Students Suspected of Having a Disability—Staff Response
Students with certain disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities, mental disorders) may either not be aware of or not want to disclose his/her disability. If staff suspect that a student has a disability that is affecting his/her ability to participate in the program, the student should be given assistance in locating resources to diagnose the disability. Staff should take great care in approaching a student about their suspicions as this will likely be a sensitive issue for the student. The following referral process is suggested:
Identify in concrete terms what problems the student is having in Job Corps
In a private setting, describe the problems you have observed with the student
Explain to the student that you don't know the exact cause of the problem, but that most problems do have causes and if they can be identified then it is possible to provide the student with the accommodations that will allow them to overcome the effects of the problem and do well in the program
Refer the student to the disability coordinator or appropriate professional
Contact the professional and explain your concerns
If a staff person does not feel comfortable confronting the student he/she can refer the student to the disability coordinator or ask this person for assistance/advice. The disability coordinator should be made aware of any students who are referred for diagnosis. If it is determined that the student has a disability and requires accommodation, the reasonable accommodation guidelines will be followed.
Students with certain disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities, mental disorders) may either not be aware of or not want to disclose his/her disability. If staff suspect that a student has a disability that is affecting his/her ability to participate in the program, the student should be given assistance in locating resources to diagnose the disability. Staff should take great care in approaching a student about their suspicions as this will likely be a sensitive issue for the student. The following referral process is suggested: