Case Study #8: Student Organizations

Background

Susan is a sophomore who is blind. She has joined several campus organizations and would also like to join the equestrian team.

Access Issue

The advisor and trainer of the equestrian team was concerned about how Susan could handle this type of activity, as well as the liability of the university if she had an accident.

1. Discuss potential solutions to the access issue described. There can be more than one good solution.
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each proposed solution.
3. Clarify the appropriate roles of the student, advisor, trainer of a sports-related organization, and disabled student services staff in reaching a decision and providing accommodations if needed.
4. After you have completed your discussion, read the access solution that actually occurred in this case. It is printed on the back of this handout. Compare your proposed solutions with this solution. Discuss the conclusions listed, and add at least one more.

Source: The Student Services Conference Room, DO-IT, University of Washington. Permission is granted to reproduce this handout for educational noncommercial purposes.

Solution

Following is the solution that was actually employed in this case:

The advisor and trainer of the equestrian team called the campus disability services office to ask whether the student should be allowed to join the team. The disabled services director told her that the student should be allowed to join the organization because it is a university-sponsored activity. The director suggested that they talk with the student about what reasonable accommodations would allow full access and participation. The student informed them that she could distinguish light and dark and that, since the fencing around the corral where they practiced was painted white, she would be able to detect how to steer her horse around the corral. They agreed to give this a try. They also agreed to evaluate the environments of horse shows to assure her safety before approving her participation and to continue to work together to make the best decisions to maximize her participation and her safety, as well as that of others.

Conclusions

This case study illustrates the following:

1. Students with disabilities should be allowed to participate in campus-sponsored organizations and activities.
2. Students are often the best source of information about the accommodations and strategies they need to fully and safely participate in an activity.
3. Communication, creativity, and flexibility among all parties involved can lead to a workable solution to most access issues.