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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.
Feeling overwhelmed in college- but not sure why? you’re not alone.
The key isn’t just “pushing through”, it’s learning to recognize what’s happening before you hit that wall, and having systems to reset.
That might look like:
• stepping outside for a walk
• box breathing between classes
• putting on a guided meditation
• reaching out to someone you trust
Small supports = big difference over time.
At Mansfield Hall, we help students build the awareness and tools to regulate, recharge, and navigate college in a way that actually works for them.
What’s one thing that helps you reset when you’re overwhelmed?
#CollegeLife #StudentMentalHealth #ExecutiveFunction #StressManagement
Excellent week across the board!
People Ops team member Jo touched down in Madison, receiving a warm welcome with coffee and a trip to see the Capitol building. VP of Program Ops Hayley grounded herself and took in the beauty of the Statehouse. Pancakes were served, and Burlington student Nikhil took the stage to perform with his choir.
A great week to zoom out and back in- and reflect on all the things we have to be grateful for!
#collegesupport #neurodiversity #worklifebalance
College can be energizing… and draining.
If you’ve ever felt socially exhausted, you’re not alone.
Understanding your limits (and what helps you recharge) can make all the difference.
#CollegeStudents #Neurodiversity #StudentWellbeing
Hangin` in there until spring weather kicks in!
This week at Mansfield Hall our Eugene, OR students did some rock climbing, Burlington, VT connections students took an outing to the bowling alley/arcade, while others took a trip to a local sugar house to learn about all things maple syrup. Students in Madison, WI continued their endeavors to learn about all things maintenance...and they make it look fun!
Happy Friday Friends- enjoy the weekend.
Mansfield Hall had the joy of hosting some professionals at our Madison, WI location recently, which included a student panel.
One of the questions asked was: What do you like about Mansfield Hall?
The answer: how inclusive it is.
No one gets to choose the brain they have, but we do get to choose the world we create. We choose to accept, celebrate, and work toward a world that’s more inclusive of every brain and the incredible things they can do.
Happy World Autism Awareness Day. We see you, and we celebrate you for all that you are and all that you can be!
❤️MH
#autismawareness #neurodiversity #collegesupport
Sensory overload happens when your brain receives more sensory input than it can comfortably process.
Our nervous systems are constantly taking in information, but when there’s too much coming in (or it’s coming too fast) our systems can become overwhelmed.
We get it, and it can be managed with small, intentional supports like reducing input, creating predictable routines, and building in quiet recovery time.
