FAQ’s – Parents

1. Which colleges are the best for students with learning disabilities?

It would be impossible for anyone to rank colleges and universities in such a way. First, as you may already have learned years ago, the term learning disability is a catch-all phrase that describes a vast array of major impediments to learning. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA, each college and university is required to provide academic adjustments (i.e., accommodations) to ensure that students with learning disabilities can have access to their programs. However, there are many colleges and universities that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide a variety of programs and services to better serve students with learning disabilities. If you believe your child would benefit from a more intense program of services, it will be necessary to research the various colleges and universities providing these services to determine which best fits your child’s needs. The University of Findlay offers free services to students with disabilities. 

2. What kinds of housing options are there for my child in college?
At The University of Findlay, the Office of Disability Services, along with the Office of Student Services, will work to ensure the provision of accessible on-campus housing for any student diagnosed with a disability (and registered with the Office of Disability Services). If, in the opinion of the University, a student’s disability requires being housed in a single room, the extra fee for a single room will be waived, and the standard room rate will be charged.

Please notify the Office of Student Services (in writing) of a special housing request at least three months prior to the beginning of the semester in which the accommodation is needed. Although requests submitted after this deadline will be considered, accommodation options will decrease as the beginning of the semester arrives.

3. Does the college have a set up to handle students with food allergies?

If you are going to use campus dining services meal plans, then it is important to discuss this issue with the Office of Disability Services well in advance to ensure that your child’s needs can be met under the meal plan. Documentation from a medical doctor will be required to make such adjustments.

4. Can we visit the disabled student office on our college tour?

If you are planning to visit campus, please notify the office prior to your visit so we can discuss your future as a UF student. Please call the Director at 419-434-5532 or e-mail ods@findlay.edu

5. My child has an IEP/504 Plan. Why isn’t that good enough for college?

An IEP or 504 Plan addresses your child’s needs in the K-12 educational program. Postsecondary education is a totally different arena. Almost everything about the postsecondary system is different from what you’ve experienced before. This includes how a college may address your child’s needs for accessing its educational program and the information it needs to accomplish this. While the IEP or 504 Plan may provide the disabled student services office with some of what it will need, additional information may be required. This chart gives a general overview of the differences in the various laws: http://www.postitt.org/transition_topics/pu_compare.htm See the additional information below about the IDEA, ADA and civil rights.

6. My child will need some extra help to understand the class material. Can someone help him with that?

The short answer is possibly, more than likely probably; however, you may have to pay for it yourself. Because of Federal guidelines, colleges are not mandated to provide tutorial services to ensure access to their educational programs. Often, colleges provide tutorial services to all their students and, if so, they must ensure that the tutorial programs are accessible. Because of the wide range and variety of tutorial services offered by colleges, this would be a mandatory issue to bring up to the colleges your child is considering to attend.

7. How does my son get special arrangements for the SAT?

You must make arrangements with Educational Testing Services (ETS) who administer the SAT. Usually, the high school officials who have been working with your son or the school official responsible for administering the SAT should have all the information necessary and should be assisting with the process. Of course, you could contact ETS directly to find out what would be necessary. You should plan on this well in advance of any scheduled administration of the exam.

8. We just bought an adapted laptop for our daughter with a physical disability. Can the college help pay for any special equipment for her?

The college is responsible for ensuring that their programs and activities are accessible to students with disabilities. If this means that physical modifications are needed such as a raised desk or lowered laboratory table, then the college takes care of that. Special equipment of a personal nature is not necessarily paid for by a college. However, the distinctions between modified equipment for accessibility and personal special equipment can vary so it is always best to discuss these issues with the disabled student services personnel at the college. If your daughter is a client of Vocational Rehabilitation, she should be discussing these issues with her counselor as well.