As of 2019-2020, 21% of undergraduate students reported struggling from a disability, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
A coalition of 17 states have decided to challenge section 504, which is part of the Rehabilitation Act.
I am part of that 21%.
What is the Rehabilitation Act and Section 504?
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a law That was created in the United States of America that forbids any discrimination based on disability. It aims to ensure people with disabilities have the same opportunities as abled people in areas such as employment, education and access to public services.
Section 504 is a crucial part of this act. It states that no person with a disability can be excluded from or subjected to discrimination under any program due to a disability and reasonable accommodations be made so someone with a disability can participate. This mainly applies to federally funded organizations (education, food assistance, housing assistance, etc.) It played an important role in laying the foundation for future laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What’s my experience being a disabled student?
In March of 2022, I started having uncontrollable seizures along with numerous different neurological symptoms. It was the peak of my high school career. I went from being a very involved, well reputable student to the student who showed up to school maybe once a week, and if I did show up, I always had to leave before the day was over.
I was having an ample amount of tests done from MRI’s, EEG’s, you name it and I have probably had it performed at one point. Everything was coming back normal,I was defeated.
On top of all this, it seemed like the only thing people cared about was my poor attendance, but would get mad at me for showing up in an unstable state.
Due to not getting a definitive diagnosis until after I graduated I was not eligible for accommodations, and, ignorantly, I did not want them because I feel as if it would make me less of a student. I truly did not think I was going to graduate.
I came to Murray State University in Fall of 2024, and my seizures were at their peak.
I was having multiple a week, even in a day.
There was nothing I could do, I was ashamed of my disability and truthfully thought I was going to get kicked out of University.
I was constantly exhausted, on edge, and was never able to do anything I wanted too.
It was until Kenneth Ashlock ,head of disability, reached out and expressed how much he was willing to help me.
I got all the proper documentation and within a few short days I had accommodations and was able to do what I needed to do for myself while focusing on my academics and extracurriculars.
What have accommodations done for me?
Having accommodations has truly changed the outcome of my freshman year here at Murray State.
I was getting the necessary support from my professors and the people of authority, and I have never been more involved then I am now and I would not be able to do this if Section 504 was non-existent.
I have been able to show off my knowledge and talents, while also advocating for students like me because of Section 504.
What would this mean for students with disabilities?
By, questionably, challenging the 504, those 17 states are taking a monumental movement and are taking something that millions of disabled students rely on across America and squashing it.
Getting rid of Section 504 could cause a rise in discrimination against students with a disability.
What will this do for other students?
This backward move risks further making a vulnerable group of students, pushing them to the bottom of our education system. Without the requirements of Section 504, schools may be less motivated to address students’ needs, without it, it would lead to unequal educational experiences and leaving students with disabilities to struggle in a system that doesn’t support them.
The removal of Section 504 protections could have significant and dangerous effects on students with disabilities, impacting their academic performance, emotional health and long-term prospects. Without the obligation to offer needed accommodations.
These students will struggle more than their peers.
As a result, they could experience extreme frustration, become unmotivated and are at a higher risk of dropping out, especially those already at a disadvantage in the education system.
