Statistics and Question Answers

1) While no governmental survey directly measures this issue one can use a little math for an appropriate estimate. According to the most recent (2005) report to congress by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 283,271 students aged 18-21 are served. Of this, 0.4% report some sort of visual impairment that is legally defined as an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child's educational performance. The term includes both partial sight and blindness. (ERIC Clearing House on Disabilities) That would mean approximately 11,331 college students are legally blind.

2) Legally speaking, the University of Colorado at Boulder is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If they were found to not be, state and national funding would be revoked until the proper corrections are made. However, testimonials from students as given during the University of Colorado Student Union (UCSU) paints a picture of a campus difficult to navigate and access. However, CU does make a legally sufficient effort to overcome the obstacles that the design of a century-old campus creates. CU makes an effort to make all of its classes accessible for all students. This data was gather from CU's Web site on disability services from the office of the registrar and from attendance at UCSU meetings.

3) This information is not kept by the office of planning, budget, and analysis at CU. Calls to the statistical office have not been returned.

4) According to a report filed by Cornell University in association with the National Disabilities Statistics Center, the percentage of non-institutionalized disabled persons with a high school degree is 35%. Of the same group, 12.5% have attained a B.A. or higher.

5) CU directly lists services provided for those with vision impairments here.
Essentially it includes a variety of academic accommodations for students including speaking computers and braille translators in addition to other services.