Disabilities should not be considered weaknesses

Dear IDS Editorial Board:\nI was disturbed to read your editorial, “Law school of hard knocks,” on Jan. 18. It is factually misleading and promulgates too many stereotypes for separate mention, but among the most serious is the implication that there is something inherently wrong with having a disability. Compounding this egregious assumption is the inference that individuals with disabilities undeservedly merit advantages over non-disabled people. You have, in effect, dismissed as useless an entire class of individuals. \nAcademic accommodations are not “extra advantages.” They serve the specific function of reducing or eliminating aspects of disability that prevent a student from achieving full access to the course or from adequately demonstrating mastery of course content. Take dyslexia, for example. Students with dyslexia who meet IUB entry criteria are at least as smart as you are; they simply require longer to decode written language. Providing the accommodation of extended test time enables them to demonstrate how much they know, not how seriously slowed down they are by dyslexia. This is fair and equal access, not special advantage. You seem to think diversity can be achieved only through balance of race or ethnicity. I am guessing you’ve never spent time talking to someone with dyslexia, ADHD, blindness or paraplegia. If you did, you might learn that individuals with disabilities also have unique perspectives and know a thing or two about solving problems “in different ways.” Ever hear of Franklin Roosevelt? He was elected president of the United States four consecutive times. Although paralyzed by polio, he brought America out of the Great Depression and led it successfully through World War II. \nAround the disability services office we like to say, “Attitude is the only disability.” Your editorial has admirably established your eligibility for early inclusion into a diverse minority one might join at any time. We think we know just how to accommodate: drop by our office sometime for a crash course in attitude adjustment, guaranteed to be painless. Better yet, bring an open mind by the Wells Library on March 26 and see the activities and information we will have on display for Disability Awareness Month.