[nabs-l] Paying to be denied in the college classroom

[Derek Manners]

As one of the NABS board members, I couldn't have said it better myself Elizabeth. Both Bridget's and Amber's stories would make perfect TEACH Act letters. If anyone would like to write one, I'd be happy to share my way less compelling letter I wrote. 

Best wishes
Derek Manners

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 14, 2015, at 12:20 PM, Elizabeth Mohnke via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello Bridget,
> 
> Someone else can correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this is the main
> reason why the NFB is fighting so hard to pass the TEACH Act. I know there
> was an announcement sent out not too long ago asking students to submit
> stories to share with Congress about why the TEACH Act is needed. If you ask
> me, I believe your email is a good example of how the TEACH Act would help
> blind students in the classroom, and I would encourage you to share it with
> those who are collecting stories from blind students to share with members
> of Congress during Washington Seminar.
> 
> Warm regards,
> Elizabeth
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridget Walker
> via nabs-l
> Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 11:41 AM
> To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [nabs-l] Paying to be denied in the college classroom
> 
> Hi everyone,
> The previous thread made me really think about some of the major problems we
> face in the college classroom. I'm sure many of us agree if we have support
> from the professor, technology, accessible materials, and peers we can get
> through anything. 
> I considered the idea of a professor saying do not show up to class because
> the topic is visual or their way of saying I don't want to deal with you
> today. Not only is this against the law but, let's identify who pays for the
> education now. It isn't your professor.
> We have professors who try and dictate what courses we are able to access
> and they have no right. If you need a math class to graduate guess what, you
> take it. By law they provide reasonable accommodations you provide in
> writing. 
> I think this is a widespread problem that needs to be fixed for all students
> with disabilities because it's not just people who are blind.
> I'm sure tired of being told I do not belong in a class because I can not
> see. Yet, somehow at the end of the semester I get an A.
> I'm tired of having to prove myself to some adjunct who isn't even a doctor
> in their field and even then it doesn't make it ok. 
> I realize at one time people with disabilities did not go to school let
> alone college. Guess what, things have drastically changed and people need
> to get over it. I love those of you who are biology majors out there. That
> was my dream. My college would not let me major in biology because I was
> blind. I wanted nothing more then to teach high school biology. I had to
> settle for english after getting an A in intro physiology. 
> I'm am lucky I have financial support but, when a professor tell me not to
> go to a class or I can't take a class because I'm blind, where is my money
> going. Where is the money that supports me going? 
> Sorry this is a bit emotional. I just know the whole college experience
> needs to be improved. 
> These are just my thoughts. 
> Bridget
> 
> Sent from my iPad
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