Ohio's flag flies at colleges and universities in the state.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantee that people with handicaps will receive the same education as people without handicaps, providing they are otherwise qualified. Mentally and physically handicapped students cannot be discriminated against during the college or university admissions process. It is more convenient for mentally handicapped students, however, to attend a college that is prepared specifically to educate them. Some Ohio colleges and universities go above and beyond the ADA's requirements.
Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, provides attendant care through trained students and avenues through which mentally handicapped students, as well as students with a different handicap, can learn. From 1,000 to 1,500 of the university's 17,000 students are identified as disabled. Wright State offers disability management courses, summer orientation for students with disabilities and student services such as counseling, meal assistance and a personal care station. The campus also has enclosed tunnels to protect students, staff and visitors from weather.
Above and Beyond ADA
One Ohio university that goes above and beyond the ADA standards is Cleveland State University in Cleveland. Students can have their attendant live with them, the school provides accessible housing and the school's "Disability Services Handbook" is available online. Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, provides accessible housing, transportation and the "Student Accessibility Handbook" online. Ohio State University in Columbus provides accessible housing, transportation and a Disability Studies program.
Other Ohio Colleges
Ohio has more than 100 colleges and vocational and technical schools. While they are not listed as going above and beyond ADA standards or as catering specifically to mentally handicapped students, they still must comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA. All schools have a disability services department that offers various services to students, including learning strategists, adaptive technology and alternative textbooks. These schools include Ashland University in Ashland, Franciscan University of Steubenville and Columbus State Community College, which is in Columbus and the city of Delaware and has off-campus centers.
Ohio Disability Resources
Ohio has a couple of programs in place to help residents attend college. The Ohio Legal Rights Service ensures special education services for people with disabilities through the age of 21 years. It provides information for parents and transition services planning. The Ohio College Access Network also advocates for individuals to attend college. Though not specifically aimed at disabled people, the organization was forming partnerships with organizations in early 2011 to increase post-secondary education access.
Tags: State University, handicapped students, above beyond, accessible housing, attend college
