Podcast Summary
People with disabilities thrive in labs with support systems: Service dogs help individuals with disabilities, like PTSD and schizophrenia, succeed in science labs by providing safety and support. Eliminating barriers to inclusion is crucial for equal opportunities.
People with disabilities, including those with schizophrenia and PTSD, can thrive and succeed in various environments, such as science labs, with the help of support systems like service dogs. However, there are barriers to inclusion, and it's essential to challenge stereotypes and provide accommodations to ensure equal opportunities. Joey Ramp, a scientist with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD, shares how her service dog, Samson, enables her to work safely and effectively in a lab, despite initial resistance. Service dogs, wearing PPE like goggles, boots, and lab coats, can be valuable assets in such settings. It's crucial to recognize and remove obstacles that prevent individuals with disabilities from pursuing their passions and contributing to their fields.
Joey's journey to a science career despite challenges: Resilience, determination, and support can help individuals overcome obstacles in their careers, especially in STEM fields.
Overcoming challenges and breaking barriers in life, especially in the field of science, can be a long and difficult journey. We learned this from Joey, a scientist who came to her career later in life after a traumatic accident left her with a service dog and a brain injury. Despite her resilience and determination, Joey faced cognitive and emotional declines that made her journey even more challenging. This experience is not unique to Joey, as many individuals in the stem workforce face similar struggles in striving for inclusivity. The Tiny Desk Contest, an annual event where unsigned musicians submit original songs for a chance to perform a Tiny Desk concert and tour with NPR Music, serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of giving opportunities to those who may face obstacles. Sponsors like Capital One and Integrative Therapeutics play a crucial role in supporting individuals on their journeys towards achieving their goals.
The Transformative Impact of Service Animals on Individuals with Disabilities: Service animals provide essential support and independence for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals despite the initial challenges in integrating them into academic and professional environments.
Having a service animal can be a game-changer for individuals with disabilities, providing them with the support and independence they need to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. This was exemplified in Joey's story, who, due to traumatic brain injury and PTSD, was unable to function in social environments and eventually became severely depressed, losing her job and isolating herself for three years. However, a chance encounter with a book about a service dog helped her see a glimmer of hope and inspired her to pursue a degree in neuroscience. Despite the challenges she faced in integrating her service dog into her academic environment, particularly in advanced courses at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Joey persisted, advocating for her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She overcame concerns about the dog getting in the way, allergies, and fear, demonstrating that service animals are highly trained and can be easily accommodated in educational settings. Furthermore, the safety of the dog itself is a consideration that can be addressed through proper training and precautions. Joey's journey, which began in 2012 at Parkland College, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accommodating individuals with disabilities and the transformative impact that service animals can have on their lives.
Navigating the complex process of bringing a service animal to a college campus: Students with service animals face challenges in bringing them to college due to unclear guidelines and bureaucratic hoops, which can impact their education and even lead to dropping out.
Navigating the process of bringing a service animal to a college campus is a complex and exhausting experience, with no clear universal protocol or guidelines. Individuals, such as assistant deans and safety compliance personnel, play a significant role in determining if the various factors, including appropriate PPE and placement, add up to a safe environment. However, this process can be particularly challenging for students, especially those who are young or unsure about their career paths. The consequences of not being able to bring a service animal to a class can be severe, including students being asked to leave a class or even dropping out of college. Joey Ramp, a determined woman in her fifties, was able to navigate these challenges and bring her service animal to the university after almost two years of effort. However, her experience highlights the need for clearer guidelines and support for students with service animals, ensuring they can focus on their education rather than navigating bureaucratic hoops.
Lack of clear guidelines for service animals in labs leads to biased decision-making: The ADA grants service animals access to lab environments, but limited information and privacy concerns make it challenging for lab supervisors to accommodate them fairly.
The presence of service animals in labs is determined by the judgment of the lab supervisor, and the lack of clear guidelines and information can lead to biased decision-making. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals have the right to be in any area where humans are permitted, unless their presence would result in a direct threat or fundamental alteration to the program or activity. However, the impact of service animals on specific lab environments is not well-studied, leaving lab supervisors to make decisions based on limited information. Employers are restricted in what they can ask about service animals due to privacy concerns, making it challenging for them to accommodate these animals in their labs. The lack of awareness and understanding about the extensive training service dogs undergo can also influence decision-making, leading to reluctance to allow them in lab settings. Overall, increased public education and clearer guidelines would help ensure that individuals with disabilities are not unfairly disadvantaged when it comes to accessing lab environments with their service animals.
Underrepresentation of People with Disabilities in STEM: People with disabilities face barriers in accessing opportunities in STEM fields due to underrepresentation and the prevalence of fake service animals. Their unique perspectives and talents are valuable and can lead to innovations and progress.
There's a significant underrepresentation of people with disabilities in STEM fields, including in health, science, and engineering. This issue is not unique to STEM, but it's a missed opportunity for organizations to tap into the unique perspectives and talents of individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, the prevalence of fake service animals can create barriers for legitimate service dog handlers, making it even more challenging for people with disabilities to access opportunities in STEM. Joey Ramp, a biologist and service dog handler, emphasizes the importance of providing equal access and opportunities to individuals with disabilities in STEM fields. They bring valuable ideas, creativity, and problem-solving skills that can greatly benefit these industries. By excluding this population, we're missing out on potential innovations and progress. It's crucial to address the underlying issues, such as accessibility and inclusion, to ensure that talented individuals with disabilities can contribute to STEM fields and beyond.
Affordable wireless plans from Mint Mobile, starting at $15 a month: Mint Mobile offers budget-friendly premium wireless plans, but the mental health care system struggles to effectively treat psychosis, often resulting in lost patients cycling between streets, jail, and hospitals.
Mint Mobile provides affordable premium wireless plans starting at just $15 a month. To avail this offer, visit mintmobile.com/switch. Meanwhile, the complexities of our mental health care system was brought to light in the new podcast "Lost Patients." It was revealed that our current system for treating psychosis often results in patients getting lost in the loop between the streets, jail, and hospitals. The podcast aims to explore the reasons behind this and propose potential solutions. Listen to "Lost Patients" on KOW and the Seattle Times, part of the NPR network.
