Disability Policy Lacking

By Ariel Weinstock

On Thursday, February 21st, the Uptown Faculty/Student Senate began a broad discussion on how to better accommodate disabled students into the college’s academic atmosphere.  Although all universities receiving federal funding are required by law to cater to the specific needs of those struggling with either physical or learning disabilities, a number of Yeshiva students eligible for such assistance have found the process both intimidating and embarrassing.

The current process, dubbed “self–reporting,” requires that students take the initiative of visiting the Office of Student Services and present documentation from a medical doctor, or the relevant equivalent, identifying that the student requires the eligible assistance.  Upon receiving the appropriate documentation, Student Services sends a letter to the Deans Office, informing them of the specific and individually approved services for the particular student.  The Deans Office then produces a letter, which the student is required to present, in turn, to all of the appropriate professors, stating the applicable, mandatory provisions.

However students have expressed unhappiness with the current program.  “Once you notify the school that you want to be accommodated for your learning disability, teachers should be notified,” asserted one disgruntled Sy Syms School of Business freshman.  “The school should come forth with what they can do for you and inform you of the benefits that you are entitled to, letting you know that they want to make the college experience more accessible.”  Specifically, this student pointed out that the school lacks assigned note-takers, testing centers, tutors, and books on tape, among other things.

Federal law mandates that universities receiving federal grants adhere to a certain protocol, which compels universities to synthesize their own techniques and supply their own materials to facilitate eligible students in completing given assignments.  Examples include spell-checkers, tape recorders, and, most notably, due-date extensions for homework as well as increased test-taking timetables.

“There is no reason for students to feel embarrassed,” remarked Josh Klarfeld, vice-Chairman of the Faculty/Student Senate.  “But, in reality, they are, and that should not prevent anyone from getting the wonderful education Yeshiva has to offer.”

According to Yeshiva College Dean Norman Adler, “Sometimes students make the mistake of not seeking help.  With neither shame nor guilt these students are encouraged to come to the Deans Office, and the matter will be handled accordingly,” he explained.  Adler also mentioned that, due to privacy regulations, the Deans Office is legally prohibited from taking a proactive approach.  Even in cases where the Deans Office is aware of a student’s disability, the deans are forbidden from violating student privacy by forcing the issue.

The Office of Special Education Programs of the United States Department of Education reported that 281,386 college-age students were receiving accommodative assistance for learning and physical disabilities, during the 1998-99 academic year across the country.  In New York alone, 23,827 students reported to their respective learning institutions that they had some form of a learning disability.  The Office of Student Services, however, would not comment on the number of students receiving accommodating assistance here at Yeshiva.

Dr. Chaim Nissel, the Associate Dean of Students, will put forward a fact-sheet, presenting the issue in its entirety and delineating exactly what Yeshiva can do for eligible students, at the Senate’s next meeting, which is slated to occur on Thursday, March 21st.  To date however, no such document exists, hampering students’ ability to anonymously gain general knowledge of the subject.