(used with permission from Heath Resource Center)
Legislation Affecting Students with Disabilities
Services and Programs for Students with Learning Disabilities
Documentation and Accommodative Services
Tips for a Successful Completion
Successful adult college students with learning disabilities, college
advisors, and campus disability support services staff agree that
developing knowledge about oneself -- the nature of one's learning
disabilities as well as one's personal and academic strengths and
weaknesses -- is vital for success in college.
Many people are not diagnosed as having a learning disability until they are in their 20s, 30s, or even later. By this time, their academic needs and goals have changed. They have multiple responsibilities related to their jobs and families. Their educational goals may be somewhat different from those of other students. Motivation for adult learners often is focused on career enhancement needs, as well as on self-development and growth.
While the diagnosis of a learning disability in an adult brings about many changes in his or her life, it is important to keep in mind that such a diagnosis need not keep someone from pursuing higher education. With support and information, many adults are able to achieve their goals.
Increasing numbers of people with learning disabilities are enrolling in two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Since 1985, among first-time, full-time freshmen who reported having any disability, the percentage of those with learning disabilities doubled from 15 percent to 32 percent. Currently, nearly one-third of all freshmen with disabilities report having learning disabilities. Anyone with a learning disability who is considering going to college should be encouraged to pursue this goal without letting age become a barrier.