To whom it may concern:

After high school, the majortiy of students fo off to a college or

university. For physically disabled students that is not always very easy

to do. With all the choices in education, one of the most important is

choosing between state or privately funded schools. Disabled students

should attend public schools rather than private.

Many physically disabled individuals look very closely at private

colleges. They appear to have many benefits for the disabled. Private

colleges have smaller populations, which is very attractive for disabled

individuals, because there is less traffic. Another reason they are popular

is because their buildings are closer together and no transportation service

is needed. Also private schools often are located in rural areas, which

provide a sense of safety for many. However benficial private institutions

of learning may seem, many problems exist. According to the Americans with

Disabilities Act, no school can refuse an individual on the basis of

disability. One not so well-known fact is that because private schools are

not governmentally funded, they don't always have to accommodate the

disabled. They might try to "work" with you on the subject, but have to do

anything that is not "readily achievable."

Unlike private schools, public school are much easier to work with.

Public schools are more able to handle disabled undergraduates. Since these

schools are governmentally funded, they must not only admit these students,

but accommodate them as much as possible. Many state schools also supply

differently-abled students with support services and other help. Most

disabled students have much greater benefits from going to a public school.

One benefit is that some public schools will arrange for an attendant to

help a physically challenged student with any special needs. This is

crucial for severly disabled students. The attedant could help with

anything from sleeping arrangements to putting on their coat. Many disabled

individuals need this one-on-one support to live semi-independently.

Another support service is transportation. This service is fairly

active at public universities and usually operated by students at the

university. Disabled students are driven to classes and work, as well as

businesses on afternoons and weekends. For these students it becomes a

necessity as the winter season approaches. Also, a benefit is the added

bonus of being able to have a guest accompany you. Transportation is a

service that is widely used by disabled college students.

One advantage for all disabled students is job placement. When a

disabled student graduates, many public schools will help qualified

individuals find a job. In this program, counselors and many professionals

aid dtudents, who otherwise would not receive a suitable job. This program

is extremely important for all disabled students and is a major factor in

deciding which school to attend.

For disabled individuals going to college is never very easy. However

many advantages exist at public schools. It has been the experience of many

to simply skip over private private schools altogether. With all the

options out there, it is simply an overall better choice to attend a public

school.

Sincerely,

Jennifer L. Chaloupka