PAST ARTICLES AND EDITORIAL BOARDS THE RIGHTS OF STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES AND THE
RESPONSIBILITIES OF INSTITUTIONS OF
HIGHER EDUCATION UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Robert W. Edwards
2 J.L. & Pol'y 213 (1994)
This Note examines the inclusion of learning disabilities in the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and the problems encountered by institutions of higher learning in attempting to achieve compliance with the ADA. The terms of the Act are reviewed to determine whether an educational institution's efforts to assist persons with disabilities fall within its scope and whether they are prohibited. The author reviews the development of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the subsequent case law defining crucial portions of the statute. The effects of the ADA on university programs offered for learning disabled students are detailed. The Note concludes that special programs and assistance offered by universities to learning disabled students must be optional if universities are to remain in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.