The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The law protects college students specifically by requiring colleges and universities to make reasonable accommodations for disabled students.

However, such legal protections might not convince students they're safe in notifying their schools about their conditions. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicate approximately 20 percent of undergraduates in the U.S. have a disability. However, only an average of 8 percent of undergraduate students officially register as having a disability with their institutions.

Such a discrepancy is alarming. Students should know that legal help is available if a college or university doesn't comply with the law. Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team now at 888.535.3686 or contact us online if you're a student whose school isn't offering the accommodations you're entitled to.

Why American College Students Don't Notify Schools of Their Disabilities

More research may be necessary to determine the exact reasons there's a marked difference between how many U.S. students have disabilities and how many report them to their schools. Possible explanations include:

• Students may fear the stigma surrounding a disability.
• Students may have little help with the process of registering with disability services offices at their institutions. Some research shows outreach programs can be effective at convincing students with disabilities to take advantage of campus resources.
• Educational institutions might not provide sufficient information during the early stages of matriculation. Students might not know how to register their disabilities. Some may not even be aware that doing so is an option.

That's not an exhaustive list. Universities may need to survey their students to learn more about the reasons they decide not to report disabilities, even though failing to do so prevents them from receiving necessary accommodations.

Types of Accommodations Colleges and Universities May Offer Students

The specific types of accommodations an educational institution might offer its students can vary depending on the nature of their disabilities. Consider the following theoretical examples:

• Institutions may ensure the design and architecture of their facilities allow students with disabilities to access all areas of campus other students can access.
• Schools can offer services that students might require, such as sign language interpreters for students who are hard of hearing.
• Colleges and universities may have to modify various policies to accommodate students with disabilities. For example, a campus that generally doesn't allow pets may allow service animals.

Students may have to speak up for themselves for institutional change to occur. They should also familiarize themselves with their legal rights. If an institution fails to offer the required accommodations, students may take legal action accordingly.

Advocating for Students With Disabilities

You don't have to advocate for yourself alone when an educational institution hasn't provided the accommodations you have a right to under the ADA. A legal professional can help in these circumstances.

The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm is available to help if you believe you have a case against a college or university. Find out more about what our knowledgeable attorneys can do for you by contacting us online today or calling us at 888.535.3686.