Financial Aid/Need
If it is determined that a student requires a sign-language interpreter in order to have equal access (at a cost of $80K), how does this get packaged as part of their financial aid?
Deborah,
It doesn't. It is NEVER the responsibility of the student to pay the cost of accommodation. That cost is the responsibility of the institution. Before you ask... YES -- the institution must pay the cost even if it is more money than the institution will take in as tuition for that student. The federal government considers it part of the cost of doing business. Access is a civil right. We don't put a price tag on civil rights.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
the federal government makes the laws and if an institute is now capable of handling such a price tag for accomidating then the federal government must take it on their responsibility to supplie the funds to the institute, and make that college a staple for future disability students to attend.
Joseph,
You seem to have a very limited -- and very WRONG -- view of what the federal laws protecting people with disabilities are all about. The federal government does not create safe havens for students with disabilities. Rather, they mandate that ALL institutions are open and accessible for students with disabilities, just as all institutions are required to be open to people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. You need to go back and review the section on the civil rights nature of the laws.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
By the institution providing the sign-language interpreter, the student is providing the access required as an accomodation. The student would not have the same access to be successful as a student minus the disability without this, therefore, the institution should have to foot the bill.
Melissa,
The courts agree with you! GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Many school receive federal funding to cover their costs of operation. Not many students are using personal or family funds to pay for thier education in these times of borrowing for education expenses. I feel that the school can over the cost of the intretper and should pay the bill as needed.
LuvVon ,
How the student pays for school is irrelevant. The responsibility for paying for auxiliary aids and services ALWAYS falls to the college, whether they are receiving federal funds or not.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
The school is the one who needs to find way to meet the students needs.
Which is wonderful! Institutions are for-profit and are making a decent amount of money on all the other students. They can afford to take a loss on that particular student. Making her a successful student will make the institution look good!
I went to a college where deaf education was a major. In many of my classes there were deaf students and 1 person to interpret the instructor using sign language for the whole class. This side the cost would not be as high as hiring an interpreter for each student.
Amy,
At most institutions, there would be only one deaf student in a class, so the interpreters are almost always hired on a one-on-one basis. Nevertheless, the financial responsibility lies with the college.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
The school must be responsible to find ways to meet students needs for this situations.
Carola,
You are correct. The institution cannot pass the cost of accommodation back to the student.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
