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If the student will be unable to successfully complete the program with all the needed accommodations, the offer can be withdrawn.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.
I do explain my disability to the class when we start because it can cause some people to feel ignored. I let them know that because of blindness, I am not ignoring them, I just don't see them. We joke about it, make fun of it, it's all to make them comfortable with it and then I let them know to call out when needing to ask a question so that I can acknowledge them.
Do not engage in detailed conversations with the student about their disability or their disability-related needs in college. You are not the right person to be having that conversation with the student. Rather, refer the student to the appropriate office on campus.
Being kind to all people is key
An Admissions representative is not the appropriate person to be discussing disability issues or reasonable accommodations with a student. If a student has questions on this the admissions representative needs to send the student to someone who can give the answers the student seeks.
This section highlights that individuals with disabilities are ordinary people who seek recognition for their abilities and talents. It offers guidance on avoiding stereotypes associated with disabilities. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to represent our institutions honorably by adhering to legal requirements and prioritizing equal access.
Because we are in the service industry we need to be mindful that all the work we do in the classroom is much like that as well. Asking what is that we can to make it easier on a student with a disability. Effective communication will go a long way.
Treat everyone equally, help the prospect understand the requirements of the program. Defer to your institutional expert when it comes to accommodations
Learn to be kind and respectful to each student (our client) and with respect we can gain a great outcome
I learned that there are boundaries for communicating with a disabled student about their disability. I cannot ask a student if they have a disability I have to allow them to disclose the information
State and local governments and private agencies 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).
As an admissions representative, it is very important to remember not to assume when working with students with disabilities!
