Amber Tatro, Whose Suit Gave Rights to Disabled Students, Dies at 42

Amber Tatro was born with spina bifida and needed medical help with catheterization while a young student.

Her school in Irving Texas refused to provide this service. Her family began a long 6 year fight for her right to this service in the court system.

In 1984 the US Supreme Court ruled that catheterization was a "modest service" and that schools had to provide it when required for those with disabilities.

This court decision broadened the definition of medically-related services that could be provided without the need of a doctor for students with disabilities.

Amber died this week in Dallas Texas, age 42.

She had struggled through many health obstacles during her life but managed to work as a teacher’s aid and a volunteer with an agency working with youths with disabilities. Source.