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Academic Accommodations for Students with Learning Differences and Learning Disabilities in College
Anyone who has spent time in a classroom can attest that the one thing everyone has in common is that they learn differently. Whether a student is diagnosed with a disability or not, learning is a process unique to each individual. Many students have learned how to accommodate their diverse needs, but some students need more formal academic accommodations for learning disabilities. Characteristics such as difficulty with working memory, challenges with processing speed, ADHD or other executive functioning challenges, dyslexia, or ASD (autism spectrum disorder) can all necessitate formal academic accommodations in college.
The traditional college classroom quite different than a high school classroom. The responsibility of learning falls much more heavily on students, and thus, professors are less likely to provide a multi-modal approach to their teaching. As a result, learning differences can make it more difficult for students to get the information they need or demonstrate their knowledge effectively.
For instance, a professor who provides most of the content information in class through required readings and then gives exams that rely heavily on writing can inadvertently create an outsized challenge for students with language-based learning differences, even if they are capable of comprehending the material.
Knowing about your own learning style, and then advocating for and utilizing the accommodations which allow you equal access to success, can be critical for students with learning differences.
Fortunately, to be in compliance with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), colleges must provide reasonable accommodations for students with learning disabilities. These accommodations are not meant to make college easier, they are meant to level the playing field so that a student’s learning difference does not impact their ability to learn and be successful. Common college accommodations are:
Accommodations for students with learning disabilities can be found through most college’s disability service offices for students with documented disabilities.
At Mansfield Hall, we work with students and families to recommend accommodations based on each student’s individual learning profile to increase their chances for success – although the final arbiter of this decision is always the college.
We work with students to not only help them understand the academic accommodations they need, but the characteristics that these accommodations are addressing. We often accompany students to meet with their disability service counselor and help students advocate for the appropriate accommodations. We work with schools and colleges to be sure these academic accommodations are being accessed and are successfully addressing a student’s needs.
Please contact Mansfield Hall to learn more about how we support students with learning disabilities and learning differences access and utilize academic accommodations in college.
Shanah Tovah! (שנה טובה)
Happy Rosh Hashanah to all who celebrate!
For anyone wondering, today is the start of the Jewish New Year.
It`a Friday- time for a weekly recap.
Our Burlington and Madison students are in the swing of things with classes, but that`s not stopping them from making time for fun!
Pictured:
- Coffee club
- Carfternoon adventure
- Sweet treat o`clock
- BTV Bike shed being enjoyed
Not Pictured:
- Countless other moments of fun
Students, what are you looking forward to this weekend? Comment below ⬇️
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art was a joy!
Saw some incredible pieces and pondered accordingly 🤔🎨
Ever have a hard time getting started on a project? This could be for a host of reasons, but the name for starting that to do list item is called task initiation.
Some folks just have a hard time getting started. We`ve included some tips to help, but we`d love to hear from you too.
What`s your most unhinged tip to get started on tasks you`ve been avoiding?
We don`t know about you, but our students and staff alike are soaking up the last of summer, grilling, chilling, and getting outside.
This week included our Madison students getting their hands dirty in the kitchen, Eugene taking a trip to the raptor center and a jaunt to the farmers market, and the Burlington students relishing the field day memories with classes in full swing.
What was your favorite part of the week?
The Q&A continues!
Masking is a hotly debated topic at the moment. Some professionals have differing opinions, but our stance is that while a more inclusive world is something we can all be working towards, there`s a time and a place for the ways we show up, and knowing how to differentiate has value.
What do you think?
