College Planning for Students with Learning Disabilities (continued)

The admissions interview may not answer all the questions regarding programs for students with learning disabilities. If it does not, the student and parents must seek out and meet with a member of the learning disabilities program staff. A list of questions based on family concerns and perhaps stimulated by a review of college directories and guides or discussions with high school guidance personnel should be prepared prior to the visit. Questions might include the following:

What type of support is available for students with learning disabilities?

Is the program monitored by a full-time professional staff?

Has the program been evaluated, and if so, by whom?

Are there any concerns for the program's future?

Who counsels students with learning disabilities during registration, orientation, and course selection?

How does the school propose to help with the specific disability?

Which courses provide tutoring?

What kind of tutoring is available, and who does it--peers or staff?

Is tutoring automatic, or must the student request assistance?

How well do faculty members accept students with learning disabilities?

May students with learning disabilities take a lighter load?

Are courses in study skills or writing skills offered?

Have counselors who work with students with learning disabilities received special training?

How do students on campus spend their free time?

May students with learning disabilities take more time to graduate?

Whom can parents contact if they have concerns during the academic year? (Berger, 1989)

References

Berger, S. (1989). College planning for gifted students. Reston, VA: The Council for Exceptional Children.

Hartman, R. C., & Krulwich, M. T. (1984). Learning disabled adults in postsecondary education. Washington, DC: Higher Education and the Handicapped Resource Center.

McGuire, J. M., & Shaw, S. F. (1987). A decision-making process for the college-bound learning disabled student: Matching learner, institution, and support program. Learning Disability Quarterly, 10(2), 106-111.

Norlander, K. A., Shaw, S. F., McGuire, J. M., Bloomer, R. H., & Czajkowski, A. (1986, October). Diagnosis and program selection for learning disabled college students. Paper presented at the Eighth International Conference on Learning Disabilities, Kansas City, MO.

Selected College Guides

How to choose a college: Guide for the student with a disability. (ND). Washington, DC: The American Council on Education, HEATH Resource Center, One Dupont Circle, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036.

Lisiscio, M. A. (1986). A guide to colleges for learning disabled students (rev. ed.) Orlando, FL: Academic Press.

Mangrum II, C. T., & Strichart, S. S. (1988). Peterson's guide to colleges with programs for learning disabled students (2nd ed.). Princeton, NJ: Peterson's Guides.

Prihoda, J., Bieber, T., Kay, C., Kerkstra, P., & Ratcliff, J. (1988). Community colleges and students with disabilities. AACJC Publications, 80 South Early Street, Alexandria, VA 22304.

Thomas, C. H., & Thomas, J. L. (1986). Directory of college facilities and services for the disabled. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press.

This digest was developed from Shaw, S. F., Byron, J., Norlander, K. A., McGuire, J. M., & Anderson, P. (1987, April). Preparing learning disabled high school students for postsecondary education. Paper presented at the 65th Annual Convention of The Council for Exceptional Children, Chicago, IL, ED 285 316.