I would not have sent the report, but found many complaints, including the ones regarding the disabled. My son is 29 years old and had a traumatic brain injury. I am not sure how he was contacted by ITT Tech, but he is now a student there and doing miserably. Just as others have said - he passed the proficiency exam. I have an associates and a bachelor's in accounting with a minor in criminal justice and and I can tell you that the material he is learning is way above his head. He keeps saying - oh but they will get me a job when I am done - yada yada yada. He wasn't even to fill out his own application and FAFSA - they did it for him!
I am encouraging him to quit and go to the Community College if he wants to continue. To their credit, ITT Tech has provided tutoring - which my son goes to just about every day. He is still not doing well and it's really affecting his self-worth. He does not drive, so he takes the bus and does a lot of walking. Because he has fused vertebrae in his back, his mobility is limited.
Bottom line is - they took advantage of him. He is on social security and medicad, so they know he is limited in ability. I would like him to quit and either get a break on the tuition or give more time to pay it back. My next step is to research and contact the agency that enforces the American with Disabilites Act.
AFBRAT
USA#2Author of original report
Wed, April 28, 2010
After reading the response from others, I am able to look at this situation a little differently and I appreciate the comments. The fact still remains that his applications and FAFSA were filled out by the staff. However, they have also been supportive in assisting him with understaniding the material. I am still concerned that it is way above his head, but, as someone pointed out - if this is a decision that he is dedicated to, then I should encourage him. I am still concerned about his ability to find work and pay back the tuition and that the school will provide sufficent placement assistance for him. I have had brief contact with ITT Tech and they seem willing to work with us, but time will tell. That said, thank you for your input.
Bs it/iss
St Charles,#3UPDATE Employee
Wed, April 28, 2010
I want to share something with you. I am a disabled man and have been on SSI and medicare for about 5 years. I am also a new hire at ITT-Tech as a computer instructor. I am botherd that you generalize the fact that your son is disabled with his ability or disability in learning.
If a person that is disabled is attempting to become better, should you try to stop him from succeeding?
I do not see ITT-Tech as taking advantage of the disabled as not only am I technically disabled, so is the head of the department. A school can not tell me that I am not capable because of my disability as that is illegal. They can however try everything they can to help those that are interested.
I am sorry that he is having a hard time but I know that ITT-Tech relies on a much larger support structure than other colleges and the simple fact that he is trying is essential to his success.
Americans with Disabilities Act is a good start for you. I hope that you learned the same thing that I have in that no location can discriminate because of a disability and it is up to the person with the disability to decide if they are able.
I would not become a firefighter or a track star because I beleive the lack of a leg prevents me from such things but no one has the right to tell me that I can not do something as a disabled man... that is what ADA is interested in... a fair chance to choose our own path without being judged without even getting the chance to try.
I am happy with ITT as a computer instructor and they are one of the few businesses that overlooked my disability in interest of my mental capability. I am also happy that he is trying.
As one disabled man to another, way to many disabled people get stuck in the rut of 'poor me' and expect others to do their bidding. I am happy to see you try and remember... it is always harder for a disabled person. That is a fact. But when we succeed, we ARE better than the others and in due right. Do not give up and organize your studies to managable chunks because when you do show you can do better, you are showing you can do better with less than those around... leaving you as the icon of strength to the rest of us.
I wish you the best.
Robert
Irvine,#4Consumer Comment
Tue, October 27, 2009
If he is competent enough to make his own decisions and get around on his own, I am not sure what violations you think they committed. At least you feel that he is competent. As he was able to be contacted by them, have the applications filled out, take the tests, and enrolled in the school without you knowing or raising any objections.
Also, as far as I am aware the ADA mostly involves discrimination AGAINST a person with disabilities. How did they discriminate against him if they enrolled him in the school and are trying to provide tutoring? Had they actually denied him this education after passing the "proficiency" test, he may have actually have been able to turn around and sue them for discrimination.
Also, except for the cost, what makes you think that a Community College would be any different? Have you been to one lately? Just trying to get a class can be an experience...not a pleasant one. If he struggles at a CC how easy do you think he would find access to tutoring? Do you think he is always going to get Instructors or Professors who will spend extra time with him when they have hundreds of other students.
I am not defending ITT or knocking Community Colleges. Just giving something that you need to think about.