legal obligations
I do believe that the school should say something to the students. just don't lead them into something that they will not be able to do.
Kyra,
It is one thing to give students a realistic picture of what the field is all about and the requirements of the program of study. It is another to say, "this isn't something you will be able to do". The legal requirement is that you not be inappropriately limiting in your advice, not that you are limited in the information you share.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I agree that it is not in the best interest of the student to accommodate them in an education that they would not be able to perform once out of the educational system. It would be similar to a student that is color blind having someone in the classroom help them with their color coding, but once the complete their education they are unable to independently perform with color coding.
The question, Laura, is how you can possibly know whether they are "able to perform" once outside the educational system. Remember, too, that the accommodations that we provide are *reasonable* accommodations -- it is not reasonable to provide an accommodation that results in a fundamental change in the essential elements of the job at hand. Your argument for "best interest" only holds up if students are being provided with UNreasonable accommodation.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Although I grealty appreciate your answer I would like to add one small addendum to it. Government should not pick winners and losers under the guise of providing equal opportunity. This would be the worst kind of socialism. Do not people think before they write. Providing equal opportunity promotes liberty and freedom. This discussion clarifies why even the best intentions of government do not work in practice because some one comes along and tries to pervert the entire reason for the law.
I am not sure I understand your reference here, Richard? Who is "picking winners and losers?" I missed something -- perhaps because I am not sure who/what you were responding to.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Maybe I am trying to make a broader observation and an analogue that should educators attempt to dissuade students from certain pursuits (however well-intended) it is in effect an authority figure, governmental or otherwise, that is determining outcomes that should be left to the informed student. Thank you for your response.
Richard,
Aha! I have it now. You were warning against the "Big Brother is watching" syndrome. GRIN I agree.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I believe it is an injustice to not let a student know if they are not going to be able to perform the job they went to college for. That is setting them up for failure and a large debt. Not counting what it does to one's self esteem.
Lauren,
The question is -- how do you know they won't be able to perform the job they trained for? If they trained for it and were successful in the training program, doesn't that suggest that there is a place for them to continue into the world of work? Giving them a realistic picture of the field is great. Telling them this is not the right field for them is discriminatory.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I experienced this situation with a student that was struggling through his program. I met with him and gave him a realistic picture of what it would be like to work in his field, but I never told him that he would be unable to do it. I think that we need to be sure that every student has a realistic picture of the requirements of their field, but ultimately it is up to the student to decide if they have chosen the right field for them.
Heather,
Exactly right. It is hard to watch someone struggle and, potentially, to be disappointed. But it is important to remember that nondisabled students often struggle as well. It is important that students with disabilities be given the dignity of making their own decisions, just as we do for others.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I agree, people overcome their disabilities everyday. Yes, it is unfortunate if they are unable to finish the training program with the accomadations provided by the school, but they deserve the chance to give it a shot just like everyone else. Be honest about the work load and physical demands that they are expected to perform but allow them to choose whether it is the right program for them.
Well said, Ashlyn. Respecting the right of students with disabilities to make their own decisions is the ultimate form of practice of nondiscrimination!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
