A disability shouldn’t stand in the way of getting a college degree. We understand that it makes things harder, but more education has led to a greater understanding among universities that they need to change their attitude towards disabilities and special needs. Many colleges have taken it upon themselves to provide courses so that such students can easily transition into regular college life. Thanks to the unique opportunities available at these colleges, hardworking students can overcome many of the challenges their learning differences create and gain the skills – and degree credentials – they need to achieve their personal and professional goals. Students are encouraged to communicate their needs and consider alternative ways to meet them.

Here is a list of some of the colleges that currently offer comprehensive or specialized programs for students who may have special needs.

American University, Washington DC
American University offers a one-year Learning Services Program (LSP) designed specifically for first-year students struggling with learning disabilities in college. These students get weekly meetings with an academic counselor, one-on-one course advising sessions, and regular lessons with a writing tutor. They also get a special introductory writing course and receive guidance from an upper-class mentor.

King’s College
Appropriately called the “First Year Academic Studies Program” (FASP), this initiative’s primary goal is to help smooth the transition to college life for freshmen students. Undergraduates in FASP can choose from two levels of support. Students on the “Tier 1” receive more intensive support, including three meetings per week with a learning specialist to help them build cognitive skills, independence, and self-confidence. “Tier 2,” which is open to sophomores and transfers, offers similar resources but at a lower level of intensity

Sothern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
Students who enroll at SIU will have full access to on-campus disability support services. Unlike many other college programs of this kind, it does not charge, nor does it limit the amount of help students can receive. Through the program, they can take advantage of various services, including study tables, tutors, professional help, taped lectures, note takers, assistive technology and supplemental materials. Students can also make use of the school’s Achieve Program which is a free academic support program for those with learning disabilities.

Beacon College, Florida
Beacon College is another school in the U.S. that cater specifically to special needs students. The Beacon benefit is that students receive individual academic mentoring and full-time access to support services. Class sizes are small and everyone receives structured, individualized attention that can make tackling even difficult subjects much easier for anyone with learning disabilities. All Beacon faculty members are trained and proficient in meeting the needs of students who learn differently.

Lesley University, Massachusetts
Threshold at Lesley University is a college-based program for young adults with diverse learning differences. At Threshold, dorm living, student activities, and a curriculum focused on career training and independent living create a college experience that feels both authentic and supported. Students get support from caring faculty and staff at every step of their journey. We’re here for them during the two-year core program and after graduation through two programs that guide transition into the working world.

Marshell University, West Virginia
Marshall University is home to the West Virginia Autism Training Center, which offers a college program to individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome. Through this program, grad students help special needs participants improve their time management, complete assignments and develop better social and independent living skills.

University of Arizona, Tucson
Special needs students at the University of Arizona, Tucson are served by the Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques Center, usually called — quite simply — the SALT Center. The University of Arizona’s Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques Center was recently recognized as an international model for higher education institutions for students with learning and attention challenges. The UA center supports more than 550 students with ADHD or learning disabilities, both neurological disorders. Students can access tutoring and computer labs as well as workshops, to help with the transition. They are assigned a Strategic Learning Specialist, who will create a unique learning plan designed to help them succeed at a higher level in their college coursework. The center has enhanced academic support services in recent years, especially for high school students and those with autism spectrum disorder, a student population that is growing on college and university campuses

University of Iowa
The University of Iowa offers students with intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities access to the REACH program. Through it, participants get help with everything from coursework to life on campus, allowing them to build career skills, perform better academically and learn to live as independent adults. The University of Iowa REACH Program is a transition certificate program for college students with disabilities, such as autism, intellectual disabilities, and learning disabilities. UI REACH provides a Big Ten college experience and empowers young adults to become independent members of the community.

Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
Special needs students who want a top-notch tech education should check out RIT. The school offers LD and ADD students access to a learning development center and disability and learning support services, all of which provide assistance to any who need it. Participants meet with a learning specialist multiple times to improve organization, study skills and time management, and learn to become a better self-advocate.