Learning differences need not get in the way of college success but they should be considered when creating your college list. Colleges offer differing levels of support to students with learning disabilities and ADD or ADHD. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, all schools provide a basic level of accommodations to students with physical, psychological or learning disabilities. Academic accommodations, such as extended time or a non-distracting room for exams, are meant to equalize the learning environment and are available at no cost.
Therefore, for students who have developed good learning skills, are able to self-advocate, and don’t need individualized support, the basic accommodation model can work well. Students at these schools must take the initiative to secure the appropriate academic accommodations. While most of these colleges offer minimal services, some do provide additional programs such as time management workshops and access to assistive technology.
Schools with structured support go beyond basic accommodations and offer additional support outside the classroom. This can include group or individual sessions to help students with reading comprehension, writing, speaking, listening and time management. Some of these programs also provide summer pre-orientation sessions to prepare students for college courses, familiarize them with campus resources, and introduce them to peers with similar learning issues.
Then there are colleges that provide more comprehensive support. These programs teach learning strategies and skills based on a student’s learning style. One of the most well-known comprehensive programs is the Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center at the University of Arizona. Students are assigned to learning specialists who provide individualized academic support and help them learn new strategies for success in the university environment. Specially trained tutors and writing support are available, as is a computer lab that provides access to assistive technologies.
Another option is a school such as Landmark College in Vermont, exclusively for students with learning disabilities and ADD or ADHD. Students receive extensive support as they develop learning strategies, and most go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree, either at Landmark (which also offers associate degrees) or at another college.
Programs that offer support beyond basic accommodations usually charge fees, which can run several thousand dollars a year, depending on the level of service. Students who need support in college for a disability must have proper documentation. Check with each school you’re considering for its requirements; generally colleges want test results that are less than three years old.
When visiting colleges, students should stop by the academic support office and find out what services are available. The attitude of the staff is important in determining whether a college offers a good environment for a student. Talking to students who have similar learning issues is also a great way to find out whether the school is supportive.
Students who know their strengths and weaknesses are in the best position to find schools that offer the support they need, and are likely to be successful in college.
