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Gary Bradford has never let anything stop him before. 

KHOU-TV

Gary Bradford

Born without arms, he managed to become a successful businessman.It wasn’t easy. 

He says singing got him through tough times.

“I could sing when I couldn’t do other things and for many years it was my entertainment.  It was what I loved because I couldn’t do what other kids did,” Bradford said.

The 42-year-old decided to get a degree in music at the University of Houston and almost did, until a professor, he says, refused to give him a little extra help in a required class. 

“I was just kind of stunned to be honest with you I was just stunned because I had never had anybody say your academic accommodations are denied,” said Bradford.

Bradford is now suing the University in federal court.

“Gary was not given the accommodation that’s required under the Americans with Disabilities Act so that he can compete fairly with people who do not have disabilities,” said Randall Kallinen, Texas Civil Rights.

 Bradford’s attorney says U of H Center for Disabilities ruled that he get extra help in taking tests, priority seating and note taking.

Problem is he says University policy lets professors decide who gets that help. 

“We want the policy changed that’s going to take the power out of the teacher’s hands and put it back in the center for disabilities hands,” said Kallinen.

In a written statement, the University’s attorney said, “The welfare of the university’s students is a primary concern the university hadn’t had a chance to look into the facts the lawsuit alleges and the issues it raises yet. The university is committed to resolving any problems that the university may find,” it read. 

Bradford isn’t asking for monetary damages, just a chance to earn a degree in what he already knows so well.