Colleges and student rights

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

My 20 year old son has ADHD. entered a 4-year college in Texas that offered “student disabilities services”. It has been a horrible experience. The “services” were not nearly enough to help him succeed and some of his teachers did not make any accomodations that had been requested: More time on test, a study guide so he’d know where to focus his studying for test, etc. Therefore, twice he has been on academic suspension from the university. Now he is not only on academic suspension from the university he is also on financial aid suspension because of it.

We are both very frustrated. He is very smart and it shows when the professors make the accomodations he needs. What do I do now? Can these suspensions be overturned. If so, who do I appeal to?

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 01/30/2003 - 11:42 AM

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Have you talked to the office of civil rights? He is covered under the ADA section 504. I have read before that you have to have documentation of the disability to qualify for the student services. If this is so for your son, then you can make a complaint to the above office. His teachers have to make the accommodations that are set up or they are discriminating against your son.
Hope this helps. Keep us posted, I have a 13 yr old adhd son who is going to be in your son’s shoes in a few years. Best wishes.
Amy

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 01/30/2003 - 6:07 PM

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Thanks for your response Amy. I will make the complaint. We supplied the college with the required papers when he enrolled.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 02/02/2003 - 3:54 AM

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We’re filling out applications now for colleges in Texas, Fall 03. Will you share the name of the college (or give some hint we can decode) before we make the same mistake? THANKS!

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 02/03/2003 - 8:22 PM

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It is Prairie View A&M University. It’s the worst possible college for young people with learning disabilities. Good Luck in your search. I have since purchased a book Titled Colleges for students with learning disabilities. It’s great. I will be choosing a college with a “comprehensive” program for students with learning disabilities in particular I’m looking at the University of Houston.

Good luck.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 02/09/2003 - 7:34 PM

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Take a look at Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. It is the only accredited college in the country, designed exclusively for students of average to superior intellectual potential with dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), or specific learning disabilities. It has changed many lives.

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/21/2003 - 6:27 PM

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Get tough with the school. I have 1 child with a learning disability and another with ADD. I have been fighting the school system for years and now advocate for my son and daughter who are both in college. The Americans With Disabilities Law gives you the same rights as blind, deaf or wheelchair bound students. Don’t take no for an answer. Change has to come but as with many other things, it will take yelling and screaming to accomplish it. Most children and adults have high IQ’s but have not been able to reach their God given potential in the paper chase world we live in because they have different learning styles and needs. Don’t give up, fight for change.

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