Post-secondary institutions are required by law to provide accommodations for all students with disabilities, such as mental health issues or common disorders like ADHD. But, a recent article on students who must use a wheelchair shines a spotlight on the special challenges those with mobility or dexterity issues face. Because of their small representation among the greater community of students with disabilities—only about 1% by some estimates—the needs of these students may be overlooked or misunderstood by the schools legally obligated to address them. Contact the experienced Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm online or by phone at 888.535.3686 if you are a student with disabilities, and your school is falling short on providing the accommodations you need for equal access to an education.

An Example of the Many Ways Schools Can Fall Short of Compliance with the ADA

Like everyone leaving home to pursue their post-secondary education, students with disabilities that affect their mobility or dexterity must adjust to a new environment with new challenges, but the level of complication and difficulty is often many times higher. For those students whose parents had thus far done the advocacy necessary to ensure their access to accommodations, the experience of navigating a new labyrinth of agencies and offices on their own can be overwhelming. But when do those challenges cross over into legal issues?

For example, an able-bodied student encountering a broken elevator in their dorm may not even bother figuring out how to report it to maintenance—it's less trouble to walk up the two flights of stairs to their room until someone else reports it. For a wheelchair-bound student, however, waiting days for a repair is not an option and an immediate alternative must be available. It is not an excuse for the school not to have thought through such a possibility. As issues of non-compliance pile up, the stress of dealing with them can take a toll on a student's mental health and take time and energy away from academic pursuits. Fortunately, there are legal options to protect your rights, which may include suing your school for violations of the ADA.

The Lento Law Firm Is Ready to Champion Your Case if Your School is Violating the ADA or State Laws on Accommodations

Are you a student who must use a wheelchair—or have any disability that affects your mobility and dexterity—affected by your school's failure to provide the accommodations you are guaranteed by law? The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm is ready to help. We have extensive experience acting against schools that are failing to comply with the federal ADA and state laws ensuring accommodations for students with disabilities. Call now at 888.535.3686 or leave us a message online to arrange a consultation.