Hello, I am not sure if this was the right place to post about my problem but I do attend on online college.
First a little background, I have several disabilities (that all go along with one another) that cause a lot of problems for me. I am in pain a majority of the time, spinal problems, and go through periods or “flares” that at their worst lead to partial paralysis of my legs (I can still walk it’s just very difficult), bladder, and a lot of other autoimmune issues. I am unable to work full time or travel because of these issues which is why I chose an online University.
Before choosing a school I called several up to ensure it would all be online and that internships could be completed part-time. The school I ended up choosing told me that they had 2 one week residencies (consisting of day long workshops) that were out of state. I told them this would not be an option for me and the counselor after supposedly consulting with some other people at the college said they would come up with some sort of alternative with me. Of course, I was not thinking and did not ask for this in writing as I thought it was a common accommodation for disabled people.
The time comes and they refuse to come up with any alternatives. My doctors wrote notes saying that I must remain locally and cannot work prolonged hours. I offered to go into the local city (NYC is only a half hour away) and take workshops, work with local counselors (this is a counseling degree), take some courses locally that would be the equivalent, or even attend via skype. Pretty much anything that would be local that would also be less hours at a time (of course it would take longer). A not for profit disability rights lawyer wrote them letters asking to accommodate but they just will not. I understand the importance of face-to-face experiences and I will have to also take internships which will be fine as they are local and can be part time.
The lawyer I was working with feels I can fight it but his office did not have the funds anymore to help.
I already have taken several courses and am worried I might just have to quit this school and lose all of my credits. I just am totally lost with what to do and so down about it. I was wondering if anyone had any advice. Thank you