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What to Ask Accessibility Services Before Making Your College Decision
Choosing the right college is a significant decision for all students, but it requires additional consideration when your child has learning differences. Beyond academics and campus culture, understanding how a school supports diverse learning needs can make the difference between struggling and thriving. With the May 1 decision deadline still weeks away, you have plenty of time to gather important information to make sure the college your student chooses will have the support they need.
Understanding Core Requirements
Before committing to any college, thoroughly review each school's core curriculum requirements. You can just Google, “[Name of college] core curriculum requirements.”
Pay particular attention to:
- Foreign language requirements (number of courses, proficiency levels, or waiver options)
- Mathematics requirements and available alternatives
- Writing-intensive course requirements
- Science lab components
- Any time constraints for completing these requirements
Some institutions offer substitution policies for students with documented learning differences, while others maintain strict requirements for all students regardless of accommodations.
Connect with Accessibility Services
Schedule a conversation with each college's Office of Accessibility Services. This department (sometimes called Disability Services) serves as your student's primary resource for accommodations. Current documentation of your student's learning differences will be essential for establishing services.
Questions to Ask Accessibility Services
- What specific documentation is required for accommodations, and how often must it be updated?
- Which accommodations are commonly provided for students with similar learning profiles?
- How is exam accommodation handled (extended time, quiet spaces, assistive technology)?
- What is the process for communicating accommodations to professors each semester?
- Are there specialized academic advisors familiar with learning differences?
- What assistive technologies are available on campus?
- Is there access to professional tutoring specifically trained in supporting learning differences?
- Are there peer mentoring programs for students with learning differences?
- What is the typical response time when accommodation issues arise?
- Are there any summer transition programs designed for students with learning differences?
By gathering this information before making your decision, you'll ensure your student begins their college journey with appropriate supports already in place, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—their education and growth.