84 DIVERSEability Magazine www.diverseabilitymagazine.com
EDUCATION
W
hether youre heading back to a physical campus or attending all virtual classes, there are an abundance of resources available for individuals experiencing any kind of disability or need additional assis- tance to make the most of their education. Here are some resources that you might not know about:
Your Legal Rights
Public colleges and universities in the U.S. are required by law to make reasonable accommodations to promote an accessible environment for students with disabilities, as protected by the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986. Specifically, these laws state: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) - Title II of the ADA covers state funded schools such as universities, community colleges and vocational schools. Title III of the ADA covers private colleges and vocational schools. Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) - Schools receiving federal dollars regardless of whether it is private or public is also covered by the regulations of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requiring schools to make their programs accessible to qualified students with disabilities.
Campus Resources for Students with Disabilities
Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 - The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination in air transportation by domestic and foreign carriers. Contact the Department of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection Division for questions about air travel.
What to Look For
Before you even consider what school to attend, you want to make sure that they are already offering the proper tools that you will need to succeed. Checking for the availability of online classes, website accessibility, the schools dedication to diversity and access to support groups can all be indicators of if the school you want to attend will be right for your education and experience.
The Disability Services Office
The Disability Services Office, Disability Student Services, the Disability Resource Center and a variation of other names are used to name the building that just about every campus has to accommo- date students with particular needs in the college environment. If you haven't already, make sure to register yourself with the office to gain access to accommodations ranging from testing and exam as- sistance, assistive technology and interpreters to housing and class- room reconfiguration and adjustments. Some Disability Services centers even offer counseling, therapy, training for faculty and staff and email lists that will inform students of temporary inaccessibility to certain buildings and amenities.
Loans, Grants and Scholarships
If you have an intellectual disability, you may receive funding from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and Federal Work-Study programs. To be eli- gible for these grants, students must be enrolled or accepted into a CTP program, maintain academic success and meet basic student aid eligibility requirements. Specific schools may also have specific scholarship opportunities available to students with disabilities and can often be found on the schools scholarship resource website.
Extra-Curricular Activities
In addition to the Disability Services Office, many schools offer extra-curricular organizations specifically designed for those with disabilities. Advocacy groups, Wheelchair sports teams, intersec- tional groups and disability specific groups are just a few exam- ples of likely clubs that may be available on your campus. Schools known for being especially accommodating to disabilities even of- fer help for students searching for jobs after graduation.
Outside Organizations
No matter how inclusive your school is to students experiencing disabilities, there are always outside organizations designed to help. Some of these organizations include: Diversity Abroad: The mission of Diversity Abroad is to ensure that students from diverse economic, educational,
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