<p>I’ve been surfing the Internet a lot recently and have been hearing about this American with Disabilities Act. I am told by some that the ADA does cover Asperger’s, I’m told by others that it doesn’t. So…is Asperger’s covered by the ADA? If so, what benefits can I get from it? I’d like to hear from anyone with experience on this subject.</p>
<p>Also, is there anything I should say to the administration at my college about this disability, because I am told that for reasons related to Asperger’s, according to my counselors, the administration wants be to not be associated with the College of Engineering.</p>
<p>Thank you for any input that you could provide.</p>
<p>You seem to be seeking legal advice now. For this, you should see an attorney. Your counselors are the people to see for a referral, most likely. They are certainly the people to see for most of what you seek.</p>
<p>The ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which the ADA is based on, do not cover specific diagnoses. In order to be considered as disabled under these statutes you need to have a problem, not just a diagnosis, which interferes with a major life activity, for example, learning, walking, standing, speaking, or seeing. This needs to be determined by an appropriate, certified (and often very expensive) professional. You also need to be qualified for the program. At the postsecondary level that means that you are considered eligible for admission. </p>
<p>If you are considered a qualified individual with a disability (qid) you may be entitled to accommodations, e.g., assistance designed to level the playing field as much as possible, but not to give a qid any advantages over non-disabled students. Depending on your disability, at the postsecondary level, that may include scribes, sign language or verbal interpreters, tapes or brailed books, an accessible classroom, or extra time. Colleges are not required to provide qids with items for personal use such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, or personal aides. </p>
<p>The obligations of colleges to provide accommodations to disabled students are substantially less than those of elementary and secondary schools because children have to be in school by law; young adults do not have to go to college. So, the requirements are different. Additionally, for a variety of reasons colleges may hold you to a much higher standard when they assess whether you have a disability; higher than a school did in determining whether you needed an IEP or a 504 Plan</p>
<p>Read the following pamphlet very carefully. It will answer most of your questions. </p>
<p>Thanks for all of your input. I do believe that this problem interferes with major life activities. For example, my coordination is way off, and I have trouble sometimes with socializing. Both of these affect major life activities. So based on the pamphlets that were recommended, I do believe that I will probably be covered under Section 504 and ADA. I have a diagnosis from an MD, and have had so for several years.</p>
<p>Today, my mom said that my psychiatrist will probably have to go to the associate dean and other people in engineering and speak with them about Asperger’s, since I had heard rumors that they were wanting to throw me out of school because of Asperger’s related incidents.</p>
<p>The only accomodation that I would probably request is more understanding about the Asperger’s Syndrome with regards to how it affects my functions when I’m at school. I feel that if they understand more what I am going through, then I will be able to participate in tutoring and mentoring in engineering. I feel that if I can do this, my grades will rise back to their previous levels and I will make friends again, which will definitely be a morale booster. Not only that, but it will improve my chances of being able to intern under a professional engineer and get my own license in a few years, assuming I graduate.</p>
<p>Thank you for your assistance, and feel free to comment. I love talking!</p>