A student with a disability is entitled to equal access to educational opportunities and also protection from discrimination.
There are two different points in your interaction with a student with a disability when it may be appropriate for you to seek help.
There are both legal and moral obligations for dealing with students. I have met students with obvious disabilities who want nothing more than to be treated like everyone else. They don't want special treatment. Then I have met others who clearly do not need them and are just looking for special treatment or use it as an excuse to be disruptive. The entire class needs to also be considered in these instances.
In your role it is imperative to consider what is appropriate vs inappropriate. You should not assume anything rather state the facts and give as much information for the student to make a decision best for themselves and their disability.
When it comes to supporting students with disabilities, educators, administrators, and other school staff have specific legal obligations and opportunities to ensure an inclusive and equitable learning environment.
Each person knows their limitations, allow them the freedom to decide their future. May surprise you!
People with disabilities just want to be treated like people without disabilities. We should treat all people with respect and in an educational environment we should refer applicants with disabilities to the appropriate coordinator.
I found it interesting that Title II of the ADA applies to State and local governments and Title III applies to private agencies.
All are required to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities on licensure and certification testing, and in evaluation of their credentials (that is, whether or not they meet the technical standards of the profession).
This is very important in the profession of nursing.
My role is to provide information and to treat everyone equally.
Once I had a student that has a disability. I asked myself, how is she going to survive nursing? I spoke to my administrator about it. His answer was to closely monitor her and assist when she ask for help. That student is now a successful Registered Nurse.
I learned that my role in supporting students with disabilities includes understanding legal obligations, providing necessary accommodations, and fostering an inclusive learning environment. I will apply this by ensuring students receive equal opportunities and addressing their needs with care and respect.
I didn’t know that it was illegal to ask someone during the admissions process if they have a disability. I’ll make sure not to do that
There is someone on campus that is designated to help with students with disabilities.
I think its important to remember that a student with a disability is a student first, and a person with a disability second. Students with disabilities come to college for the same reasons everyone else does.
This section should me the importance of treated disabled students as people regardless of their disability. Show interest in them and their life and hobbies and do not inquire about their disability as it unless it is necessary to ensure their access. It is inappropriate to ask how a student because disabled and if their family is as well, etc. You also should not ask about disabilities in the admissions process. You can inform students on the physicality of the program if needed, but discussing access and accommodations should not happen until after an offer of admission. If the student will be unable to successfully complete the program with all the needed accommodations, the offer can be withdrawn.
If you exceed your scope of responsibility and authority, even with the best of intentions, you may be opening the institution to legal action.
Don't give support, advice, or counsel, seek the representative they need from the org chart and introduce them to that representative who will further guide them, ensuring proper accommodation, attention, and service.
As an admissions representative, I must make sure that my personal experiences, expectations, and assumptions do not affect the advice I provide to students with disabilities. I should offer as much support as possible while adhering to the limits set by laws and institutional guidelines. It's crucial to avoid exceeding these boundaries or risking potential legal issues, even with the best intentions. The key is to be informed, compassionate, and treat all students with respect and care.
To restrict students with disabilities to what is considered a safe career path is discriminating. You have to know your limits.
I have learned that respect and understanding and good care of people who has special needs (disable) are very important, because these kinds of people they will be very sensitive, so care must be the highest priority when dealing with them.
