Previously on “Navigating College Accommodations: A Guide for Students with Disabilities”:
We broke down the three tiers of support for students with disabilities when choosing a college. It emphasizes assessing your needs, researching options, and considering costs to find the right college fit.
Understanding the Tiers of Support Offered at Different Colleges
Continuing our series on ”What to Look for in a College”, When selecting a college, it’s important to understand that institutions offer varying levels of support for students with disabilities. These support services are often categorized into different tiers, ranging from basic accommodations required by law to comprehensive programs designed to offer intensive support. Understanding these tiers will help you choose a college that aligns with your specific needs.
Tier 1: Basic Accommodations
These are the standard supports required by law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. All colleges must offer these accommodations to eligible students.
Common Basic Accommodations:
- Extended time on exams and assignments
- Quiet or separate testing environments
- Note-taking assistance
- Accessible housing
- Use of assistive technology (e.g., screen readers, speech-to-text software)
- Priority registration
Best For:
- Students who require minimal support and are confident in managing their accommodations with some assistance from the Student Accessibility Office.
Tier 2: Enhanced Support Programs
These programs go beyond the basic legal requirements and offer additional resources and support for students with disabilities. Enhanced support programs may include specialized advising, workshops, and other resources designed to help students succeed academically.
Common Enhanced Supports:
- Learning specialists available for one-on-one sessions
- Workshops on time management, study skills, and executive functioning
- Dedicated advising for students with disabilities
- Peer mentoring programs
- Regular check-ins with Student Accessibility Services
Best For:
- Students who may benefit from additional guidance and support, particularly in developing academic skills and managing their college responsibilities.
Tier 3: Comprehensive Support Programs
Comprehensive programs offer the highest level of support and are designed for students who require more intensive assistance to thrive in college. These programs may come with additional costs but provide extensive services that are integrated into the student’s daily academic life.
Common Comprehensive Supports:
- Full-time learning specialists who work closely with students throughout the semester
- Structured study programs and supervised study hours
- Frequent, personalized academic coaching
- Transition programs for incoming students with disabilities
- Social and life skills development workshops
- Collaboration with faculty to tailor instruction to individual needs
Best For:
- Students with significant disabilities who require consistent, personalized support to succeed academically and socially in a college environment.
Examples of Colleges with Different Tiers of Support:
- Basic Accommodations: Most public universities and community colleges offer standard accommodations.
- Enhanced Support Programs: Colleges like the University of Arizona and the University of Denver offer enhanced support through their Disability Resource Centers.
- Comprehensive Support Programs: Landmark College, for example, is known for its comprehensive support services specifically designed for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders.
Check out some of these wonderful programs for students requiring academic and social supports:
How to Determine Which Tier is Right for You
- Assess Your Needs: Consider how much support you received in high school and how comfortable you are with self-advocacy.
- Research Colleges: Look into the specific services each college offers and how they align with your needs.
- Visit and Ask Questions: If possible, visit the colleges and meet with representatives from the Student Accessibility Office to discuss their offerings in detail.
- Consider Costs: Some comprehensive programs may have additional fees, so consider your budget when making a decision.
Making the Best Choice
Choosing the right support is key to college success. This chapter helps students understand various services at different schools, aiding informed decisions when selecting a college. Let me know if you’d like any changes!
Learn More: Download Our College Application Guide for Neurodiverse Students
For parents and students looking to dive deeper into the college application process for neurodiverse students, we’ve created a comprehensive College Application Guide for Neurodiverse Students. This resource covers everything from understanding accommodations to selecting the right campus environment.
