UNM needs to rethink its programs for the disabled

Editor,

I am writing out of concern for programs for students with disabilities at UNM and in public education in New Mexico. At this point in time, it is likely that UNM Accessibility Services is actually serving less than 10 percent of the disabled students attending UNM.

There are a number of factors involved in this extremely low rate of utilization of services. But one of the most troubling factors is the extreme level of social discrimination present at secondary schools in New Mexico and also at UNM and other college campuses. There are large numbers of students attending UNM who are not using Accessibility Services because of the stigma they encountered in high school. This stigma continues on college campuses in New Mexico.

I would like to know what UNM is going to do to address this issue. I would also like to recommend that UNM use undergraduate students to explore the range of possibilities in providing a more inclusive environment. Please fund a program to send qualified UNM undergraduates to college campuses worldwide to study and evaluate inclusive programs at other universities and colleges with the idea of adopting and adapting innovative policies for use at UNM. The University could explore the possibility of temporary and permanent reciprocity agreements with other campuses, permitting UNM students to earn credit for classes taken at these colleges in their course of study and also allowing three hours of credit per semester for research performed by these qualified undergraduate students on inclusive programs.

This program could be accomplished at low cost and would effectively provide undergraduate students with a seat at the table of realistic improvement in graduation rates at UNM.

Frank Martin

UNM student