A lawsuit alleges that Louisiana State University asked Kenneth
Hopkins to leave its Computer Rehabilitation Program, saying the
38-year-old blind student was 'too disabled' for the program that teaches
technological skills to disabled students.  There is a photo of Kenneth
in the article which can be accessed at the url at the end of the
article.

Kelly


[Baton Rouge] Advocate

March 14, 2003


    Student deemed 'too disabled,' sues LSU


By PENNY BROWN ROBERTS
Advocate staff writer

    An 'A' student who ranked in the top of his class, Kenneth Hopkins
thought a year in the LSU Computer Rehabilitation Program would finally
secure him a place in the working world.

    Instead, the university suddenly booted the 38-year-old blind
student from the technology training program for the disabled -- for
being, according to documents filed in federal court, "too disabled."

    Hopkins is suing LSU, alleging violations of the Americans With
Disabilities Act. Earlier this month, 19th Judicial District Court Judge
Curtis Calloway granted a temporary restraining order against the
university, ordering it to reinstate Hopkins to the program.

    The matter is now pending in U.S. District Court. LSU officials have
declined to comment on the litigation.

    "It was an amazing shock, particularly since this is a program set
up for the disabled," said Hopkins, whose suit seeks his permanent
reinstatement to the program. "This was just plain wrong."

    The Americans with Disabilities Act provides civil rights
protections to individuals with disabilities. It guarantees equal
opportunity in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state
and local government services, and telecommunications.

    This year, LSU received $178,972 in federal and state funding
through Louisiana Rehabilitation Services to provide training through
the Computer Rehabilitation Training program.

    Thinking a certificate from LSU would impress potential employers,
Hopkins -- rendered blind three years ago by childhood diabetes -- moved
to Louisiana from Colorado last fall and applied to the Computer
Rehabilitation Program. After a rigorous screening by a committee that
included the same faculty who would eventually eject him, LSU admitted
the former radio disc jockey to the program.

    A software program called JAWS, which reads each keystroke aloud,
allowed Hopkins to hear the lecture notes the rest of the class viewed
on a projector, as well as complete his programming. His class projects
included a Web site as well as various scripting programs.

    Desperate to return to the work force, Hopkins often followed his
eight hours of class work with another eight hours of work at home.

    "I had a paper route when I was 12, and I've been working ever
since," he says. "I'm not ready to give up and take charity. I want to
get back into the work force and contribute again."

    On the first day of class, according to an affidavit filed with the
court, Community Rehabilitation Training Program Director Ray LePine and
Teaching Associate Kim Seeger told Hopkins that LSU considered him "too
disabled" to continue and suggested he leave the program.

    After returning from Christmas break, the two told him the
university had terminated his enrollment.

    "Due to . the projected difficulties you would experience in the
coming months with the software programs," LePine and Seeger wrote in a
letter stating their position, "we believe it would be in your best
interest to leave the CRT program effective January 24."

    The missive also cites 14 absences by Hopkins during the first five
months of the program, saying it "indicates a possible concern with
stamina and dependability" to prospective employers. Hopkins says he
missed only eight days -- all of which were for dialysis treatments he
requires for complications from his diabetes.

    "Ken is asking for no special treatment at all," his attorney, Karl
Koch, said. "He just wants a chance. This is the first time I've heard
of flunking someone out of a course before you even let them try. It
really was a sad day for LSU when they sent him home, but I have to
believe the university is going to see the light and let him try."

    Doreen Maxcy, assistant dean of the Division of Continuing
Education, which oversees the program, said university attorneys advised
her not to comment on why Hopkins was asked to leave the program.
LePine, Seeger and LSU spokeswoman Holly Houk also declined to comment.

    LSU Attorney Vicki M. Crochet did not return several calls to her
office Thursday.

    Jackie Gonzaque, communications director for the Louisiana
Department of Social Services, said the program is designed to ensure
that all students ultimately succeed. To that end, Louisiana
Rehabilitation Services provides each one with the latest technology for
the disabled to aid them in completing the course.

    She declined to discuss Hopkins specifically, citing client
confidentiality. She did note, however, that blind students receive
hardware and software that reads the contents of a computer screen as
well as keystrokes, thus allowing them to overcome their visual
impairment.

    Said Gonzaque: "We provide all of that to ensure that the students
can hold up their end of the program. We want them to succeed."

    Until now, the Computer Rehabilitation Program -- part of a
nationwide network of similar initiatives -- has enjoyed a positive
reputation in the community. In its nearly 23 years, hundreds of its
graduates have found employment in Louisiana and other states.

    Said Laura Bracken, executive director of the Louisiana Office of
Disability Affairs and a member of the program's Business Advisory
Council: "It's really a good opportunity for people with disabilities to
return to the work force."

    Until the courts resolve the issue, Hopkins continues to attend
classes on a judge's order. Success will be felt, he muses, only if it
prevents more disabled students from experiencing the same fate.

    "We're not masochists," Hopkins says. "If we had known this was
going to happen, we would have done something else. I just want the
education I was promised. And whether it's from LSU or not, I'm going to
get it."


http://www.theadvocate.com/stories/031403/new_student001.shtml


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