College is a transitional time for many students. Adjusting to a new workload, different sets of professors, and diverse peer groups can affect any student’s nerves. A learning disability, however, might make the process even more difficult. Juggling the common stresses of college on top of a disability may require some additional help from the school and a solid support system. Because a college decision might be a determinant of one’s future and wallet, it’s important to do some research to choose one that will give proper care and attention to the student.
A learning disability refers to a failure to grasp one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in speaking, listening, thinking, writing or mathematics. About 33% of public-school students have specific learning disabilities. These disabilities can manifest in elementary school, though some students don’t get diagnosed until adulthood, which often leaves them at a disadvantage when it comes to higher education.
However, many institutions are well equipped with counselors, psychologists, and professors who are able to accommodate students with a disability. For further support in the financial sense, many scholarships and financial aid opportunities are also available for these students. Each state has a Vocational Rehabilitation Services department that provides funds and grants for job placements, career counseling, and training assistance.
Though many resources and professionals are available, it’s up to each student to understand his or her needs and take advantage of these resources. Within the classroom, these students should implement strategies that can help with success in studying, managing deadlines, and communicating effectively. Outside of the classroom, getting encouragement from roommates, friends, and romantic partners could also strengthen their relationships and support systems.
Going to college can sometimes be an intimidating process when a learning disability is involved. However, there are certain tips and methods that can help set a student up for success. Find out more with our resources.
Infographic Provided By Trinity Christian College
Sources:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vBsxSWdc6qxozLN78gZx5x3Upgzu86nU/view
https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/college-planning-with-learning-disabilities/
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94728312
We hope you find these resources helpful.
About the Author: Amy I. Stickel is Communications Manager & Creative Writer at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Ill., where she develops content for web-based and print publications. Before coming to Trinity, she served as an editor and writer for the pharmaceutical and legal industries. Stickel has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University.
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Christine Weis is a passionate educator, classroom management coach, wife, and mom of two busy boys. She enjoys teaching, writing, and creating resources for teachers.
great information, glad that you posted about this. It is an important subject that often gets overlooked. Blessings
God bless you for sharing this information! I mean, who ever thinks about such vital pieces of information when it comes to the differently-abled?
This is a great blog with great information. I have a few close friends with children on the spectrum and this is very important.
Things have really changed- and for the better! When I was younger, there were students who obviously had issues, but they were treated like they just weren’t that bright, which was completely untrue!. I’m glad that these days are behind us.
Really very great information for parents who deal with a special needs child. Great resources. This is will help many people.
Having that support is super important. Sometimes people don’t realize they have disability until they get to college and struggle in their academics. This is such a great resource for college students!
This is a very helpful post. We are doing some research ourselves on college for children with disabilities so we can add this to our knowledge base.
Indeed a helpful post. I agree with you that students should be proactive in determining the resources that they need. After all, they know their needs more than anybody else.
Access to support services is so important for this community of students. As a special needs Mom, I will fight to make sure my child has access to college if that is what they choose.
I really like the part where you talk about “t’s up to each student to understand his or her needs” cuz that is one thing that I come across a lot… people that assumes that everyone else knows what they need.
I appreciate these resources. I have a daughter that will be in college shortly and can use these!
There is so much great information here. This is going to help a lot of people.
This is a great resource for college students. Thanks for sharing this information.
This is a great resource for college students. Thanks for sharing.