Learning Differences and College Selection
Transitioning to college can be a significant change, especially for students who require academic accommodations for ADHD and/or other learning differences. Though some students are hesitant about applying for accommodations in college, it’s better to have them in place and not use them than to wish you had applied for them.
Colleges offer differing levels of support to students with learning differences and ADHD. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, all schools must provide a basic level of accommodations to students with physical, psychological or learning disabilities. Academic accommodations, such as extended time or a non-distracting room for exams, are meant to equalize the learning environment and are available at no cost.
A key distinction students should be aware of is the difference in how accommodations are handled in high school compared to college. In high school, accommodations are usually provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which focuses on student success. Schools, teachers, and counselors proactively identify needs, implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), or 504 plans, and ensure the necessary accommodations are provided. The school bears much of the responsibility to make sure students receive the help they need.
In contrast, college accommodations operate under a different legal framework—mainly the ADA and Section 504. These laws prioritize access, not guaranteed success, meaning that while colleges must provide accommodations to create equal opportunities, students are expected to take much more responsibility for managing their own support.
The basic accommodation model can work well for students who have developed good learning skills, can self-advocate, and don’t need individualized support. Students at colleges that offer basic accommodations must take the initiative to secure the appropriate academic accommodations. While all colleges must offer at least minimal services, some provide additional programs such as time-management workshops and access to assistive technology.
Schools with structured support go beyond basic accommodations and offer additional support outside the classroom. This can include group or individual sessions to help students with reading comprehension, writing, speaking, listening, and time management. Some of these programs also provide summer pre-orientation sessions to prepare students for college courses, familiarize them with campus resources, and introduce them to peers with similar learning differences.
Other colleges provide more comprehensive support. These programs teach learning strategies and skills based on a student’s learning style. One of the most well-known comprehensive programs is the Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center at the University of Arizona. Students are assigned to learning specialists who provide individualized academic support and help them learn new strategies for success in the university environment. Specially trained tutors and writing support are available, as is a computer lab that provides access to assistive technologies.
Another option is a school such as Landmark College in Vermont that focuses exclusively on students with learning differences, dyslexia, Autism, executive functioning challenges, and ADHD. Students receive extensive support as they develop learning strategies, and most go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree, either at Landmark (which also offers associate degrees) or at another college. Programs that offer support beyond basic accommodations usually charge fees, which can run several thousand dollars a year, depending on the level of service.
Students who need support in college for a disability must have proper documentation. Check with each school for their requirements. Colleges require current documentation of a disability, often within three years, from a medical or educational professional. When visiting colleges, students should stop by the academic support office to find out the available services offered. The attitude of the staff is important in determining whether a college offers a good environment for a student. Talking to students who have similar learning differences is also a great way to determine whether the school is supportive.
Students who know their strengths and challenges are in the best position to find schools that offer the support they need and are likely to be successful in college. For more detailed information, the K&W Guide is a good resource.
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