Colleges for Students With Learning Differences

Accommodations – Least Amount of Services Services and Accommodations offered conform to Federal laws. No specific department responsible. Students self-advocate. Students fully mainstreamed. Tutoring may be available, but not by special needs specialists.

Services – Standard Amount of Services College has a structure for providing services. A student service office is in charge of arrangements. No special needs student advocate. Students are mainstreamed, with limited support services. Tutoring may be available, including special needs specialists and readers. Personal tutoring at additional cost. Students may be referred to private services in the community.

Programs – Most Comprehensive Program College provides intense support Staff includes trained learning specialist. Program has a director. Students required to spend time each week in learning centers. LD assessment is offered. Communication exists between the special needs staff and regular faculty. A fee is often charged in addition to tuition. Counseling is available, as well as tutoring. A separate application to the special needs program is required. Special arrangements are often made for course selection.

Questions to Ask a College What are the college's admissions requirements (e.g., grade point average, class rank)? Are ACT and/or SAT scores required? If so, what minimum score is required for admission? Are letters of recommendation required? Is an entrance exam offered with testing accommodations? Are there any special admissions programs such as EOP/HEOP, athletics, special talents or a program for non-high school graduates? Orientation and Summer Programs: Is there an Orientation program for new students? Is there also an Orientation for new students with disabilities? Is there a summer preparation program? When is it? Course Selection and Academic Advisement: How do I pick courses and register? Is priority registration available? What is the typical class size?

Questions to Ask a College Disability Services and Support: Where is the Student Disability Services office on campus? How is it staffed? Full-time? Part-time? Are there evening hours? What kinds of services are available through the Student Disability Services office? Documentation of Disability/Accommodations: What kind of information do I need to provide in order to receive services? How are accommodations and services obtained? What are the alternative testing arrangements? How are notetakers and readers made available, selected and arranged? How are arrangements for sign language interpreters made? Is there a TDD (telephone device for the deaf) on campus? What is the number? Where is it located? How do I get textbooks on tape? How do I arrange for Braille materials? What is the process for tape recording classes? How are faculty told about accommodations?

Questions to Ask a College What kinds of problems will I face trying to move around campus? Do I need a specific College permit to use designated disability parking? Assistive Computer Technology /Adaptive Equipment: Are computers accessible to persons with disabilities? Are computers with adaptive and/or assistive technology available in both teaching and open labs? Is there training available in the use of technology? Tutoring: It is very important that you ask questions about tutoring. Most people think that tutoring is an accommodation. Section 504 regulations say that it is not, that studying and tutoring are personal services or responsibilities. Most colleges provide some tutoring, but how much, how it is provided, and who does the tutoring are all important questions. It is also important to understand that if the college doesn't provided tutoring for all students, it does not have to provide tutoring for a student with a disability, even if the student needs or could benefit from that service. Student Activities / Support Services: What student activities are available on campus? Is there a student club for students with disabilities on campus? How do I get in touch with it? Is there personal counseling available?

Questions to Ask a College Housing: Are there physically accessible residence halls including toilet and bathing facilities? How does one make special room arrangements for resident students? Are personal attendants available on campus? If yes, how are they contacted? What are the rules about equipment and electrical use? Your Own Specific Questions ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SENIOR STUDENT CHECKLIST IEP/504 Review Take or retake the SATs or ACTs with accommodations. Update psycho-educational evaluation. Contact each college to insure that your documentation meets its requirements. Research postsecondary options ranging from levels of competitiveness and levels of LD support. Discuss your options with your guidance counselor and parents.

SENIOR STUDENT CHECKLIST Select several colleges that are “safeties” for admission and several reasonable reaches. Arrange in advance for campus visits and interviews. Meet with the LD Coordinator and the Admission Office. These will be two separate meetings. Do not assume that what you read in an “LD college guide” is totally accurate. Consider sitting in on a class or meeting other college students with learning disabilities who can share their experiences. Find out who is responsible for assisting students with learning disabilities at the institution of your choice and make contact prior to attending.

CHECKLIST FOR SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM AND SERVICES Description of Child’s Disability: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Name of College: ______________________________________________________________ Contact Person’s Name and Title: ________________________________________________ Name of Program: _______________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________________ Type of Program: Least ______ Structured ______ Most Comprehensive ______ (Check One) LD Enrollment: _________________________________________________________ Number of Designated Staff: ______________________________________________ Additional Fees: ________________________________________________________ Admissions Requirements: College: ________________________________________________________________ LD Program: ___________________________________________________________ Scope of Diagnostic Testing Required: ____________________________________________ Scope of Student Services Sought: _______________________________________________

RELEASE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS CLASSIFIED WITH A DISABILITY I hereby authorized the Ardsley Union Free School District to release the following information for ____________________________________. (Name of Student) _____ Student Transcript _____ Individual Evaluation (including psychoeducational and other specialized CSE/504 evaluations) _____ Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Accommodation Plan. (Please circle one.) _____ Other (detail): _________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Name and Address of School/Program Contact Person Special Program 1.__________________________________________________________________________________ 2.__________________________________________________________________________________ 3.__________________________________________________________________________________ 4.__________________________________________________________________________________ 5.__________________________________________________________________________________ Parent Signature: __________________________ Date: ___________________________________

RESOURCES For Students with Learning Differences The College Sourcebook for Students with Learning and Developmental Differences . Midge Lipklin, PH.D. Wintergreen Orchard House K & W Guide to Colleges for Learning Disabled. 4th Ed. A Resource Book for Students, Parents and Professionals. Marybeth Kravets Peterson’s College For Students with Learning Disabilities or ADD ADD and The College Student. A Guide for High School and College Students with Attention Deficit Disorder. Edited by Patricia Quinn, M.D. Survival Guide for College Students with ADD or LD. Kathleen G. Nadeau, PH.D

Web Sites www.ldonline.org www.heath.gwu.edu www.ahead.org www.ccdanet.org