I was in contact with Mr. Brennan on March 4, 2004 via an email exchange. I am unsure if he asked to have his March 2, 2004 letter to the editor re-run in the 4/13 edition of the Clarion or if running his letter was an editorial error. If Mr. Brennan asked to have his letter published for a second time, I would ask the Clarion editorial staff to consider publishing my response to Mr. Brennan dated March 4, 2004. Thank you- Ted May, Director- University Disability Services
Mr. Matt BrennanDenver, Colorado 80210
March 4, 2004
Dear Mr. Brennan:
I read with interest your letter published in the most recent edition of the Clarion. However, there are some factual errors that I would like to clarify for you. First, early registration is an accommodation offered to students with disabilities who meet the criteria for this accommodation. Students with disabilities encompass students with learning disabilities (LD), ADHD, mobility impairment, student with visual and auditory disabilities, etc. Accommodations allow the University to meet the intention and its obligation to students with disabilities as defined by Section 504, The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and The Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990. The program that is responsible for the provision of accommodations at the University of Denver is the Disability Services Program (DSP). The Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) charges only for the academic counseling offered to students. By definition this is a service, not an accommodation. Federal law is clear: Students shall not be held liable for the cost of any accommodation afforded by an institution of learning.
Your concern about having a limited class selection is a concern that other students before you have attributed to the early registration process. Unfortunately, they too did not have all the facts when they wrote their letters. You also contend that many students enroll in the LEP who never attend tutoring sessions but do so just to get early registration. You are correct that some students enrolled in the LEP actually choose not to utilize this resource; however, students who choose this are a very small minority. Students who are enrolled in the LEP receive their accommodations through the DSP at no cost. These students would still receive these accommodations regardless of LEP enrollment status, including early registration. Also, as you know, the LEP is a fee-for-service program but there are scholarships awarded to students with financial need every academic year.
I understand your frustration with not getting in the classes you wanted to enroll in. However, I do take issue with your making generalized statements not based in fact and then turning your anger and focus on students with disabilities. I would be happy to discuss your concerns as well as acquaint you with both programs at DU for students with disabilities: DSP and the LEP. Also, please refer to the University Disability Handbook found on the University Disability website at http://www.du.edu/disability/publications/index.html. The handbook outlines the policies and procedures for how accommodations are afforded at the University.
Please contact me at 303-871-4293 or tmay@du.edu at your convenience. I look forward to dialoguing with you.
Sincerely,
Ted F. May, Director University Disability Services
