What services levels are available at the college level?

Comprehensive programs are well defined, fee-based programs staffed by specially trained personnel. Students meet a minimum of once a week throughout the semester/school year to receive help with executive functioning, writing, and content area skills in addition to getting help setting up accommodations and  technology supports. Program services vary widely in terms of the number of times a student is seen from daily to weekly, but students are assigned specific appointment times and attend just as they would any other class.

Specific services programs for students with learning disabilities also involve regular, but less frequent meetings, with a variety of personnel who may or may not have special training in working with students with learning disabilities. Students must be good advocates and be pro-active when they need assistance.  Students must make their own appointments to meet with appropriate personnel, and must self advocate with their professors to receive accommodations.

Every student’s accommodations are determined on an individual basis by the recommendations that accompany their documentation, and are based upon the findings their testing substantiates. Some of the most frequently used are: extended time on tests (anywhere from 1.5 to unlimited time), notetaker in class, a reader for tests, larger print, tape recorder in class, a computer for writing, frequent breaks while test taking, and a quiet place to take exams.