Students and their families need to know that colleges are obligated not to discriminate against students with disabilities, during the admissions process or during a student's tenure at their chosen school. Colleges and universities are required to provide students with a documented disability reasonable classroom and testing accommodations. Most students are used to taking part in a special support program in high school; colleges are not required to provide this type of support but some do. Programs can vary from:
ADA Accommodations Only
These are schools that provide the minimum required by law
Students must contact the school’s assigned ADA Coordinator
Accommodations are basic including extended time, electronic versions of books
Usually no fee is associated
Coordinated LD Services
The type of services available will vary from school to school
Services will be available for learning and other disabilities
Services tend to be provided/coordinated by professors and/or staff usually with some specific LD experience and/or training
A drop-in model is usually used and supported often by part-time staff and peer tutors
Some colleges may provide advocacy training, outreach to faculty
Usually no fee is associated with these services
Comprehensive Programs
Most have a separate admission process
Instead of peer tutors, LD specialists provide the services
Curriculum may be focused based on the student’s diagnostic profile
There is a more pro-active approach via the program’s staff and some may provide academic credit and summer programs
This is a fee-based program