Learning disabled file suit

A group of learning disabled undergraduates filed suit last summer against Dartmouth with the U.S. Department of Education, which recently notified College officials that it has determined it has jurisdiction to consider the complaint. The suit alleges that the College does not have a con- sistent policy regarding learning-disabled students, in violation of Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act.

One of the main areas of concern for the students is Dartmouth's language reuirement. They have noted that a student with a learning disability such as dyslexia would find it extremely hard to learn a foreign language according to the Rassias method. They have also expressed concern about inconsistent reactions from professors requested to make accommodation such as extending a test time for learning-disabled students and inadequate facilities for testing learning disabilities in Hanover.

An ad hoc committee to address such issues had been formed just about the time the complaint was filed last summer. Recommendations from that committee have recently been considered by the Executive Committee of the Faculty.

Everyone on hand was a winner when Dartmouth hosted the area games for the Special Olympicsthis spring. Nicki Demakis 'B6, left, was one of more than a hundred Dartmouth students whoworked as organizers, timers, and official "huggers" for Special Olympians such as Tammy Mills,right, of Plainfield, N.H. The event emphasizes participation there are no final heats and allparticipants are given ribbons in a range of athletic events for mentally and physically handicapped people.