Disabilities Act/ health school admissions

[Guest guest]

Hello-

Hope everyone is doing ok tonight. I was accepted into a graduate health

program in NC this spring. I've had multiple knee surgeries resulting from

chondromalacia patella (softening of cartilage under kneecap). When I applied,

the application said this well known school does not discriminate on the

basis of handicap,etc. Also, it had technical standards on their website under

admissions requirements that encompass abilities in: observation,

communication, motor, intellectual, and integrative, quantitative and social. I

had my

physical and my orthopedic surgeon submit a letter per my request documenting my

knee surgeries and that I would need a chair if we had to stand for long and a

few other small accomodations that were very reasonable. My physical form

and the letter went on file in employee health and the letter was forwarded to

the health program.

I received a telephone call on Wed evening from the director of my

program to immediately explain on speakerphone my health status and accomodation

needs. The director said if I could not meet the technical standards, I could

not be in the program. She was going to forward a document with an addendum to

the technical standards that would encompass the clinical year requirements.

She said I would not be able to receive my accomodation requests. Tonight

(04/16/04) I received via email a document that was composed today by her staff

about the physical requirements of the clinical year. The document targets

people with knee/back/hip problems.

I am supposed to sign a letter saying that I understand and can perform

all the technical requirements. My question is where does the American's with

Disabilities Act end and these technical standards start? I thought I was

protected by the ADA regardless of their technical standards.

If ANYONE has any advice, I would welcome it. I'm going to meet with my

attorney this week. I'm so upset. Margaret

[Guest guest]

Contact a lawyer about the letter before signing anything. You definitely need

professional advice on this one. Don't sign anything until someone can

adequately explain the law and the school's response to your request.

Ray N., moderator

[Guest guest]

Contact a lawyer about the letter before signing anything. You definitely need

professional advice on this one. Don't sign anything until someone can

adequately explain the law and the school's response to your request.

Ray N., moderator

[Guest guest]

Contact a lawyer about the letter before signing anything. You definitely need

professional advice on this one. Don't sign anything until someone can

adequately explain the law and the school's response to your request.

Ray N., moderator