in something they are interested in? Recognizing that students with disabilities have the right to make the same decisions -- by themselves -- that we allow for students without disabilities is a great way of fulfilling the PROMISE of equal access.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
It is vital that students are provided with “equal access†and have the right to TRY to pursue whatever career they would like. However, they may find that their limitations may leave them unqualified to pursue certain careers but it is essential that they are provided the access to try. Ultimately, it is up to the student to determine if their pursuit of a particular career will be fruitful or not.
Very good point. I worry about all my students
Dawnyell,
The question that must be asked is how you know that ANY of your students will be able to profit from their education (and thus, it is OK for them to assume the financial burden)? Do you only worry about that for students with disabilities and assume that nondisabled students WILL be able to profit? Or do you discourage all students from enrolling, knowing that they won't all get a job? (tongue-in-cheek!!!)
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I agree to a point. I would not want to dicourge anyone, but I would not want to put a financial burden on someone who could not profit from thier education.
Sharon ,
Me, too! I think that many folks can triumph over what others consider to be barriers with their determination and their determination and a little ingenuity, given a supportive atmosphere. Sounds like your students find that with you.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
