[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> A deaf student, who also lacks the ability to speak, has applied
> to our MA program in clinical psychology. I am interested in
> what kind of accommodations we can provide that will help this
> person be successful. My fear is that his disability might make
> it impossible for him to complete our required courses in
> assessment. At least, at present I am not sure how he would be
> able to administer common instruments such as the WAIS or WISC.
> Since our program leads to licensure in the state as a
> psychological examiner and to employment doing psychological
> assessment, it seems as if the ability to administer these
> instruments is critical. So my question: Are there
> accommodations that can be made, or is this a case where the
> disability might prevent him from pursuing an educational program
> and a career goal? Any help you can offer would surely be
> appreciated.
Yes, accommodations can be made. Probably nothing more than an
interpreter and maybe a notetaker, although the applicant would be best
qualified to identify his needs (which I understand you cannot ask while
he is under consideration).
I'm a graduate of Gallaudet University, where deaf (as well as hearing)
individuals are regularly trained as psychologists from Clinical and
School programs. With interpreters, a competent deaf person is simply a
competent person. In addition, it is exceedingly difficult for deaf
clients to find psychologists who can communicate in fluent sign
language and training deaf individuals to meet this need is a public
service (IMHO).
This does not mean that it is easy, of course; deaf individuals are
going to experience discrimination in practica and internships. The
president of Gallaudet has said "a deaf person can do anything except
hear." He was trained as a psychologist, long before accommodations
were common. If you would like to talk about specific accommodations, I
would be more than happy to talk to you in depth, if you are interested.
Peace,
Patrish' Dobosh
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
