The Q: I am currently enrolled as a first-year student at law school. I have been trying to get in contact with the advisor for students with disabilities for over a month and half. I have called and left many voice messages; today, I finally got in touch via e-mail and received a four-word response - no signature. I feel my needs have been neglected and I am extremely upset. What is your advice?

The A: Indeed, your needs are being neglected. I would recommend that you take several steps, all simultaneously, to signal to the school's administration that you mean business.

• Send a certified letter, with cc's to the Dean of Students and the EO Officer, detailing your attempts to contact the student service office and outlining your specific needs and requests. List the accommodations you had as an undergraduate, and remember to mention the ADA and any state laws you know of.

• Ask any professionals you have contact with (lawyer, vocational counselor, organization) if you can cc them too.

• Make an appointment with the EO Officer or Ombudsperson right away. Discuss the matter with this person. Bring the student handbook, admissions materials, and copies of the laws.

This should show everyone that you're serious, a perfect candidate for studying the law, and very knowledgeable about your rights and their responsibilities.

Write me back and let me know what happens! I bet they respond pretty quickly...

—Anahid Kassabian, Chief Advisor

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