Colleges want all of their students to succeed. Just like high schools, colleges and universities in the United States have resources for students with disabilities, including learning disabilities. From note-taking services to extended time on tests, exact services can depend on the school in question. Below, we’ve outlined six examples of college resources for students with learning disabilities, plus advice for finding out more about accommodations at your school.
6 Examples of Resources for Students with Learning Disabilities
Many colleges offer these six campus resources and accommodations for those with learning disabilities.
1. Note-Taking Services
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Note-taking services help students with learning disabilities keep up with the content and better prepare for exams.
There are note-takers in every class. Often, the college’s disability services department will connect students with learning disabilities with these note-takers. Some schools even pay note-takers for their services.
If the course doesn’t have a designated note-taker, students can talk to their instructor to help find a classmate who can share their notes.
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2. Priority Class Registration
College students usually register for courses within the same week. However, some schools provide priority class registration to those with learning disabilities, usually the Friday before.
This service allows students to better prepare their semester schedule. For example, if the student follows a specific medication or treatment schedule, it could impact their ability to attend and perform well in their classes. With priority registration, these students are better equipped to create a schedule that works for their needs.
In addition, students can plan around necessary breaks, balance course loads, and account for travel time.
Priority class registration also gives colleges and advisors more time to create course schedules for mobility requirements and accommodations that need extra planning, such as real-time transcribing or printed materials in Braille.
3. Extended Time
Similar to accommodations on the SAT or ACT, many colleges and universities grant extended time limits to students who need more time to complete assignments or exams. A student might receive a few extra days or a week to complete in-class assignments or homework. On tests, the individual may be eligible for extended exam time, such as one half or double time.
4. Course Substitutions
Students who have learning disabilities that affect memory, reasoning, or information processing may be eligible to replace a course with a similar class. For example, if a student has trouble learning math but excels at hands-on learning, they may be able to substitute their general education math requirement with a course on computer science or robotics.
In some cases, students could receive a waiver for their course or be eligible for a reduced course load. However, financial aid could be affected by this change.
Course substitutions and waivers aren’t offered by every school, but colleges may be open to discussion about this accommodation if you present your case. Even when this accommodation is offered, they’re approved on a case-by-case basis. You’re more likely to get approved for a general education course substitution than a major course substitution.
5. Assistive Technology
Students with learning disabilities could also be eligible for assistive technology. The exact technology and services offered depend on the school, but common examples include voice recognition software, screen readers, audiobooks, spelling and grammar assistive devices, different calculators, and tape or video recorders.
6. Additional Feedback and Assistance
Other types of accommodations offered to students with learning disabilities can include additional feedback on assignments, day-to-day scheduling assistance to stay on top of work, oral exams instead of written exams, and in-class assistance.
How To Learn More About Your College’s Resources
To learn more about your college’s resources if you have a learning disability, start with the school website. Colleges have disability service offices, but they often go by different names, such as Student Accessibility Resources, Disability Resource Center, or Office of Accessibility Services.
The staff in these departments are equipped to help students navigate the accommodation process, better understand the options available to them, and succeed in school. If you suspect you may have a learning disability, they can also provide advice for the next steps in getting diagnosed.
Students interested in applying for accommodations will need to submit documentation detailing their learning disability, how it affects them in the classroom, and how the accommodations will help them do well in their courses. You’ll also likely have to attend an interview and regularly check in if you’re approved.
Keep in mind that resources vary from school to school – not all colleges may offer course substitution, for example. If you have a learning disability, it’s important to keep that in mind when researching potential schools. Visit their disability services websites before applying.
Want to learn more about colleges that fit your goals and offer the accommodations you need? College Match can help you get started.