Exploring Pathways of Support in Higher Education
Services and accommodations: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with disabilities and requires colleges to make their programming accessible. These laws mean that institutions must provide modifications to policies, practices, procedures, and building entrances, as well as assistive technology, testing accommodations and other forms of support that should be individually designed to meet the needs of the student with a disability. Students seeking accommodations will need to present documentation that may vary and often includes all or some of the following: a recent neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation, medical documents, self-reported statement, IEP, 504, and/or explanation of previous accommodations.
Comprehensive Learning Support Programs: In addition to meeting the legally outlined baseline of support services, some colleges also offer comprehensive learning support programs, These are dedicated to providing a solid foundation for student success through targeted interventions. These are most often fee-based services. Generally, an array of services are offered, including but not limited to academic coaching, 1-1 advising, executive function skill building, time management training, etc. The necessary support services provided by qualified profess ionals will look different at every college, and depending on the need of each student, pricing and scheduling will vary. Examples include SALT at the University of Arizona, Bridges to Adelphi, Institute for Achievement and Learning at Lynn University.
Colleges exclusive to students with learning differences: Some colleges and universities are dedicated exclusively to students with disabilities. These institutions integrate support services into their curriculum and programming, so students do not have to apply. The supports and services are generally comprehensive, entailing executive functioning coaching, academic advising, individualized instruction, and educational technology. Examples include Beacon College, Landmark College, Mitchell College.
Families often want to know which colleges offer the strongest learning support resources. Below, you can find some resources that highlight different types of programs at various schools.
Dataverse's Directory of Colleges with Strong Learning Support Services
TCC's Directory of Autism & Learning Support Programs
CollegeXpress's College & Scholarship Search for Students with Learning Differences
Executive Functioning Support Programs
Prior to and during college, students may want to enhance their executive functioning skills. Below, you’ll find a list of free and fee-based resources for organization, goal setting, and executive functioning, including webinars, on-demand learning modules, and more.
Cognitive Connections (free with fee-based options) - Compilation of various supports designed by special educators, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists
Social Thinking (free with fee-based options) - Webinars, articles and strategies for supporting executive functioning for students of all ages
Navigator Prep / Navigator Prep Jr. (fee-based) - Beacon College’s virtual transition program, preparing students who learn differently for the realities of college
Beacon College also offers a Summer Success Program for 10th, 11th and 12th graders
Fast Forward College Coaching (fee-based) - Supplemental support programs for college freshman to help with their adjustment to college
Manhattan Transition & College Access Center
Beacon is in the process of collaborating in a partnership with The Transition and College Access Centers (TCACs), which support schools and families by facilitating a seamless transition for students from school to adult life. All students are provided with an experience that fosters their academic, social-emotional, and vocational growth and excellence, facilitating multiple pathways to graduation and success after high school. MTCAC offers various events, career exploration, and work-based learning opportunities for students with IEPs.