College can be a tough journey, especially for students with disabilities. A report by US News shows that only 62% of American college students graduate in six years. For those with disabilities, the barriers can be even more daunting.
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 21% of undergrads and 11% of grad students have disabilities. These disabilities can range from hearing and vision impairments to conditions that affect concentration and mobility. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires colleges to offer various accommodations to ensure all students can succeed. However, how well these accommodations are provided can differ greatly between schools.
A Study in Accessibility
A recent study from Johns Hopkins University evaluated the quality of disability services at 50 of the most accessible U.S. universities. They ranked the schools based on information available online. Three universities stood out: Johns Hopkins, UCLA, and Temple University. Each had its strengths and weaknesses in supporting students with disabilities.
Requesting Accommodations
The process of requesting accommodations is crucial for students with disabilities. All three universities require documentation to get started, but the clarity of instructions varies.
UCLA’s website makes it easy. They have straightforward shortcuts on their homepage for qualifications, the application process, and available accommodations. The application page guides students step-by-step and offers a downloadable PDF version of the application. Once approved, students can meet with a disability specialist and inform their professors about their needs through a dedicated portal.
Temple also has a user-friendly setup. Their registration page is easily accessible with clear documentation guidelines. However, after registering, the next steps aren’t always clear, leading to some confusion. The organization of their information can make it harder for new students to find what they need.
On the other hand, Johns Hopkins presents multiple links to different disability services, making the process less straightforward. Students must navigate through several pages to find specific instructions, which can be overwhelming and discourage them from seeking help.
Accommodations Offered
All three schools provide impressive assistive technology such as audio-to-text applications like Glean and Otter. UCLA and Johns Hopkins also have Lifescribe Smart Pens, which sync audio with notes. For deaf and hard-of-hearing students, real-time transcription services and sign language interpreters are available. Students who are blind can access course materials in Braille and use advanced text-to-speech software like Kurzweil 1000 and JAWS.
Each school also offers various accommodations related to testing and course structure, tailored to individual student needs. UCLA and Temple provide special furniture options for those who need them, ensuring a comfortable learning environment for students with physical disabilities.
In conclusion, while each university has made strides in accessibility, there are still challenges to overcome. Ensuring smooth access to resources and clear guidance can significantly improve the college experience for students with disabilities.
About the Author: Taylor Hamilton is a fellow with The Loreen Arbus Accessibility is Fundamental Program. This fellowship, created with Women’s eNews, helps train women with disabilities as professional journalists to cover important issues in the disabilities community.
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