Disabled students flourish
Act helps handicapped go to college
By Kelly Conniff, staff writer
Posted on November 13, 2006

More disabled college students are receiving the opportunity to attend college as a result of an outgrowth from several laws.

“Just like any other school, a student with a disability has rights to access their education and be protected against discrimination,” Melinda Burchard, JMU’s learning services coordinator said. “Accommodations may be provided in the classroom, testing situations and in any facility or program of the university programs.”

The original Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1975 said all public schools must provide an education for disabled students and try to assimilate them into classes with their peers. The law also dictates that students with disabilities receive a free education until the age of 21 and many public schools would extend programs in order to accommodate these types of students.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 takes these provisions further. Section 504 of the act uses federal funds in some 3,000 colleges and universities. These funds are used as grants, cooperative agreements and even financial assistance to students.

JMU provides help to disabled students in many different ways. The Wilson Learning Center acts as a resource for many disabled students and encompasses Disability Services, the Learning Resource Center and a variety of other helpful programs.

Disabled students who apply to JMU are recognized from the beginning and receive assistance from the application process, through orientation and the introduction to school.

“If a student discloses a disability during the admissions process, the admissions counselor follows a policy in which a second individual also reviews that application,” Buchard said.

Once accepted at JMU, these students are encouraged to disclose information about their disability so that Disability Services can help accommodate them.

“Students who are accepted to JMU may submit current comprehensive documentation of their disability to Disability Services,” Buchard said. “That documentation is evaluated based upon guidelines, which are based upon national guidelines. The student then meets with Disability Services to register and determine appropriate accommodations and services.”

Students at JMU are enthusiastic about the opportunities available.

“As long as JMU makes it work for all students, and take appropriate cautions to make everything equal, it should be a great opportunity for all of us,” sophomore Jen Muise said.