finding a way through: the sequel. assisting law students with disabilities

Finding a Way Through:The Sequel.

Assisting Law StudentsWith Disabilities.

For: LSAC Topical WorkshopOctober 22, 2011St. Mary’s University Law SchoolSan Antonio, Texas

By: Dawna M. CobbAssistant Dean for Student AffairsUniversity of MarylandFrancis King Carey School of Law

Finding students who needaccommodations.

• Acceptance letters• Correspondence from the ADA

coordinator• Faculty and Staff• Information sessions• Open houses• Orientation• School website

Then what??

• One-on-one meeting with each student• Review documentation• Get follow up documentation if

necessary• Refer for testing• Follow up with students’ evaluators• If necessary, convene faculty to discuss reasonableness of requested

accommodations.

Who is asking for accommodationsin law school?

Students with:

ADD/ADHD Anxiety disorder Bi-polar disorder Chronic diseases Depression Learning disabilities Migraine headaches Panic disorders Physical disabilities Various temporary disabilities

What accommodationsare students requesting?

• Note-taking assistance• Extra time on exams• Distraction free exam space• E-books• Kurzweil• Dragon • Large print• CART (transcription) services

Accommodations con’t

Special lampsLap desksAfternoon or morning examsWriting assistanceOrganizational assistance

Arranging accommodations

Dean of Students:Arranges for note-takersObtains faculty permission for

recording classesArranges for exam roomsRefers students to other resources

Working with the AcademicAchievement Program

Referrals to the AAP programWhen, why and howConfidentiality