Can My Learning Disabled Child Go to College Someday?

Submitted by FosterMommy on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 22:21

When your child was diagnosed as LD, learning disabled, did you give up dreams of sending your child off to college? College or higher education may still be an option for your learning disabled adult child if you do some research. Not everyone who attends college receives a degree; some receive training, or certifications in trades. These certifications typically require less classroom time and some offer a lot less reading which appeals to many adults with LD. Some of the trades programs do not have set classroom hours. This flexibility may suit an LD adult who struggles with keeping track of time and schedules.

Many community colleges have open enrollment policies so your adult child may not need to pass a test to enroll or meet other qualifications. These schools will try to help your special needs with accommodations if you provide documentation.

There are also colleges that cater specifically to LD or emotional impaired adults. Students who receive approval through mental health may receive free tuition, room and board. Once the college has trained the student in a career, the college may offer job placement assistance, and life skills training. One such college is the Michigan Career and Technical Institute, MCTI.

In her book, On Their Own: Creating an Independent Future for Your Adult Child with Learning Disabilities and ADHD: A Family Guide, Anne Ford describes a program at Leslie University called the Threshold program that her daughter attended. It is a program for LD individuals to train them to live independently.

 

Photo Credit: neeta_lind

 

 

LisaS's picture

Excellent information -

Submitted by LisaS on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 10:11.

Excellent information - thanks!

Lisa