In a groundbreaking 2025 survey conducted by the Law School Survey of Student Engagement at Indiana University, startling statistics have emerged about the experiences of law students with disabilities. According to the survey, which is touted as the first comprehensive look at disability among law students, a significant 20% of those enrolled in law programs across the United States have some form of disability, ranging from mental health issues to physical impairments.

The findings have sparked a serious conversation about the level of support provided to these students. Meera E. Deo, director of the survey, highlighted the plight of these students in her comments to the ABA Journal. "Law students with disabilities do so much on their own—preparing for class, contributing to discussions, joining and leading student organizations and other activities at the highest levels. But they are missing necessary institutional support," she remarked. Deo stressed the need for law schools to "meet them at least halfway," by providing the "structural tools they need to thrive."

The survey further revealed that despite their active participation and commitment, students with disabilities often feel unsupported in their academic environments. This lack of support could potentially hinder their professional growth and success in the highly competitive field of law.

The call to action is clear: law schools must reevaluate and enhance their disability support services. This could include better access to mental health resources, more accessible learning materials, and physical accommodations, ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.

As law schools continue to produce the next generation of legal professionals, addressing these disparities and enhancing support systems for students with disabilities is not just a matter of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act—it's a crucial step towards equity and inclusion in the legal profession.