Learning disabilities and medical students

Last week, a story appeared about a former medical student who was suing St. Louis University medical school. Here's a snippet from the story titled, "SLU is sued by ex-med student with learning disability":

St. Louis University's medical school is being sued by a former student with a learning disability who says he wasn't given enough time to complete tests.

The lawsuit, claiming violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, was filed last week in federal court in St. Louis on behalf of the student, who was identified as John Doe. The lawsuit says the student was kicked out of the SLU medical school after failing multiple timed tests required to progress through school.

The lawsuit says the student, who attended from 2002 to 2011, was diagnosed with dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 2009. The student did well on course work, but earned multiple failing grades on a host of standard tests, according to the suit.

You can read more here.

Your experience with disability insurance

What type of experience have you had dealing with disability insurance? Please share your stories on our members-only forum here (you must be a member to access this discussion).

Paid Speaker Opportunity: Physicians with Disabilities

There is an organization looking to recruit physicians with disabilities who are interested in working as a paid speaker.

Engagement description: Speaker willing to share his/her story about how a disability has affected their financial lives. Applicants can be disabled with or without adequate disability insurance in force at the time of disability. Applicant should enjoy public speaking and willing to share their emotional story.

Compensation: $300-$1000 per speaking engagement. Fee determined on a case by case basis

More details about this opportunity can be found here (this is only available to members of the Society of Healthcare Professionals with Disabilities. Membership is free).

Where else can you find other health professionals with disabilities?

Unfortunately, there are not enough organizations out there that can provide support, guidance, and assistance to health care professionals and students pursuing the health professions who face various types of disabilities. This is why we have created the Society of Healthcare Professionals with Disabilities and we hope to grow this group so that others may find the answers they seek through this community. We are especially sensitive to the needs of students who face challenges and barriers when their schools do not have adequate resources to answer relevant questions. We are also sensitive to the needs of those who face financial difficulties due to their disabilities.

Expanding Opportunities for People with Disabilities

If you would like to read the budget fact sheet Expanding Opportunities for People with Disabilities and other fact sheets about the President's 2013 Budget, please visit this link: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget_factsheets_key/ .

On Wednesday, February 15th at 2:00 p.m. EST, please join Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy, for a conference call to discuss President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2013 Budget. This call will highlight the Obama Administration’s budget priorities and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions.