Disability Considerations

College classes can sometimes be a lot harder than they have to be and even harder if you have a disability. All educational institutes are required by The Americans with Disability Act to provide equal access to programs, services, and facilities for students, employees, and visitors. When selecting a college or university, ask them for information on the types of programs that they provide for your specific disability and disabilities in general. Ask for a visit when you have narrowed down the field of choices.

To be classified as having a disability you must meet one of the following criteria:

1. have a documented physical or mental impairment that substantially limits on or more major life activities such as personal self-care, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, or performing manual tasks

2. have a record of such an impairment

3. be perceived as having such an impairment

Impairments of speech, hearing, mobility, and vision are some of the physical disabilities that fall under the American Disability Act. Other disabilities include cerebral palsy, mental retardation, mental illness, cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and asthma, and learning disabilities. Learning disabilities include numerous biological conditions that hinder a person’s ability to process and communicate information. One or more of the following areas of learning can be affected: oral and written expression, listening and reading comprehension, basic reading skills, mathematical calculation, problem solving, attention span, social skills, or time management.

Students with disabilities will need to prepare for attending and choosing a college the same way another student would, but you will need to explore and evaluate colleges based on how they met the needs of your disability. Meet with a disability specialist at the school. Discuss your needs and concerns. You should attach a letter to your application describing your disability to make sure that the school will be a good match for you. Colleges try to accommodate for special needs, but unless they know what your needs are they cannot help you with scheduling assistance, reduced course load if needed, access to tutoring, and other programs they may have.