Is college the right choice for my child now?
Should my child pursue a four year degree, a two year degree, take a gap year, go into the workforce or take some summer college classes to determine readiness?
The answer to this question lies in part in how well your child understands their learning disability and whether your child has developed compensatory strategies that help him/her perform academically.
Another important factor in college success for students who have a learning disability is whether they are able to effectively advocate for themselves. Can they identify their needs and do they know who to approach and what to ask for to get those needs met?
Is the right college out there for my child? How will this college meet my child’s needs?
For parents of students who have a learning disability, an essential question to consider is: Can this college meet my child’s needs?
Should my child go to a college that offers structured or self-directed support?
Structured programs sometimes have separate admissions standards and charge extra fees. These schools go beyond the legal requirements and offer things like a lower student-teacher ratio, more hands-on advising, tutors who are trained in learning disabilities/ADD/ADHD and a host of other supportive services.
Self-Directed programs have no separate admissions process. To be eligible for accommodations, students must identify themselves as having a learning disability and offer sufficient documentation. Accommodations for students with learning disabilities are based on the needs demonstrated in the documentation and are often funneled through a school’s Disability Services Office.
How do I determine whether my child needs support and how much he/she will need?
For students who already have a diagnosis and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), the level of support that they will need will likely be somewhat similar to their current high school situation.
For students who do not have a diagnosis and want to receive services beyond the typical academic support programs,. a psychological evaluation is necessary to determine a diagnosis and the students’ needs.
For students who do not wish to disclose their learning disability or do not have enough documentation for a diagnosis, they will need to identify schools that offer support in the areas that are particularly difficult for them. Those students and their families need to look carefully at what supports are offered at any particular school before making a choice.