There are many universities which offer a variety of programs to students with physical disabilities or learning disabilities. Many of these programs offer extra tutoring, mentoring by staff, and other individualized services.

Many colleges require a second application which contains information about the disability.  In addition to verification of the physical disability, they may also require: 

• verification of the learning disability
• scores from various diagnostic tests 
• the latest educational evaluation report from the high school
• the high school transcript
• letter of recommendation from a high school teacher, and
• a personal interview at the university’s office of support services.

Finding out if the university will fit your child’s needs means seeking answers to many questions.  This research process begins during high school at the same time as the transition process. This is a great way to have your child start to think about what their needs and goals will be. In addition, many universities offer programs where the student can actually live on campus a few days there to get an idea of what campus life is really like. The big challenge is finding the right university that will fit your child’s needs.

Questions which you may want to consider when starting to look at universities are:

• How far away are the dorms/apartments from the actual classes?
• If living in a state with the winter season, how will the student manage walking through snow and ice?
• How will they carry all of the books needed for the classes each day?
• Are there stairs involved?
• Does the university have a support service available?
• What are the requirements to enter the university? (They may be different when applying as a disabled student).
• Are both the SAT/ACT required? (This has to be considered starting junior year of high school).
• Do they have wheelchair access? (Sometimes the student may need the use of a wheelchair, when walking around campus may be extremely tiring).
• If they have a car, would they have access to disabled parking spaces?  Are there an adequate number of disabled parking spaces?
• Is tutoring available? (Many times this is offered free of charge if the student qualifies).
• Are there any support groups available on campus held by other students with disabilities?
• If needed, is extra time allowed on tests; can the tests be read to the student; are any tests modified (many times students have difficulties filling in the bubble sheets) etc.?
• If needed, can they have notes given to them by another student if they are not able to keep up with the note taking during the lectures?
• Are tape recorders allowed during lectures? (Usually they are, but you may run into certain professors who may not allow this)
• What health services are available on campus; how close is the nearest hospital?

An excellent resource to consider is the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation; they will offer you help with the transition process from high school to college.

For further information refer to the following links: