From: ztsindi@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (The Independents)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Survey Request
Date: 10 Apr 92 04:06:08 GMT
Reply-To: ztsindi@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (The Independents)
Organization: University at Buffalo

Index Number: 20928

The following letter was sent to us with a request to post to all
relevant areas of the net for possible response.  It is unedited for
posting purposes.

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				Barbara Anne Morano
				22 Capen Hall, Box 93
				State University of New York
				 at Buffalo
				Amherst, New York  14260
				Telephone: (716) 693-8650
				February 29, 1992

Dear fellow student:

I an a second year student at the SUNY-Buffalo Law School.  During the
present semester, I am enrolled in a seminar regarding disabilities.
For my paper, I have chosen to investigate the attitudes that students
with disabilities face.

I chose this topic for the following reason.  As a result of a fall
down a flight of stairs a few years ago, I have had continuing back
problems.  I recent MRI reveals two herniated disks.  Arthritis, and a
number of other orthopedic problems, complicate the issue.  After a
week in the campus infirmary a year ago, it became clear that parking
close to the law school and a locker as close to the door as possible
were essential.

That's where the fun started.  Only the New York State Disabled
Hangtag is observed on campus.  Because my injury is rarely, if ever,
obvious to others, I began to be the target of hostile remarks,
probing questions, and nasty cracks about the "Special Privileges" no
one thought I was entitled to.  Evidently, they thought I had
perpetrated a hoax on the school administration.

At first I was astonished, then hurt, then furious.  At some point
later on, however, I began to wonder how individuals with disabilities
cope with the unnecessary burden of prejudice.

On the whole, I have found my educational experience to be very hectic,
extremely pressured,  and thoroughly exhausting.  The running around
and the red tape alone are a career unto themselves.  How does someone
with a disability or serious illness accomplish this?  What assistance
or support have you received from the university, family, and friends?
What other assistance do you still need?  What are the most serious
problems you encounter?  What attitudes and problems have you come up
against and how have you coped with them?

Is your disability visible to others or not?  Were you recently
disabled or were you disabled from birth?  Is it temporary or
permanent?  If your disability is temporary due to an injury, were you
startled by the attitudes you encountered during your recuperation:

Do you feel your situation is intensified by other prejudices (toward
race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, age
or sexual preference)?

In addition to your responses to the questions posed above, I would be
interested to hear your opinions on any related issues, and all
comments you wish to make on any matters important to you.

I hope that some of you will be willing to share your experiences with
me.  If so, we could meet whenever or wherever convenient for you.

If you prefer to keep your identity confidential, we can speak
anonymously over the telephone.  My telephone number is listed at the
top of this letter.  The answering machine answers on the fourth ring
and will not cut you off.  The best time to call is between 9:00 and
10:30 am (EST), but feel free to leave a message anytime.  You need
not leave your name if my machine answers; just let me know that you
are responding to this letter, and give me an idea about when it is
best to return your call.  Alternatively, you could write to me
anonymously at the address shown above.

My seminar paper, the result of such interviews and conversations,
will be read only to my professor.  Students will be referred to, if
at all, only when necessary, with letters (Student A, Student B, and
so on).  I will do everything possible to maintain confidentiality.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER will your identity be revealed.

I will be away for spring break from Thursday, March 4 to Monday March
16, 1992.  I hope to hear from you soon.

					Sincerely,
					Barbara Anne Morano

         				
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For net purposes, responses can be sent, by E-mail to this account.  Headers
will be stripped to maintain confidentiality.

Thank you for your assistance.

Todd Vaarwerk -- Computer Resources Chair

The Independents
26 Capen Hall
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, NY   14260      (716) 636-3028