useless office at school

[Nalla]

I'm so pissed about the disability office at my school. They are so useless. I needed a microscope with a screen this semester, because I can no longer see in a normal microscope. They flat out refused to help me get one. I tried using the argument that the school bought microscopes for the rest of my class, so it only seemed fair that I should be allowed the same. Nope. So I bought myself one (not cheap!) Mind you, I couldn't afford both scopes I needed (a dissection scope and a regular one), so I just got the dissection. My professor is still trying to rig up something for micro lab.
I have a disabled friend - she's in a wheelchair, very limited mobility in her hands, and is partially blind. They got her an accessible computer for her computer class, but then wouldn't show her how to use the software. I use the same software on my computer in the lab, so I told her how. She can't write. They won't find her a scribe to do it for her. She obviously needs help with homework (back to not being able to write). They won't hire anyone to help. We found volunteers to help, since the office wouldn't even do that. And they won't get her audio text books. Hell, they won't do that for me or another girl I know here who's blind. I know a place to get them for free (with documentation that we're blind/partially sighted) so know we all use that.
I went down today to see if I could get a screen reader/magnifier installed on my computer. I've been using free trials for a while now since I can't afford to buy it. They said no, and they won't even put it back on my work computer (the hard drive got wiped) unless my boss writes to them. Which she'll do she doesn't mind, I'm going to ask as soon as she gets back in the office. But now I've got a while, sitting around doing nothing for work because I can't see the screen properly
I'm just so fed up with how useless the office is. I graduate in December. I can't wait to switch somewhere else where I can get help I need, rather than having to spend all my savings on stuff. Especially the software, since I know they have it.
Not mentioning the fact that they try to change or impose rules about my service dog every few months. The last one they tried was that she had to wear a vest, not a guide harness. They've done that several time. Each time harassing me for a month or so before getting bored and giving up on it.
My boss has tried to talk to people higher up about the whole issue, but no luck. We have one person running the disability office and she's terrible. I'm so frustrated right now. I wish I could graduate sooner. I'm considering just not graduating and switching for next semester, because I can't stand it.

 

[cm8]

hi!! I am so sorry to hear of the trouble that your school office is putting you through. I hope that you find the means to get what you mean. Maybe you should tell her that you will report her for not doing her job outside of the school and see what can be done about. I hope you stay in school and not allow her to get the best of you. In the mean while, here's a hug

 

[bookwormde]

Sorry you are having such a fight. Below is a link to a person I have talked with who work with people with Aspergers in college, your needs are outside his area of specialty but he might be able to give you guidance as to what colleges are supportive of those who have special needs.
http://www.vincentvarrassi.com

bookwormde

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I would start writing letters to everyone from the president of the college to the president of the board of trustees and on down. I'd also start talking to a lawyer. I think you (and your friend) may have a good case for a lawsuit. In your letters tell the president, etc. that you will be contacting a lawyer as that may also jump start them.

*hugs*

I had to fight for access when I was in college, although not to the same extent as you are having to and for different reasons, so you have a lot of my sympathy. Feel free to PM me if you want someone to talk to.

 

[peemagg]

I agree with WheeledTraveler, start writing to all the powers that be and contact a lawyer to remind them that there are laws that they have to uphold. Maybe you can contact the American with Disabilities and see if there is anything they can do to help you out. What they are doing to you is not right and needs to be corrected now!

I think you and your friends would have a case against the school for their lack of help.

Good luck and hang in there.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I'm so sorry to hear you're having to deal with such appalling treatment. I agree with the others, you need to put all of this in a letter. Make sure that the top levels in your university know what this woman is doing to disabled students. It would probably help if you got a friendly lecturer on side, as they will know the best people to write to. If they don't listen to you, you could try talking to local, or even national, newspapers.

Under the ADA they are not allowed to make up arbitrary rules on your SD. If they start trying to harass you on this one again, you would be within your rights to call the cops on them. If this sounds too drastic as a first measure, you could insist that they discuss it with you and a sympathetic member of uni staff.

If you need a screen-magnifier to use until you get the proper software, Windows comes with one. It's not a great piece of software, but it might be enough to help until you get the proper one back. Go into the Start menu, select 'Programs' > 'Accessories' > 'Accessibility'.

Good luck fighting this one, but make sure it doesn't interfere with your studies; they're the most important thing.

 

[honugirl]

It sucks to have disabilities and it's bloody expensive that's for sure! It sucks to have to buy your own stuff, but it's kind of the nature of the beast I've found. Especially when you're an adult...

The microscopes they definitely should have, you're not the first who've probably needed it and you won't be the last.

When I was in school, I needed a scribe for notes and was told to find my own. The only thing they did was grease the wheels with the teacher so I could have one. I also got free carbon paper things so notes wouldn't have to be copied.

Your friend should be able to get her OT to explain the software if she has one. Most of the time though I've found that you're kinda on your own with that kind of stuff. Lots of trial and error.

Your friend really should have voice recognition software, then she could be independent and not need assistance with her homework most of the time. Once again, an OT can help with that. She also can get adaptable tools from an OT or a PT to assist with typing.

 

[Schmeck]

Are you at a 100% privately funded school? If so, then they don't have to make any accommodations at all - but schools that cop this attitude are few and far between, thank goodness!

If the school gets any funding from the US government, then it has to offer reasonable accommodations. They are slightly different from FAPE, and more geared to rehab and 504 plans, but you should have some form of documentation stating your accommodations. What did you get in writing from the college when you were accepted? Did you include your needs on your application?

Accommodating physical disabilities should be old hat for today's schools - it's the LD and ED that are tricky, as a college degree signifies a reasonable standard of academic proficiency and ability to handle a certain level of independence and responsibility.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Are you at a 100% privately funded school? If so, then they don't have to make any accommodations at all - but schools that cop this attitude are few and far between, thank goodness!

If the school gets any funding from the US government, then it has to offer reasonable accommodations. They are slightly different from FAPE, and more geared to rehab and 504 plans, but you should have some form of documentation stating your accommodations. What did you get in writing from the college when you were accepted? Did you include your needs on your application?

Accommodating physical disabilities should be old hat for today's schools - it's the LD and ED that are tricky, as a college degree signifies a reasonable standard of academic proficiency and ability to handle a certain level of independence and responsibility.

Just to clarify any funding at all includes federal financial aid to students and any research funding.

I actually went to several colleges that were substantially better on dealing with learning disabilities than physical. This was mainly because they were old schools with old buildings so there were physical access barriers that were grandfathered in from having to be fixed before major renovation happened and as a result physical disability was something they had much less experience with since it takes a certain level of character to be willing to ignore (or fight) all the things you can't get to if you go to the school.

 

[JulieWent]

I believe you might want to put a call in to your Office of Civil Rights. If you google it, you will find contact information for your area of the country. An operator will put you through to a specialist in the area of learning accommodations. I have always found the OCR to be most helpful in reminding institutions that receive federal funding of their IDEA and ADA obligations.

Julie