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October 10th, 2005

There are over 200,000 learning disabled students that attend college each year. Some of the students are prepared for the academic and social rigors of higher education and some are not. Those that do not seek or receive the proper assistance in the classroom are much more likely to become frustrated, fail classes, and eventually drop out of college all together. But these students don’t have to accept that fate. Today, many nonprofits and colleges across the country provide preparation programs for high school graduates that are planning to attend college and need additional assistance. These programs can include life coaching, teaching proper study habits, college planning, and other support services.

A learning disability, also called a learning disorder, can be a neurological condition that hinders one’s ability to learn in a traditional manner. This disability is generally caused by the brain’s inability to receive and process information correctly. Common disorders include dyslexia, a difficulty processing language, reading, spelling or speaking; dyscalculia, a difficulty with math, understanding time or using money; dysgraphia, a difficulty with writing, spelling and organizing thoughts; and dyspraxia, a difficulty with fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, balance and manual dexterity. While these conditions can’t be cured, there are ways that students can work around them in order to be academically successful. That is the ultimate goal of college preparation courses for learning disabled students.

One of the most important aspects of these programs is teaching students to ask for assistance from their college counselors, professors, and other administrators. Most universities offer students the opportunity to take additional time during tests, request special seating in the classroom, or receive extra tutoring from teachers’ assistants. In fact, the number of programs like these available for students in the United States has increased tenfold from 2001, and now number around 250. For those students that suffer from learning disabilities and are interested in receiving additional assistance in college, there are several steps to be taken first. All learning disabled students are required to submit proof of the disorder to their respective college in the form of an official exam administered by a private or school psychologist. This material should be no more than three years old, or it is considered invalid. But despite the many obstacles or challenges facing college bound students with learning disabilities, there are also a great many programs and strategies available to help them achieve academic success.

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