I have experienced this scenario at The Sage Colleges. I went to VESID, a department within the New York State Department of Education that is meant to assist with the diagnosis of learning disabilities and the development of a plan of educational and employment action for the student. I was referred to a psychologist who diagnosed my learning disability. A copy of his report was forwarded to the head of the school’s department for students with disabilities. I then provided my math instructor with the appropriate letters and attempted to discuss what accommodations I felt would help me in the class. I was refused all but the most basic of accommodations.

The accommodations I was allowed were being able to have a calculator – which is not an accommodation because every student is allowed a calculator and being able to take tests in a separate, quiet room – which is also not an accommodation because classrooms are supposed to be quiet and without distractions during testing.

In my attempts to acquire accommodations that I believe to be reasonable based on research pertaining to other colleges’ and universities’ accommodations for students with dyscalculia I was told by the diagnosing psychologist that it was not his responsibility to recommend these accommodations, I was told by the head of the school’s Department for Students with Disabilities that it was not her responsibility to obtain accommodations, and I was told by my instructors that it was not their responsibility to develop and provide accommodations. Apparently, it is no one’s responsibility to assist me.

I have already re-registered for the math class I am currently enrolled in and failing for the fall term. I will give this one more try. Frankly, if appropriate action is not taken, I plan to sue the school for violating my rights under Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Comments?

Thanks for sharing your opinion. I totally agree that the Weston A. Price Foundation promotes a lot of pseudoscience. As for the Kitava Study, I haven’t read it, so I can’t comment; but it wouldn’t be the first time junk science was promulgated in the name of nutrition.

I take Guyenet seriously for three reasons. He has a hard science background, he cites his sources, and what he says jibes with my personal experience. That being said, I’m aware that highly respected scientists can go off the deep end when they venture too far out of their field … Linus Pauling proves that.

Thanks again for your thoughtful comment. It’s much appreciated.