7 College Support for Students with Disabilities

Entering college can be a difficult experience for any young person.

People with disabilities may have concerns about this next step which is why we have explained some college support for students with disabilities.

Everyone has the right to an education, and several programs and supports aim to help students with disabilities gain access to third-level education.

This includes assisting students in getting into college through the DARE scheme, providing disabled people access, and finding ways to make life at college easier for those who need special support.

Organizations like Association for Higher Education Access and Disability advocate and provide information to students with disabilities, people considering applying to college, and those who have graduated.

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Who Are The Disability Supports For 

Disability supports available at universities and colleges offer additional help to students with disabilities, including conditions such as:

• Difficulty in hearing
• Blind/partially blind
• Impaired mobility
• Learning difficulties
• Ongoing illnesses

As a student with a disability, the decision to attend college can be positive and life-changing.

Most colleges recognize that qualified students with disabilities deserve equal educational access and benefits and are working to create a more inclusive environment that offers appropriate student services, advocacy, campus accessibility, and academic support.

Increased support and resources at the national and local levels have helped increase students’ opportunities to succeed in college.

In 2012, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that students with disabilities made up 11.1% of the total undergraduate population, slightly increasing from the 10.9% reported in 2008.

In addition to campus support, students with disabilities are protected by federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination and ensure equal access to the same quality and level of education. 

College Support for Students with Disabilities

1. Hearing Impairment

The lecture hall is an image of college life, but lectures present a huge challenge for deaf students or those who find it hard to hear.

However, many colleges and universities offer a variety of aids, including notepads, speech-to-text tools, AT listening devices, captioned audio-visual tools, and sign language interpreters.

2. Visual Impairment

Braille is just one of many tools provided by colleges and universities.

Transcribable note-taking devices, computers with voice output, 3D models, CCTV magnification systems, magnified calculators, and magnifying glasses are some of the tools that should be available to students with this ailment. 

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3. Chronic Disease

A wide range of conditions is included in the scope of chronic disease, from multiple sclerosis and hemophilia to cystic fibrosis and diabetes.

As a result, chronic illness presents myriad obstacles for young students and requires the school to offer a variety of specialized accommodations, including a comprehensive student health care plan.

4. Physical Disability

ADA standards require colleges and universities to create wheelchair-accessible campuses with accessible buildings, classrooms, and dormitories.

Schools that go above and beyond ADA standards offer free transportation to classrooms, notes, specially designed keyboards, allowing oral and written exams, and more.

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5. Cognitive disability

Cognitive or intellectual disabilities are defined by the AAIDD (American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) as disorders of intellectual and behavioral functioning that radically affect a person’s social experience.

Despite the inherent challenges, nearly 58 percent of students with intellectual disabilities attend college or university.

6. Learning Disability

Definitions vary, but the term learning disability tends to include conditions that prevent students from achieving academically due to difficulties with attention, time management, organization, reading, and memory functions.

Despite their struggles with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia, these students are often very intelligent.

7. Mental, psychological, or emotional disability

Bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and panic disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD, and OCD, among others, can significantly affect a student’s ability to perform academically.

Any of these can qualify as a disability under the ADA if it is chronic and substantially limits major life activities.

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Your Rights As Disabled Students

Moving from high school to college is not easy, but it is especially complicated for people with disabilities.

Not only is more research required of students with disabilities regarding the type of support they receive in college, but the differences between high school and college manifest themselves in numerous ways for disabled students.

For instance, under IDEA, a disabled student in high school is entitled to services and accommodations, whereas in college, the same student must meet the criteria to be eligible for services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This does not imply that there is less chance of support for a student with a disability. It just means a different initiative and perspective. 

Part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, § 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability. This civil rights act requires that the needs of students with disabilities be met in the same way as students without disabilities.

ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) stands for students with disabilities as long as you meet their eligibility criteria. Areas of public life, including transportation, public spaces, employment, and more, are put to check. 

ADA Criteria for Disability Students 

• You have a documented physical or mental disability that substantially limits activities.
• You have a record of such damage.
• You are perceived as disabled.

The ADA and Section 504: What they do (or should do) for you.

• The school must not discriminate based on disability.
• All programs offered by the school, including extracurriculars, must be accessible to students with disabilities.
• The school must provide affordable housing at the same cost and offer the same variety of choices available to other students.
• The school must provide transportation, as well as assistive devices and services such as interpreters, listening systems, captions, Braille materials, and much more.
• The school must offer accommodations for testing if necessary.
• If you do not need any accommodation, you do not need to disclose your disability.

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Speaking to the disability or access officer

All universities and colleges assign responsible people for supporting students with disabilities, called disability officers or access officers.

Be sure to talk to this person and let them know if you need anything specific such as educational materials, recorders, lecture transcripts, wheelchair access, or other equipment. 

The Disability or Access Officer will be your point of contact within the school to discuss any concerns you have about your disability and education.

Every college is different, so it’s a good idea to talk to them and find out what support is available to make the most of your time there.

You can also ask the Students’ Union if there are any clubs or societies for students with disabilities or consider starting one yourself.

Conclusion 

For disabled students, it is important you attend colleges that have good college support for students with disabilities.

Everyone wants to enjoy their time in college and the disabled once are not an exception. 

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