Vision Statement

Expect Access is the vision of Disability Services for Students at the University of Montana. Students with disabilities should expect access. They should ask for and expect to be granted their civil right to equal opportunity to learn and achieve based on their innate abilities and not be judged solely on the basis of a disability.

In the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Congress stated in its findings that, " ... Disability is a natural part of the human experience, and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to

live independently

enjoy self-determination

make choices

contribute to society

pursue meaningful careers

enjoy full inclusion and integration in the economic, political, social, cultural and educational mainstream of American society ..."

Equality must ever be won, and The University of Montana is not barrier free. Higher education becomes a level playing field only when students with disabilities assume the personal responsibility to advocate vigorously for their civil rights. Moreover, first class citizenship presumes that students with disabilities will do what they can do for themselves and that students with disabilities will seize control over their lives, and the services provided them. Disability Services strives to educate students wherever possible so that they can make informed choices about their rights and responsibilities. Very deliberately, DSS refrains from paternalistic interventions, for such are the roots of oppression and discrimination against people with disabilities.

To fulfill these ends, Disability Services urges students with disabilities to bear in mind these words of Martin Luther King, Jr.:

"Nobody can ride your back unless it is bent."

Disability Services encourages students to keep their backs straight, to conduct themselves with the dignity and self-determination that is the birthright of every member of a free, democratic society, and strive at every turn to meet or exceed the standards expected of all students in the academic setting.