Many students experience challenges regarding academic performance, misconduct, and more, but for students with physical and mental disabilities, these struggles may be even more pronounced. At colleges and universities across the country, one in five students has some kind of disability, meaning it is not uncommon for schools to be asked to provide reasonable accommodations to help disabled students succeed. However, sometimes schools are negligent or downright discriminatory toward disabled students – and in these cases, the student typically pays the price.
If your Missouri school has failed to offer the tools and modifications necessary for you or your student to succeed in an academic setting and you are now facing unreasonable consequences, here's the good news: The law is on your side. Instead of stewing over what to do next, it's time to get in touch with national education attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. Having a team of legal experts on your side will not only bring you peace of mind, but it will also give you the best shot at achieving a favorable outcome in your case.
Disability Accommodations in Missouri
The Lento Law Firm has helped students just like you in similar situations across the country. Lento's Student Defense Team has deep knowledge and experience surrounding state and federal laws regarding disabilities in an educational setting, and they know how to help you fight for the equal opportunities you deserve. Like in other states, schools in Missouri must follow the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires primary and secondary schools to accommodate disabled students. IDEA also states that students in Missouri who meet certain qualifications must be given an individualized education plan.
Legal protections also exist for students at institutions of higher education. According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, colleges, universities, graduate schools, and professional schools in Missouri must provide reasonable accommodations for students who are disabled. This may entail offering specialized services or equipment, adjusting the facility to make it more accessible, modifying the student's schedule, or finding other resources as necessary to allow disabled students to access equal educational opportunities.
ADA Issues and Lawsuits in Missouri
Over the last 30 years, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has perhaps done more for disabled individuals than any other piece of legislation. According to the ADA, schools, places of employment, and other institutions serving the public are forbidden from discriminating against anyone based on disability. This means Missouri schools are legally mandated to accommodate physically and mentally disabled students, including those with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, psychiatric conditions, and more.
The need for equality extends to school staff as well. In St. Louis, Missouri, a former teacher at St. Louis Public Schools sued the district when she was dismissed from her job after requesting assistive software and magnification tools that would help her use her computer. The former instructor is legally blind and claims that the district was unable to help her gain access to the tools she needed to effectively do her job. If you have experienced discrimination at school, the Lento Law Firm is here to help you fight for the equal treatment you deserve.
Missouri State Disability Laws
In Missouri, state disability laws follow federal legislation. An individual is considered disabled in Missouri if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The Missouri Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on disability and incorporates the tenets of the ADA. In Missouri, disability law works to ensure that all qualified individuals have the legal right to participate in public services and programs. As stated in the ADA, this means all Missouri schools and institutions of higher education are legally prohibited from discriminating against students who have physical or mental disabilities. If you or your student has been treated unfairly, contact the Lento Law Firm today to find out how to proceed with your case against your Missouri school.
Disability as a Mitigating Factor in Missouri
Disabilities Affecting Academic Progression Issues in Missouri
With the right accommodations, students with disabilities can achieve academic success and go on to have rewarding careers. In Missouri, students at colleges and universities must meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards to ensure they are successfully completing their coursework and maintaining their eligibility for financial aid. SAP may include completing coursework or a degree program within a certain timeframe or achieving a minimum grade point average. This sounds basic enough but for students with disabilities, SAP standards can be daunting without accommodations.
If you are a student in Missouri who is facing academic consequences or dismissal from your institution for failing to meet SAP, it's time to talk about whether your school provided you with the tools you needed to succeed. National education attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento knows the law inside and out, and he is here to help you understand your rights and prepare your defense. You don't have to tolerate discrimination at your Missouri school – contact the Lento Law Firm today.
Disabilities Affecting Misconduct Discipline in Missouri
For many students, getting hit with misconduct charges is one of the most distressing experiences imaginable. At Missouri schools, students who are accused of misconduct are guaranteed a hearing where they can share their version of events – but these hearings are not always fair, particularly when a student has a physical, mental, or emotional impairment. Certain types of disabilities can make it more challenging for students to communicate clearly and share their side of the story, which also makes it harder for them to achieve justice. When students – particularly those with conditions such as autism or Asperger's syndrome – are accused of misconduct, they may be more likely to be misunderstood and face harsh consequences.
It is also worth noting that in many misconduct cases involving students with disabilities, the student cannot be considered at fault. The first question to consider is whether the school provided the student with the necessary accommodations in the first place. If the school failed to give the student the tools and modifications they needed to succeed, it is no wonder they were struggling – and it is entirely possible that if the student's needs had been met that the misconduct would not have occurred in the first place. If you or your student is facing unfair misconduct charges, you don't have to go it alone. Contact the Lento Law Firm today.
School Disability Attorney Advisor Available in Missouri
In Missouri, federal and state laws ensure students at every level have full disability rights. If you or your student has experienced discrimination at a Missouri school due to a disability and you are now facing harsh and unfair consequences, the Lento Law Firm can help you fight back. National education attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm have helped hundreds of students across the country overcome discrimination, misconduct charges, academic consequences, and more so they can continue on the path toward their promising futures. To start preparing your defense, call 888.535.3686 or visit the Lento Law Firm online today.
