Presented by: Aaron F. Smith Assistant Director of Admission, Curry College Helping Students with a Learning Difference Navigate the College Search

Workshop Overview Understanding LD and AD/HD HS to College Paradigm Shift Postsecondary Options for LD Students Documentation Requirements College search process: what to do in HS

Understanding LD and AD/HD Learning Disabilities and AD/HD Reference Language-based LD Non-verbal LD AD/HD Other learning problems Asperger’s Syndrome mental health disabilities physical disabilities low average IQ autism TBI – traumatic brain injury

HS to College Paradigm Shift General shifts Reduction in feedback, lack of structure outside class, rules vs. choices, teachers vs. professors, responsibility for seeking assistance, nature of evaluation, effort vs. outcome, etc… Legal shifts: IDEA 2004 vs. ADA/504 IEP’s vs. self-advocacy Special education vs. civil rights Responsibility for requesting accommodations and providing documentation = student No obligation to “fundamentally alter the nature of the curriculum” – Office of Civil Rights

Postsecondary Options for LD and AD/HD Students Special focus school/program – Berkshire, PACE, Threshold 5 th year/PG year Alternative programs – Dynamy, City Year Gap Year LD College - Beacon, Landmark 2-year college Community College Private 2-year 4 year college/university ADA accommodations only LD services LD program

Continuum of services at 2-4-year colleges and universities ADA accommodations only – basic services Minimal federal compliance – extended time, books on tape Designated ADA Coordinator overseeing all disability-related services No additional cost Expertise must address all disability types

Continuum of services at 2-4-year colleges (cont.) Coordinated LD Services Services for LD + other disabilities Professionals usually with some specific LD experience and/or training Usually drop-in model; often part-time staff, peer tutors Some provide advocacy training, outreach to faculty Usually no fee

Continuum of services at 2-4-year colleges (cont.) Comprehensive Program – e.g., Curry College, Dean, Univ. of Arizona, Mitchell College, Lynn Univ… Own admissions process LD specialists vs. peer tutors Curriculum – based on diagnostic profile Proactive – academic credit, summer program Assistive Technology Fee-based

Curry’s Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) Designed for… bright, college-able students with language-based LD and ADHD Learning specialist – “learning conversations” Credit for first year Individualized weekly sessions Leaders on campus – arts, athletics Summer PAL Assistive technologies 1970, philosophy, campus-wide influence

Assessing the programs/ services Model of service delivery Faculty/staff expertise Number of students Accommodations and process for requesting Curriculum Student sentiment re: program/services College acceptance of LD students Using the guidebooks and websites

Matching Students to Options Curriculum, Testing profile/diagnosis, Current level of support, Goals, Motivation, Strengths, Interests, Activities, Desired level of challenge… Widening the option base “safety” “reach” for level of LD support I have a student who…

Documentation/ Testing Seven Essential Elements of Quality Disability Documentation (AHEAD) The credentials of the evaluator(s) A diagnostic statement identifying the disability A description of the diagnostic methodology used A description of the current functional limitations A description of the expected progression or stability of the disability A description of current and past accommodations, services and/or medications Recommendations for accommodations, adaptive devices, assistive services, compensatory strategies, and/or collateral support services

Documentation/ Testing (cont.) Obtaining appropriate testing School Psychologist Hospital Evaluation Center Private Educational Consultant/Center Curry’s Educational Diagnostic Center (EDC)

Admission to PAL Curry Admission requirements (SAT waived) PAL requirements Diagnostic testing: WAIS or other cognitive plus achievement; last 3 years Supplemental application Interview (strongly recommended) IEP (if available) At least average (to superior) cognitive ability Primary diagnosis of language-based learning disability or ADHD Whole picture of student – curriculum, support, testing profile, motivation.

College search process: what to do in High School Curriculum Levels/mainstream LD services/support Finding a critical threshold Campus visits and interviews Earlier is better! Self-knowledge Students must learn to advocate for themselves