Guide for College Students with Learning Disabilities

By Lisa Freedland

Updated: July 6th, 2023

Guide for College Students with Learning Disabilities

Going to college is an exciting, but also nerve-wracking time in many students’ lives. The new responsibilities, environments, and expectations of college can be hard for any new student – but students applying to colleges with learning disabilities can face additional challenges. However, with the appropriate resources, any student with a learning disability or difference can thrive in college. Keep on reading to learn about what resources are available on college campuses!

What is a learning disability or difference?

Great question! A learning disability is any disorder impacting one’s ability to understand or speak oral or written language, do mathematical calculations, move around, or focus one’s attention. Some common examples include:

Dyslexia: Difficulties in reading or interpreting words, letters, and other symbols
Dyscalculia: Difficulties in learning number-related concepts, doing mathematical calculations, or performing other foundational math skills (e.g. addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
Processing Deficits: Difficulties with the recognizing or interpreting information taken in through the senses (touch, sight, hearing, smell, taste)
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A chronic condition characterized by difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness, and/or hyperactivity (While ADHD is not generally considered a learning disability, it often is found with other disabilities)

While these are the basic definitions of the above disorders, keep in mind that symptoms differ slightly for everyone – even for those with the same condition. Nevertheless, such conditions may make it harder, but certainly not impossible, for students to attend college and keep up with school work.

If you have a disability (learning or otherwise) and are planning on attending college – know that you’re not alone! Many students with disabilities are accepted to, attend, thrive, and eventually graduate from colleges all throughout the nation (and abroad, too).

However, before such students even get to college, they should make sure that they choose a school that’s best suited to their needs. The first step in doing that? Identifying what exactly makes a college “accommodating.”

Identifying accommodating colleges

As with any student, there are many factors to consider when choosing a college. Academic options, cost, location, and social scene remain particularly important factors for many students. For those with disabilities, however, it’s also important to look for the school that best accommodates your needs. So, how can you know that you’re picking the right school for you? Let’s see!

Types of disability support programs

It’s a true, but unfortunate fact that some colleges do the bare minimum to accommodate their learning-disabled students. Others, however, excel in that area – doing the best they can to assist their students in any way possible. To determine whether a school’s accommodations are basic, extensive, or somewhere in the middle, here are some descriptions of different “levels” of college disability support programs (going from the most “basic” to increasingly accommodating):

Basic

Basic disability support programs meet the minimum requirements for disability accommodations (as required by law). They typically have no professional learning specialists as faculty or staff, and the Dean of Students is responsible for reading documentation and awarding accommodations.

There are typically no specialized services for students with learning disabilities, so students resort to using the writing center, math center, and other general services that are available to all students.

Moderate

Moderate disability support programs have Learning Centers open solely to students with disabilities. These centers provide services and support that are much more extensive than a university-wide writing center, math center, etc. The services provided will include a wide range of accommodations, assistive technology, and professional tutors or coaches. Schools with “moderate” support programs also have their own professional, Masters-level disability support staff who understand the challenges of students with disabilities and learning differences.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive disability support programs offer students the option of a fee-based program for those who need a more structured learning system. These programs have students meet either weekly or biweekly with professionals who help them with their study skills, organizational skills, and time management. These professionals also listen to any difficulties their students are having and advocate on their behalf, if need be.

Interested students are required to fill out a separate application for acceptance into these programs, in addition to the typical college admissions application.

Also consider:

Keep in mind that these (“Basic,” “Moderate,” “Comprehensive”) are not the actual names of universities’ disability support programs. These descriptions help you figure out what support programs and services are considered “bare minimum,” and which are somewhat more impressive.

With an understanding of what the different “levels” of disability services and accommodations look like, you can better identify schools that fit your criteria. So, let’s get ready to apply to colleges!

Applying to college

There are many steps involved in applying to college, and students are largely expected to know and complete each step themselves. For those with learning disabilities, there are a few extra steps too. So, how can you make sure that you complete everything on time and are making the best choices for yourself? Well, by following our nifty timeline for applying!

Timeline for applying

Our timeline is a basic outline of what to do at certain points in your high school career. Following it will help you apply to and select the best one for you (considering your disability). While it is certainly not necessarily to follow this to a tee, following it closely helps ensure that you get everything done. Without further ado, here’s the timeline:

Junior year (Fall)

Set up an appointment with a college advisor who understands your learning disability and your needs. Have them help you set up your own timeline that includes starting to identify universities where you can thrive.

Update your testing and make sure your accommodations are set up. Set up a meeting with your tutors, educational therapist, college counselor, psychologist, and anyone else who helps you manage your learning disability. Let them know that you plan on transitioning to college in one year, and have them help you set up milestones to achieve this goal of yours.

Junior year (Spring)

Visit colleges (if possible)! When doing so, set up an appointment with the disabilities office. Inquire about what services are available, and see what level of accessibility they meet. Note how comfortable (or uncomfortable) you feel while visiting these disability offices. Can you see yourself comfortably walking into them and seeking help/services while in college? If you are unable to visit a college in person, consider setting up a virtual meeting with someone at the school’s disability office.

Senior year (Fall)

Apply to colleges that have met your standards for disability support services (and comfort level!). If you choose to disclose your ability to your university, seek assistance from your consultant when drafting this written statement.

Make sure that you are aware of college application deadlines and options, including early decision and early action.

Senior year (Spring)

Once you’ve received your acceptances, try to visit the colleges one last time. If possible, speak with students on campus to hear the experiences of people who’ve actually attended the school. Even better, try to speak to other students with learning disabilities – they may be able to inform you about whether or not the school’s services and accommodations are helpful. If you have time, consider visiting the disabilities office again to see how comfortable you feel while there.

After accepting a college offer/sending in your enrollment deposit

Make sure the testing for your diagnosis is up-to-date, and apply for accommodations with your college! Meet with your educational support team (tutors, educational therapist, college counselor, psychologist) to prepare for your interview with the disabilities office. And, if you feel you need to brush up on your academic skills before college, consider doing more educational therapy the summer before college.

Preparing for college

Those with ADHD might consider working with an academic coach their first semester of college, while those with anxiety should continue talking with their therapist over the summer and find a counselor on or near your school’s campus. Otherwise, if you feel like you’re all prepped and ready for college, you’re all set. Have fun!

After picking a college

Once you’ve picked the school that seems ideal for you, it’s important to reach out to the disabilities office for instructions on how to request accommodations. While each school has a different process, it’s most common that universities have students submit their psychoeducational report (that includes their diagnosis) upon their first meeting with the disabilities office.

This testing report must come from a licensed professional psychologist. And, while some schools accept an IEP (Individualized Education Program), others will not. Students are also encouraged to visit the website of their university’s disability office and fill out any necessary paperwork themselves.

Remember, colleges do not require you to disclose your learning disability when you apply! Even if you do disclose your learning disability or difference in your application, it is still your responsibility to notify the disabilities office. This way, you can take advantage of the many resources and accommodations available to you.

Accommodations for students with learning disabilities

On that note, what are some of the actual accommodations that students can receive while in college? Well, there are many types available, all meant to help students attend classes, complete coursework, and take exams in a way that best suits their own learning style. So, without further ado, here are some of the most common accommodations:

Adapting individual course instruction

Adapting individual course instruction involves identifying the specific learning needs of a student and adjusting how core content and information is presented to make it more accessible for that individual.

Alternative types of coursework and testing material

Alternative types of coursework or testing materials allows students to express what they’ve learned in a way that is more suitable for them (compared to the original option). Although some courses only meet the minimum legal requirements, organizations like the Universal Design of Instruction are encouraging educators to make their classes more accessible for all students. For example, students might be offered a variety of expression formats to demonstrate learning such as written papers, oral presentations, or creative posters.

Assistive software and technology

Assistive software and technology includes programs to help dyslexic students better process text, to recording devices, stress management tools, and more. We’ll get more into this later!

On-campus support centers

College campuses, especially more accommodating ones, typically have a variety of on-campus support centers and services for students with disabilities. These may include disabilities services offices, trained professional staff to help students with learning disabilities, or even wellness centers. Ideally, students should get to know the staff at such support centers, so they can feel comfortable coming to them if they need help.

In-class accommodations

One’s classroom accommodations largely depend on their diagnosis. However, some common in-class accommodations include providing students with a scribe or note-taker, accessible seating, or offering a quiet room for students to take tests in.

Additional time to complete coursework and exams

Early on in the school term, professors typically request that students with disabilities inform them of their diagnoses so that these students receive additional time to complete coursework and exams. In some cases, schools may also allow students to take oral (as opposed to written) exams if they are more suitable to the student.

Disability resource centers

Besides those on campus, students can also generally find disability resource centers in their school’s surrounding community. Such organizations often have partnerships with nearby universities and can provide individualized services and support to students with learning disabilities.

Assistive technology

With the passage of time comes new and improved technologies. Among these are new assistive technologies, which refer to any equipment, software, programs, or products designed to help those with disabilities of any kind. So, as expected, many assistive technologies have since made their way into classrooms – helping students better navigate and understand their coursework. Some of the more common forms of assistive technology include:

Talking word processors (Speech-to-text)

Speech-to-text technology allows students to speak their thoughts into text, rather than being directly written or typed. This is extremely helpful for students with dyslexia or physical impairments which may make writing difficult.

Digital recorders

Those with ADHD and who struggle to pay attention in class may find digital recorders helpful, as these allow them to record classes or lectures and rewatch or re-listen to them later on.

Assistive technology centers

If students have any questions about how to use their assistive technologies, are interested in obtaining assistive technologies, or anything else of the sort – assistive technology centers are the place to go. Not only can they train students on how to use their new assistive technologies, but they can also format one’s coursework to be more accessible to students with learning disabilities.

Helpful accessibility apps

One of the many forms of assistive technology are apps, computer programs or software designed to run on mobile phones, laptops, desktops, or even watches. Apps are a great resource for those with any disability, as there are more than enough to cater to everyone’s needs.

Students with dyslexia or dysgraphia might benefit from apps like ModMath and Voice Dream. Apps such as Avaz and MyTalkTools are designed to assist individuals with communication and verbal barriers. Finally, there are apps like All Critical Thinking and Clear, which can help students stay on top of responsibilities and learn new everyday skills. This is just a sampling of the many options that are out there. A quick search will provide you with a plethora of more options, which only grow and improve as technology develops!

Pursuing financial aid

By now, we’ve covered identifying accommodating colleges, applying to college, and helpful accommodations and technologies that make college life easier. However, what about paying for college? Luckily, students with disabilities are eligible for many types of loans, scholarships, and other funding options! Let’s get into them.

First off are the non-loan funding options. HEOA, or the Higher Education Opportunity Act, has made it so students with learning disabilities can qualify for non-loan-based federal aid. Some of these non-loan funding options include:

Federal Pell grants
Federal work-study
Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants
Other federal and state grants

Besides these, however, students with disabilities may also be eligible for:

On top of these, students are also eligible for federal loans. Many are specific to students with disabilities or generally directed towards them. Grants, similarly, offer many funding opportunities to students with disabilities.

Students may also be interested in federal grants. If so, we highly recommend that students fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – as many of the grant applications require students to have done so.

If students are interested in scholarships, there are also many directed towards students with learning disabilities! There are general scholarships, as well as specific options for students with autism, ADHD, hearing impairment and students with disabled parents.

Alternatively, if students feel that the accommodations at many schools are insufficient, they may be interested in attending a college specifically for students with disabilities. Many of these universities have their own, unique sources of funding for their students, which tend to make their costs lower than that of the average university.

Additional Resources

And last, but not least, are some additional resources! These are simply some additional tools to help students transition to college and perform their best.

AHEAD strives to help students with learning disabilities perform their best in college. To do so, AHEAD offers coaching, mentoring, and self-advocacy skill training for students with learning disabilities.

American Youth Policy Forum offers a variety of webinars and YouTube videos meant to help students with disabilities transition to college life.

NCLD, or the National Center for Learning Disabilities, provides those with learning disabilities advice on transitioning to college. They also provide an honest look into the challenges of navigating college with a learning disability.

The Viscardi Center provides a vast number of resources, programs, and services to those with disabilities. Some of these resources are directed specifically at college-aged students.

U.S. Department of Justice and Civil Rights Division allows individuals to read through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and learn their rights. The ADA provides a thorough description of Title II and how it supports individuals with disabilities.

And with that, we’re (basically) done! Below you can access the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions on this topic. Otherwise, we wish you the best of luck with your college journey, and send you off!

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a college that will best fit your needs in regard to any learning disabilities or differences you may have. Knowing what your needs are is an important place to start
While having resources available to you through a college or university is important, remember that apps, websites, or other online applications may be able to help you as well
A learning disability is not something you need to disclose on your college applications and it should not affect your ability to be admitted or attend a college or university
Remember, regardless of the hurdles you may face, college and the pursuit of higher education should be possible for anyone

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I encounter stigmas that may be associated with learning disabilities on a college campus?

If you are hearing and noticing that there is a certain stigma around learning disabilities on your campus, we recommend that students go directly to the staff of Learning Center/Student Support Services. Most campuses even have someone in charge of the school’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. There, we would recommend asking what the school is doing to combat such stigmas. Ask how they’re attempting to make students with learning disabilities feel comfortable and included. There is a growing body of research on stigmas related to learning disabilities, so know that you’re not alone in your concerns. Universities must express tolerance and support of all their students. They should understand that everyone is “diverse” in one way or another.

How can students with learning disabilities prepare for college?

Before arriving on campus, it is important that students fully understand their own learning disabilities. Ideally, talking to professionals whom they’re close with can help make this easier. It’s also incredibly important that students learn to advocate for themselves. Attending college with a learning disability may require them to seek out or ask for services that a neurotypical student may not need. Students should also practice time management. This includes being in charge of their own schedules, appointments, and other responsibilities. Essentially, the goal is to be independent. This, of course, includes asking questions! So, don’t feel afraid to ask for help when it’s needed or wanted. The school and its staff are ultimately there to help you learn.

What if I don’t believe that I can attend college because of my learning disability?

If you are worried that your learning disability will prevent you from thriving in college, you must change your self-perception. Remember, a student’s environment is a more important predictor of their success. So, although you may feel like college is a new and challenging obstacle in your life, you must believe that you can attend college. Creating specific goals may help motivate you, and make college seem more doable, or even exciting! Remember to not only set easily achievable goals for yourself, but ambitious ones too. If you ever feel that you need help, don’t feel afraid to ask for help. Your professors and the school staff are there for just that!

How should colleges support students with learning disabilities?

Ideally, colleges should support students with learning disabilities by making information on how to receive accommodations or support easily accessible. This information should not only be a part of the college’s orientation, but also be available in every class, school emails, and more. Universities should let students know where to go if issues arise (e.g. if they are facing difficulties receiving accommodations).

Does having an IEP or 504 plan help you get into college?

No, not necessarily. Colleges generally will not know whether a student has an IEP or a 504 plan. In fact, colleges cannot even ask students whether they have a disability or not (and thus cannot ask whether a student has an IEP or a 504). Students, however, can choose to disclose this information themselves. Despite this, there is no data on how many students who disclose their disabilities to universities are admitted to colleges. Do not worry that having either an IEP or 504 plan will somehow influence your college admissions chances – it won’t!

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations