FSBPT settles ADA allegations to improve exam accessibility for disabled candidates
Alexandria, Virginia – The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), based in Alexandria, has recently settled allegations regarding its handling of requests for disability accommodations during licensing examinations. This settlement follows claims that the FSBPT did not adequately accommodate candidates with disabilities during their National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), potentially affecting the fairness of the testing process.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), entities administering significant examinations must ensure that the tests genuinely reflect the test taker’s abilities rather than their disabilities. Allegations against FSBPT suggested that the organization demanded excessive documentation from candidates requesting accommodations, which could be both costly and discouraging.
To rectify these issues, FSBPT has consented to a settlement requiring a payment of $295,000. This amount will be distributed among individuals who were burdened with the provision of extensive and expensive documentation to support their requests for special accommodations or who were outright denied such accommodations.
Furthermore, as part of the agreement, FSBPT will overhaul its procedures for reviewing accommodation requests to align with ADA standards. These changes aim to remove discriminatory barriers for individuals with disabilities pursuing careers in physical therapy or as physical therapy assistants, ensuring they receive the necessary support to fairly demonstrate their competencies and skills in their field.
This settlement was facilitated by the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Gordon, the Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. While the civil complaints leading to this agreement have been settled, it’s important to note that there has been no formal determination of civil liability. The adjustments FSBPT has agreed to implement are expected to foster a more inclusive and equitable testing environment for all candidates.
