Admission Information for Students Learning Disabilities

All college-bound students should have an idea about what they want in a school (i.e. location, size, and programs of study). Students with documented learning disabilities also need to determine what type of accommodations and how much support they will need in college.

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

Students and families are encouraged to reach out to their Special Education liaison and their counselor to discuss the types of services that may offer the most appropriate level of support for them during their post-secondary careers.