Question:

Hi Ms. Harvell,

I am at the end of my junior year in high school and would like to find out more about colleges. I have a learning disability and will need information on colleges that have really good learning support programs for students like me. My teacher said as part of my research, I should check out your Ask a Specialist web site. So here I am. Can you help me?

Jimmy in Hayward

Answer:

Dear Jimmy,

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to help you with your research on colleges. Just so you use the appropriate lingo, we talk about post-secondary options when referring to "life" after high school. Anyway, I can give you some tips on finding a college program that fits your needs and offer some web sites so you can further your research. Let the following questions/statements guide you as you enter into your college research:

1. Does the school "fit" your career interests?

   I would suggest you find a school that "fits" your career interests and offer programs in that field. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a career in photography, it is crucial that the colleges you research offer degrees in this field. A good time to start a list; and a good way to begin your list is to go to the following web site to find colleges: http://www.aiccumentor.org/CompareView. Also, read the following book:

   Kravetz, M., & Wax, I.R., K&W Guide to Colleges for the Learning Disabled: A Resource Book for Students, Parents, and Professionals (7th ed.) Your school's Career Center may have this book or you can find it at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0064610489/104-3968193-8763900?v=glance. Once you link to this site, you will find other books with additional information.

2. What support programs are available?

   Colleges should offer "state of the art" programs that fit the needs of the student with learning disabilities. Using your college list and the guide below, ask the following questions to determine if a college's program is "state of the art" and offers the kind of support you need:

   • What is the total number of students in LD program?
   • Do the services available to LD students include any of the following supports: remedial math, remedial English, remedial reading, other special classes, diagnostic testing service, note-taking services, oral tests, readers, tutors, talking books, tape recorders, untimed tests, learning center, extended time for tests?
   • Are LD students tutored? Individually? Small groups?
   • Can LD students take a lighter course load?
   • Are there additional costs for LD students receiving support services?
   • Are the admissions requirements the same for LD students? If not, which ones are different?
     
     
3. What does your research tell you about the academic culture?

   You not only want to look at the support programs, but also the academic culture of the school. For example, how much money did they spend on learning support vs. types of learning (academic culture values), e.g., self-directed learning, independent study, project oriented (Ask your teacher how you might find out this information?) If your learning values are different then those mentioned, you might need to research further. Remember, I mentioned your career interests, and you also want to include colleges that "fit" your learning style and offer the necessary accommodations for your academic success. This will allow you time to succeed.

4. What are the curriculum requirements at each school?

   Some may be too strict or rigid for you. Look for requirements that may be too overwhelming and that could set you up for failure.

5. Do a reality check.

   Do more than talk with individuals at the learning support center. Talk to faculty in the departments you're interested in and other students. By doing direct interviewing, you gain a personal perspective on the school and department philosophies.

Web sites (partial list only) to include in your research are:

• Questions to ask during the college search http://www.advocacyinstitute.org/projects/questions.shtml

  This site gives specific questions you can use when doing your reality check.

• Choosing a college
  http://www.advocacyinstitute.org/projects/choosing_college.shtml

  This site provides generic information such as typical admission standards, disability disclosure statement, and documentation guidelines…

• Getting the help you need on a college campus http://www.advocacyinstitute.org/projects/getting_help.shtml

  This site gives some information on Offices for Disability Services (there are different titles for student learning support programs.)

NOTE: don't forget to include your local colleges in your research, i.e., Cal State Hayward, Chabot, San Jose State University (has a great Disabled Student's Program), Ohlone, and many others.

Jimmy, these are only a few resources for your college research. Please remember that you can succeed in post-secondary school. However, the whole process of making the transition from high school to postsecondary school can be difficult. Although, it sounds as if you have the support of your teacher who is a part of your IEP Team. Therefore, with your parents, counselors, and other members of your team working together, your transition can be much easier.

Good luck!