Learning Disabilities and The College Choice Process

If your student has a diagnosed learning disability then you already know how much work it is to make sure they get the help they need.  As their parent, you have probably been doing this throughout their school career and it can seem like a part time job for you!  In college, you will not be there, so they absolutely must advocate for themselves.  

NOTE: If you do not have an official diagnosis, I would urge you to seek the advice of a professional or ask that your child’s elementary, middle or high school psychologist to test your child for any learning issues that you may suspect are hindering your child’s progress.  Once you formally ask for the evaluation, they are required to administer the tests within a specified time frame – usually 10 days to 2 weeks.  It’s never too late, even if your student is already in college.

During the application process, be sure your student discloses his/her disability and the usual accommodations that they receive.  Include test results and/or IEP’s (Individualized Educational Plans).  Most colleges and universities require that the diagnosis be up to date (within two years) and must be administered by a licensed professional.  Your student should not be afraid of disclosing their disability on the application.  Schools are only required to give you help if you ask for it.  Also, many schools have very active Learning Disability (LD) centers or departments.  These are the schools you should seek out.  Your student should ask if there is any consideration for LD students in the admission process.  This is of course a trick question.  Many will answer, “No, students must meet the minimum admission requirements regardless of disability.”  This is true enough of every school.  But many others will say, “You need meet the minimum requirements, but if your diagnosis is disclosed to us it goes to a LD committee and is taken in to consideration.”   Bingo.

Once you have established a few schools to apply to (that will give your student application a fair shake) then visit them and make sure there is appointment with the director of the LD center.  These will come under many names; student disability center, learning services, special services, etc.  Don’t be put off by the names, or the fact that they lump all disabilities together.  The quality of the services is what matters.   There is general rule about where these good LD centers are located.  I have seen small liberal arts colleges with great ones and some with none at all.  My own son went to a large state school, with an excellent program, which surprised us. The one hallmark of all good centers is passionate, caring people, who quite frankly, are a little militant about student services.

 Questions to ask:

·         What types of accommodations are you prepared to give students? This typically includes note takers, tape recorders, books on tape, extended time testing rooms and study help.

·         If you have a particular need, spell it out for them. “I need all my tests/music/homework sheets copied on to oversized, low contrast paper.  Will that be a problem?”

·         Who will advocate, in addition to your son or daughter, when a faculty member or teaching assistant refuses an accommodation?

Lastly, be sure your student understands the importance of requesting services that they are entitled to.   Complaining after the fact doesn’t work.  They may not need all their required help all the time, but they need to be prepared to ask for it.