UNIT 20 Disability

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Applying to College as a Learning Disabled Student

by Sara Pawlowski, Averill Park High School

Applying to college can be a ruthless and time consuming task每 essays, life experiences, and academics are compiled into a portfolio and shipped off to a dream college (insert college＊s name here). The college application process is also a chance to let one＊s personality shine. A special talent for art or creative writing can always be expressed; colleges seek people, not just a transcript. Being different from the norm allows students to stand out in the crowd of applicants. Having a learning disability can be one of these standout characteristics. Everyone needs to find the college that is right for them. One student at Landmark College, a college specifically for learning disabled students, stated "So many people like us have fallen through the cracks." However, More than 400,000 learning disabled students are enrolled in college, and nearly all the higher education institutions surveyed by the National Education Services reported providing some form of support services or accommodations for learning disabled students. There are over 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States, varying in size, scope of program offered, setting and cost. An increasing number of two and four year colleges are accepting qualified learning disabled students. When on the hunt for a perfect college match, these words of advice may help the college selection process along.

When applying to a college as a learning disabled student, be sure to have a full and frank discussion of needs and accommodations with the admissions department. What you need must match with what the college offers. Most colleges provide support services and/or learning centers for learning disabled students. The disclosure of a learning disability never can be used by colleges as a basis of denying admission. Colleges may not require disclosure of disabilities, however, students who decide to do so should begin the application process as early as possible in order to give the college ample time to plan for the services needed. Therefore, there is no need to hide the disability from the college.

Another source for information is the guidance department at your school. It usually has folders of information on colleges specifically geared towards people with learning disabilities and literature on the application process.

Programs to look for when searching for a college are stated here, the percent score is the number of colleges that allow these accommodations at their school.

> - alternative exam formats or additional time (88 percent)

> - providing tutors to assist with course work (77 percent)

> - making available readers, classroom note takers, or scribes (69 percent)

> - workshops, information resources, and presentations (63 percent)

The SAT provides services for students with learning disabilities, the guidance department will have a bulletin in the beginning of the school year that highlights the services available for students.

Having a learning disability is no reason to dismiss a dream. The college selection process is proven less difficult when people are there to help. Seek out your guidance counselor or the internet for more tips on applying for schools with learning disabilities.

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