Choosing Colleges Catering to Students with Learning Disabilities

Does anyone have insights on finding colleges that are particularly supportive of students with learning disabilities? I'm looking for schools that offer strong assistance programs or resources for students like me. Are there any colleges known for having robust support systems, and what kind of services should I be looking for? I’d love to hear from others who’ve navigated this path or have recommendations on how to identify these kinds of supportive environments.

Certainly, many colleges offer a range of support services for students with learning disabilities. Among the various services available are individualized learning plans (just like IEPs from high school), one-on-one tutoring, assigned learning specialists, note-taking assistance, extended testing time, and assistive technology tools like smartpens and text-to-speech software.

A couple of colleges with strong programs in this area include University of Arizona and University of Denver. At the University of Arizona, the Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center offers a host of services ranging from educational planning to tutoring to personal instruction. Similarly, the University of Denver's Learning Effectiveness Program offers academic counseling, tutoring, monitoring by a learning specialist, and skill building sessions.

That said, when researching schools, it's important to ensure that you’re considering both the breadth and depth of the provided services. Some schools might cover a wide range of services but lack depth in any given one. Likewise, others might have extensive resources in a particular area such as ADHD, but limited support for other learning disabilities.

Once you've created a list of potential schools, I'd recommend reaching out to their Disability Services Office (or equivalent). This will give you a clear idea of the level of support available, and you can also ask more detailed questions about your unique needs. Remember, it's key that you feel comfortable and supported in the university environment in order to thrive academically.

Lastly, visit the campuses if possible, as this will provide you with a great opportunity to evaluate the physical environment and its accessibility, and to speak directly with the staff and potentially other students who utilize these resources.

As with all aspects of the college search, remember that this is very much an individual process. What works well for one person might not work as well for another, so it's crucial to focus on what will best support your unique learning style and needs. Good luck in your search!