I wonder, can I sue the Bar Board Examiners? The application for non-standard students wanting to take the bar is tedious and extreme. Admittedly, I can understand why they want a doctor's statement as to why I need extra time to take the exam. I know they need proof that I'm physically in a scooter, and that because of the AMC I'm lucky enough that I can write with my right hand. The thing is, the information they want is excessive, and it's made me so unconfortable. They want medical records and tests done. They want my transcripts. They don't ask the regular students for transcripts, but because I'm looking for accomidations I have to provide a college transcript, my transcript here, and my LSAT scores, even if I didn't receive accomidations for that. What relevance do my grades have on the fact that I need accomidations in order to take the bar exam. I'm not a criminal here, yet every question is so detailed, it's like they're expecting me to trip up on something. I'm afraid they'll deny my application because I can't remember the name and current address of the doctor who diagnosed me with AMC. It was 25 years ago. The doctor is probably retired.
My mom, the sensible one, wonders if they can't just send someone to look at me. They don't care. The doctor I went to see on Wednsday was so bothered by the questions, that in the last box she asked if the Board was familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
When I look at the application, it makes me so uneasy. Maybe I'm overreacting, but I do feel discriminated by it all. I feel as if they're just waiting to stamp denied on the application because they aren't satisfied with the doctor's answers or the school's answers. So I can't write as fast as everyone else. Does this mean I can't be a lawyer because of it.
I hate having to go overboard to prove that the accomidations are necessary. I'm not trying to cheat. Believe me, if I could write like a normal person I would.
I understand that they need proof, but there's a difference between needing proof and being overly intrusive. Those records are personal. What the doctor had to put down is personal.
I just hate it. I hate it because filling out that application has made me feel dirty, so undeserving of what I need. I'm not the criminal here, but everything about that application makes it seem otherwise. And I know I'm not the first person to feel like this either.
Comments
ugh!! all they should need is a statement as to why you need whatever accomidation you need and a doctor's exam and confirmation. all that other stuff is bullshit. ~hugs~
Posted by: jonni | March 8, 2003 11:07 AM
As for the transcript, all I can do is hazard a guess that they want to make sure you were doing well in school beforehand, and that's not why you're asking for additional time? Bleh. It really sucks. You could probably refuse to fill out certain portions of the application and be completely in your rights, so do what you feel comfortable with.
Posted by: Katie | March 8, 2003 1:36 PM
That's disgusting. You'd think a simple doctor's note stating that you need accomodations would be enough; do they think you bought the scooter to get extra time and are faking having joint trouble for the same reason?
And just what the hell is a non-standard student? That in itself sounds a bit discriminatory.
Posted by: Steph | March 8, 2003 5:47 PM
Just push through it... once you sit down at that exam, you'll know you've beaten them. It helped, looking at it as that sort of a fight, when I took the LSAT. Best of luck!
Posted by: TPB, Esq. | March 11, 2003 4:53 PM
Thanks everyone for your comments. I'll just be very happy once everything is sent in, and I receive my letter saying I can take the exam.
Posted by: yasmín | March 11, 2003 8:12 PM
whiner
Posted by: pb floyd | February 26, 2005 12:14 PM
Question: Have you been put though this process as well, or do you honestly not care? Either way, it's rather sad that a disABLED individual has to go through hoops to proove that they need accomodations to take the Texas Bar Exam so that they can be put on an equal playing field with able bodied people, and if you consider my concerns whining, put yourself in my shoes.
Posted by: yasmín | February 26, 2005 12:28 PM
maybe it's other applicants who are really making it harder for the truly disabled. get a clue at http://www.dynamist.com/articles-speeches/forbes/disabilities.html
"...the fundamental reality of professional schools. No matter how theoretical their classes, these programs aren't about learning for learning's sake. They're trade schools that prepare and certify people for demanding jobs. In those jobs, performance--not intelligence or knowledge--is what matters."
Posted by: no spam | March 2, 2005 3:27 PM
"get a clue"? pb floyd, she HAS a clue. A 27-year-long clue. This woman is not demanding accomodation for a flaw in her brain, she is asking for extra consideration because although she can answer just as quickly, it may take her longer to manipulate her hand muscles well enough to write pages of essays. I'm sorry you have no perspective, compassion, or proper education on this issue; it's a shame that you live in the kind of sheltered bubble-world that you've never met someone who was dealt a raw deal by nature and doesn't want other people to discriminate against them for it.
Perhaps I'm biased because I know the author of this blog personally, but I can categorically say, that she is in NO way a "whiner." Go back to your bubble and pray you never have to become aware of just how ignorant and xenophobic your comment was.
Posted by: Katie | March 2, 2005 7:02 PM