By: *Anne Luquette, J.D. Candidate 2022 | February 24, 2021
#1: Check out the Law School Disability Programs Directory
The ABA has compiled some data from ABA-accredited law schools to give more transparency around their disability-related programming. This resource allows prospective law students to investigate and compare disability programming from law schools in states across the country.
#2: Discover Your Comfort Level
You should discover both your physical and social comfort level around your disability to learn more about how your day-to-day experience will be once enrolled.
Physically:
Does the campus have the accessibility and resources necessary to accommodate your needs?
Even broader, does the city in which the law school resides offer services, public transportation, or mental health resources that are accessible to you?
Is there affordable, accessible housing in the area?
Socially:
Do you feel that speaking about your disability is comfortable and encouraged?
Can you ask people questions about your disability or general accessibility with ease?
Do they know the answers or is it difficult for them to find?
Are disabled law students represented at the law school?
#3: Talk to Current Students!
The best way to get truthful answers is connecting with current students and listening to their lived experiences. Most law schools will have an admissions office staff member that can connect you with current students, or you can reach out individually to student organization leaders that are in groups of interest to you. Any prospective students should feel free to email dsabl@berkeley.edu and we will set you up with a student willing to share their experience (You do not have to be considering Berkeley Law). You can also find disabled law student organizations through the National Disabled Law Student Association that are on campuses across the US.
#4: Review Specific Policies and Processes
Once you have a good idea of what schools you are most likely to attend, take the time to do research on HOW you will get accommodations and what processes/documentation are required for you to get the services you deserve. Good questions to ask yourself are:
Does the law school dedicate staff to accommodations?
Is the accommodation application process contained entirely within the law school? Or will you need to apply elsewhere first?
Who administers accommodated testing? Will you be taking accommodated exams outside of the law school?
How do professors interact with accommodated and disabled students? (a good way to learn this is to ask for a sample syllabus)
Are there any programs for disability advocacy?
#5: Know What Is Available To You Before You Enroll
The steps above are a great way to ensure you are making the most informed choice on where to attend law school regarding disability accessibility. It is also important that you feel confident in your rights to reasonable accommodations at any law school you attend. Here is a good resource for understanding these options and rights.
#6: Go With Your Gut
I'm in law school, I don't have to know how to count. Once you have determined which school is right for you, trust yourself, and be proud of all you have accomplished. You know better than anyone or any data where you will be the most comfortable. Congratulations!! You’re going to law school.
*I am currently a second-year law student at Berkeley Law. I have been diagnosed with OCD, ADHD, PTSD, dyslexia, severe anxiety, and PCOS. Please contact me if you would like to speak about my or your own experience in law school.
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