[nabs] inadequate accommodations

Mon Feb 13 14:08:25 EST 2012

Ann, 
I also agree with you. 
Ashley, 
Could you do some research on the ADA law that Ann suggested and then go back to the disability counselor or maybe the Dean of Academic Affairs. I have went over the "head" of many to the Dean of Academic Affairs when something was not done or when the college gave my disability counselor static. 
Netta 
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."-Mariann  Williamson 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ann 
  To: 'Discussion list for NABS, National Alliance of Blind Students.' 
  Sent: Friday, February 10, 2012 1:37 AM
  Subject: Re: [nabs] inadequate accommodations

  I have to put my 2 cents worth in. It is not equal access if all sighted students get to work on the instructors office computer during office hours, but any student who is visually challenged does not because the college  does not have JAWS for the instructor to use. The college should have an extra edition to put on any computer where it is needed for equal access. This community college is state funded, so under Title 1 of the ADA and the Rehab Act of 1973, the college is required to provide equal access to learning. Since instructors are required to have office hours to help students, I feel this is a responsibility of the college to provide JAWS for the instructor to use for the semester. There is no way the college can say in court that this is too expensive (undue burden) to do this, because the courts look at the total budget of the college, and an additional copy of JAWS is nothing in their millions of dollars for their budget! Also, unless the instructor requires all students to bring their own computer, Ashley shouldn’t have to bring hers just because she is visually challenged. 

  I know sometimes you have to pick your fights, but since I am paying an equal amount for my tuition as the other students, I expect the college to give me equal service. Before I started my first class I disagreed with my counselor for the Office of Disability Services about a number of items that were not put on my Memo of Accommodation or Faculty Contact letter. I was nice, but I disagreed, and I told them that I felt strong enough on some issues that I would be going up the ladder until I got satisfaction. I believe I am legally right and last fall I got the opinion of a DOJ lawyer, and she agreed with me. 

  I know it is hard, and there are only so many hours in the day, but I can’t stand not getting equal service, and will advocate for it as much as possible. Some things I do put on the “burner”, but usually I will get to them. I do have an advantage that many people do not in that I am only taking one class at this point. Also for the last 9 years, I have been volunteering with a county board that advocates for all people with physical and sensory disabilities, so I have learned a lot from others.  

  Everybody can just do their best at advocating for equal access. For each individual there is no right or wrong, just doing what you have time to accomplish to try and make things fair and equal. If we don’t challenge the status quo that at times is not equal, who will?  I refuse to be thought of as someone who instructors don’t have to worry about giving me everything they give to the other students .

  So, if Ashley has good points on things that need improving, then I think she is right to fight for her rights, and not give up and accept less than what other students receive. 

  Ann 

  From: nabs-bounces at acb.org [mailto:nabs-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf Of frandi.galindo at gmail.com
  Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2012 10:46 PM
  To: Discussion list for NABS, National Alliance of Blind Students.
  Subject: Re: [nabs] inadequate accomodations

  I have to agree that jaws shouldn’t be allowed to be on the professor’s computer, but I belive the College should have a computer with jaws available for your use.

  From: Yvonne 

  Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2012 9:55 PM

  To: 'Discussion list for NABS, National Alliance of Blind Students.' 

  Subject: Re: [nabs] inadequate accomodations

  I would have the professor download the trial version of Jaws I think that lasts for 40 min. and it’s free, or you could use your laptop.

  From: nabs-bounces at acb.org [mailto:nabs-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf Of Ashley Bramlett
  Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 7:27 PM
  To: National Alliance of Blind Students. Discussion list for NABS
  Subject: [nabs] inadequate accomodations

  Hi all,

  Just wondering what technology your campus has? Jaws? Up to date technology?

  My disability counselor, Ms Ko, told this legal affairs guy I contacted that my request for a jaws copy was denied.

  He apparently talked to her and saw my memo of accomodations.

  He thinks nova is adequate for technology and supports denying me the jaws in the professor’s office because its meerly for tutoring.

  He says this even though no jaws in other public areas; the assistive tech lab is not open yet.

  They were supposed to open in february, but they are not ready.

  I mean they do not have jaws in the writing, tutoring or career center or other public places such as the godwin building; yet they have like 30 netbooks

  for student use there. Gee. 

  BTW, I did reluctantly buy a laptop and the administrative assistant is watching over it while I’m in class til I see my professor  and take it home. I already carry a backpack with a braille note inside it so feel its best to put the laptop someplace safe while I’m in class, going to the library, restrooms, etc.

  Rather than giving me a form for my dad to intervene, as I asked for, they get defensive.

  Gee.

  He said

  Ms. Ko indicates that you requested NOVA provide JAWS on the computer of a professor who has volunteered to tutor you and that your request was denied. I support that denial because the college is not required to provide JAWS on computers of the professors whose classes you are taking or other volunteer tutors simply for the purpose of tutoring you.

  In sum then, contrary to your statement I am of the opinion that NOVA has provided to you all of the accommodations to which you are entitled under law, notwithstanding that those accommodations do not always meet your personal preference. “

  What a bunch of crap and jargain.

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