Colleges With Learning Disability Programs

Managing Editor: Allen Tinkler - A nationally recognized consultant on college selection and transition issues for students with special needs, He is a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling, state affiliates and the Association on Higher Education and Disability.

Contact info@kaarme.com if you would like to add your school or request a change in classification.

LEVELS OF SPECIAL SERVICES/PROGRAMS

There is no commonly agreed upon system to put colleges in order by the quantity or quality of services provided for students with disabilities. For all intents and purposes, all colleges must (by law) provide reasonable and justified accommodations for students with disabilities. College guides specific to listing colleges better suited for students with LD, ADHD or other special needs may list colleges within certain categories. For example, one highly respected guide lists colleges by placing them in three categories: structured programs, coordinated services and services. As with hard copy guides, the lists that follow reflect colleges on a continuum. Some colleges are difficult to place in one category or the next. The following lists include some of the better examples of the hundreds of colleges suitable for students with special needs transitioning to college.

Each student is unique. What may work for one student may not work for another. Many students with special needs function well at colleges with minimal services; therefore, it would be unwise to assume that all students must have the maximum services available. For some students the size of a college is the deciding factor for success or failure. A very small and personal college with minimal services may be a better choice than a very large university with a comprehensive program for students with LD/ADHD. Never rule out a large university with minimal services because a student who relates well to others and who is a strong self-advocate may still be very successful.

I. MINIMUM MANDATED SERVICES - Approximately 15% of Colleges

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II. ENHANCED MANDATED SERVICES - Approximately 68% of Colleges

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III. CENTRALLY COORDINATED, COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT SERVICES - Approximately 15% of colleges

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IV. COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMS - Approximately 2% of colleges

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V. UNIVERSAL DESIGN:

A new concept whereby instruction and learning will be available to almost all students because the environment will be usable, equitable and accessible without any special accommodation. Kaarme will keep you posted on colleges who adopt this method in the future.

VI. EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLS - Less than 1% of Colleges

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VII. Non Degree Programs (Living and Social Skills):

In recent years there have been a growing number of programs for students wishing a college experience but for whom the ability to handle college level work may be very questionable. These programs are appropriate for students with severe LD or developmental disabilities. Some are certificate programs and others may have a component that might lead to a degree. Emphasis is on independent living skills and social skills. They are located on college campuses. Some have residential facilities either on or off campus. Contact community colleges in your area to see if they have such a program. It is difficult to keep a current list of these programs due to their rapid growth and occasional termination.

• Alabama, University of: UAB Horizons Program (800) 822-6242 or (205) 975-6770
• Arizona State University (West Campus) - Life Development Institute -
• www. life-development-inst.org (623) 773-2774
• Bellevue Community College (WA) - Venture Program (not residential)
• http://bellevuecollege.edu/ols/ (425) 564-2844
• Berkshire Community College (MA) www.berkshirecenter.org (413) 243-2576
• Berkshire Center: The College Internship Program - students may attend community college
• Cape Cod Community College with the Riverview School (MA): G.R.O.W. Program - students may attend college as part of Project Forward (508) 888-0489 www.riverviewschool.org
• (The) College of New Jersey (non-residential): Career and Community Studies Program contact Rebecca Daley (609) 771-2381
• Delaware, University of: Community Connectors - contact Debbie Bain
• (302) 831-6974
• Dutchess Community College (NY) Maplebrook School Center for the Advancement of Postsecondary Studies (845) 373-8191
• Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell (NM): Special Services Occupational Training Program (residential) (575) 624-7289
• Emerge [Over 18], Inc. Residential program by Andrew Bryan. Idaho (541) 519-4072 www.EmergeOver18.com
• Foothill College of Los Altos Hills, (CA): Adaptive Learning Div.: Transition To Work Program http://www.foothill.fhda.edu/al/index.html (650) 949-7242 or 7017
• George Mason Univ (VA) - LIFE Program http://masonlife.gmu.edu/overview/ (703) 993-3905
• Glendale Community College (AZ) - Life Development Institute -
• www. life-development-inst.org (623) 773-2774
• John A. Logan College and Southern Illinois University: OPTIONS Program by Brehm Preparatory School www. brehm.org (618) 457-0371
• http://www.options.brehm.org/
• Lesley College (MA): Threshold Program (617) 349-8181 (8543)
• Massasoit Community College - Brockton, MA: Latch Program
• www.massasoit.mass.edu/acad/latch.cfm (508) 588-9100 X-1070
• Mercer County Community College - Trenton, NJ (non-residential) -
• Dream Program contact Sue Onaitis (609) 570-3375
• Mercy College (NY) Maplebrook School Center for the Advancement of Postsecondary Studies (845) 373-8191
• Middlesex Community College - Bedford, MA Transition Program (for students interested in office and business support related jobs) - Susan Woods (781) 280-3641
• www.middlesex.mass.edu/disabilitysupport/transitionprogram/default.htm
• Minnesota Life College (MN) www. minnesotalifecollege.com
• (612) 869-4008
• National-Louis University (IL): PACE Program (224) 233-2670
• New York Institute of Technology (NY): Vocational Independence Program (VIP)
• (631) 348-3354
• North Idaho College affiliated with Echo Springs Transition Study Center:
• www. echo-springs.com (208) 267-1111
• Penn State University (PA) Lifelink Program www.ed.uiuc.edu/sped/tri/lifelink.htm
• Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology (North York, Toronto, Ontario): College Vocational Program (416) 491-5050 x2805
• Soltane "College" - Camphill Soltane (Glenmoore, PA) (866) 469-0933 or (610) 469-0933 www.camphillsoltane.org
• Strive University affiliated with/operated by the University of Southern Maine
• (207) 774-6278
• Taft College (CA): Transition to Independent Living (661) 763-7770