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Myths

Myth: I can have math and other courses waived as a requirement if I have a Learning disability.

Fact: Learning Disability is not automatic grounds for course waiver. Course subjects that are essential to meeting the major core courses and or graduation requirements are not subjected to course waiver. However, a course can be substituted for a particular course provided it has been identified and accepted as suitable and appropriate for meeting the course or program's requirements.

Myth: The University is required to meet the IDEA law in order to accommodate my special needs.

Fact: The IDEA (Individual Disability Education Act) calls for students with disabilities attending elementary and secondary school to receive adequate and appropriate educational services needed to enable equal free access to public education. However under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and The Americans with Disabilities Act, students are entitled to reasonable accommodations.

Myth: Gallaudet University must meet my accommodation needs regardless of costs involved.

Fact: Postsecondary schools receiving federal financial assistance must provide effective auxiliary aids and reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. If an aid is necessary for classroom or other appropriate use, the institution must make it available, unless provision of the aid would cause undue burden.

Myth: I cannot read, therefore I have a learning disability.

Fact: A person who cannot read due to dyslexia is an individual with a disability because dyslexia is a learning disability (impairment). But a person who cannot read because she or he dropped out of school is not an individual with a disability, because the lack of education is not an impairment.

Myth: If I suffer a broken limb playing sports, I have a disability under the ADA .

Fact: Temporary or non-chronic impairments that do not last a long time and have little or no long term impact usually are not disabilities.

Myth: I'm a student with a visual impairment, therefore Gallaudet is required to provide personal escort and transportation to my classes and other places on and off campus.

Fact: Gallaudet stressed independent not dependency. The student will obtain mobility training and orientation to enable the student to become familiar, comfortable and independent with the environment.

For more information or assistance, contact:

Center for Academic Programs and Student Services (CAPSS)
Gallaudet University 
Student Academic Center Room 1220
800 Florida Ave. NE
Washington, D.C.20002-3659
(202) 651-5256 (v/TTY)
oswd@gallaudet.edu