Having a learning difference (LD) is a bit like running a race in high heels while everyone around you has the advantage of tennis shoes. It skews the odds.

A learning difference does not mean a student is unable to learn or not intelligent, their brains just don’t fit the “one-size-fits-most” traditional model of American public education.

I know of multiple people who are in “gifted” programs and also have learning differences. With the right support, students can soar. But how do you find that support?

In high school, 504s and Independent Education Plans (IEPs) are attempts to work around the LD and make accommodations to level the playing field.

Whether students choose to run in heels or tennis shoes is not the question. The issue is whether they qualify for accommodation.

If you have an LD, you want a college that understands you.

Colleges do not have 504 and IEPs, nor are they required to honor your high school plans. However, most are willing to work with you, provided you have documentation of an official diagnosis and documentation from your high school that accommodations were provided.

How do you find colleges that “get” you? First, answer this:

How well do you advocate for yourself? Do you seek support when you need it, or do you try to “power through”? (That second one can also be described as best of intentions, but often disastrous.)

If you are good at advocating for yourself, keep large universities on your list if you are interested.

Otherwise, small colleges may be a better bet because the faculty will get to know you and may ask the Office of Academic Success to reach out if they see you struggling. There’s usually a stronger safety net at small schools because you can’t be anonymous.

Next, identify what accommodations work best for you and make a call. Pick up the phone and have an actual conversation with someone from whatever office handles disabilities and accommodations. Within a few minutes, you will get a vibe.

How eager are they to talk about their programs? What kinds of service do they offer — arranging for alternate testing locations, speaking to profs on your behalf, support groups, weekly check-in meetings, coaching, social support, etc.?

Do professors refer students or is it all student-initiated? Are they easy to talk to?

There are schools that support LDs really well, and others not so much.  

Need a place to start? Here are some schools that offer traditional bachelor’s degrees and offer fantastic support for students who need it. There are plenty of others too, this is just a starting point:

Willamette University, University of the Pacific, Rowan University, Adelphi University, Landmark College, Mitchell College, University of Arizona (SALT Program), Marist College, University of Denver, University of Southern California, and Baylor University. There are also a growing number of colleges that offer autism support specifically.

Don’t see many “big name” schools on this list? No coincidence. Many top-ranked schools offer accommodations, but it isn’t a priority and not as many students use them. A name brand doesn’t give you automatic success in life.

A school where you are encouraged and supported will increase the odds of graduating and following your dreams. What you put into college is what you get out of it. Invest yourself in a community that values you for who you are.