Hi everyone!

I am very interested in helping college/university students with disabilities in my career. So with Stephanie's blessing (mod of this forum), I've decided to post any resources I find that I think are helpful.

For starters, here are some articles about the ADA and Section 504 (of the Rehabilitation Act). These will give an idea of your rights and how your schools are supposed to help. These are from the U.S. Department of Education.

Higher Education's Obligations Under Section 504 and Title II of the ADA
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oc ... xaids.html

Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oc ... ition.html (Shows the differences between rights in high school vs higher education)

The Civil Rights of Students with Hidden Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oc ... q5269.html

I know these are kinda similar, but they highlight different aspects that I think are relevant for many on here. There are plenty of other articles on the website that may also be useful (the main page is http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html)

If there are any other topics you're interested in, please let me know and I'll look 'em up!

Happy reading!

Thanks Christine! I'll make this a sticky that way it will stay where people can see it.

Thanks Kelly!!

Great stuff, Chris!

I hope no one minds me adding to this, but... if you're in education in the UK, the following links are great:

http://www.skill.org.uk/ 'Skill' is the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities. They are excellent and can offer advice on the Disability Discrimination Act and how it applies to further and higher education, as well as more personalised advice about any difficult situations that disabled students can find themselves in. They have some excellent information booklets regarding your rights at university, in particular.

http://www.drc-gb.org/employers_and_ser ... ation.aspx The Disability Rights Commission summarises disability law with regards to higher education here.

Hope that's helpful!

Naomi, not a problem at all! I feel kinda stupid that I left out those who AREN'T in the U.S.

I know there are some folks from Canada too. If I get a minute, maybe I'll find something unless Stephanie knows of some?

Thanks Naomi!!!!!!!!!

That sounds interesting. Does anybody around know about legal resources for Germany?

Hey Chris, I have a question that is really bothering me and hindering my achievement in school. My mother works with adults with disabilities and had spoken with BVR people a few times about my condition. I can't seen to get any help at all because I don't have a disability. I have a disorder and a syndrome. (Chiari Malformation, Syringomyelia, and EDS). I don't really understand the difference. I just talked to a neruo-surgeon about Chronic Fatigue, and I have to do some screening for it, but it seems that I have that too. Maybe that will help me getting services. I can't tell you how frustrated I am with this. It makes me cry whenever I think about it. This summer I took a physics class and couldn't finish because I cant take the tests in the alloted time. My whole body is in pain sitting in the chair and looking down at the paper. This creates nausea and brain-fog. I want to go on to Grad school for Physical Therapy, but I'm so afraid that I won't be able to do it. It's really stressing me out right now and making me want to give up on my goals. Is there anything I can do?

Also, I'm finding it so difficult in dealing with my medical bills and trying to pay for school. Are there any scholarships/aids given to students like me. Its just a failing cycle in my life. I have to work to pay for school, but once I'm done working I'm too tired to do school work, or in too much pain to get up for class. I'm a great student, but I have just average grades because of my condition. Do you have any suggestions?

-Jenn-

Chris,

I just found this by accident since it had been bumped, but THANKS!

I have to go through all of this now that I'm starting a new grad program in January.

Between you and my lawyer-to-be friend, I just might be able to get stuff done, despite my *grrrr out-to-lunch* medical team.

EDS is a disability, my son had a 504 plan at his school due to his EDS. He now has an IEP which incorporates his accommodations and exceptions from his 504. I think you should talk with the Special Education team at your school district and inform them that EDS does impact your ability and access to a free appropriate public education. He also qaulified for testing for the IEP because he has 'other physical disabilities'. Don't take no for an answer because they are uninformed, you deserve accommodation's that allow you equal and fair access to a public education.

Also should also read this http://www.ednf.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1495&Itemid=88889049
it is a parent and teachers guide for people with EDS. I printed out a copy and made it part of his 504, and now his IEP.

Great link, is there anything similar for the US? (Applying from abroad and really insecure and undecided if I’d fit any of the definitions and should look into it at all )