My husband is dyslexic and he definitely enjoyed attending a small liberal arts school, Haverford College, that was great with accommodating him. If you are simply too anxious to sit down and write the application essay, record yourself as you talk to a trusted friend or mentor about your hopes and dreams. Often, the ideas are all there but the format of the application essay is just too intimidating. Remember, you only need to answer the essay question, not write great literature! Be true to yourself and your brilliance will shine through. For more advice, visit www.thehonesteditor.com.
Jennifer Millmanof NY8:05PM October 31, 2012
In response to the mother of the 30-year-old son who has dyslexia and wants to go to college but has limited funds, I recommend that he begin his academic pursuit at a Community College. He should contact the college's Disability Support Services office (different schools often have different names for this department). Students who have a documented learning difference receive academic accommodations at most colleges.
There are many benefits of attending a community college for students who learn differently. First, no SAT/ACT scores requirement. Second, the cost is very minimal, and most offer "convenient payment plans." Also, class sizes are typically smaller than those at larger state colleges. Lastly, your son will learn how to self-advocate and will receive a tremendous amount of support from very dedicated faculty and staff.
My son, who is 20, also has dyslexia. He attended our local community college for two years and had an incredible experience. His last semester there, he made the Dean's List and received an invitation to join their Renaissance Scholars Honors program. He has since transferred to Loyola University Maryland (he was accepted in to 4 of the 5 universities he applied to) and is doing very well. Loyola has many supports in place for him; they want him to succeed as much as he does.
I also encourage you to look in to the assistive technology that is out there for students such as our sons. And once your son is accepted into a 4 year school later on, you can certainly do as we had to do: "Student Loans!"
My last advice is that you contact the International Dyslexia Association at www.interdys.org to obtain additional information and resources. Good luck, and tell your son to never give up!
Carolyn McAllisterof MD10:09AM September 23, 2012
MY son is 30, was diagnosed with dyslexia 25 years ago. He would like to attend college, funds are basically non-existent, but he is incredibly smart an unbelievable ability to memorize things. Are there programs to help people with dyslexia move forward?
Patof CO12:46AM May 30, 2012
It's not just the the testing agencies that administer the college entrance exams, there are a pleural of certification test and exams for professionals out there that don't accommodate for the dyslexic population.
My son recently failed a 225 question insurance agent certification test, at $150.00 a pop, that required he, in advance, go through numerous verifications of his learning difference , in advance, by a certain deadline previous to the test.
His lack of understanding the parameters, or having the necessary documentation, led him to simply "tough it out". He failed but he is persevering and will take it again to obtain his certification. Again, for $150.00.
I hope that the awareness that the burden to obtain federally mandated accommodations through the ADA is lessened for this dyslexic population with this new drive by the colleges to help this population. But, also, industry and business need to also follow suit to truly address this dyslexic discrimination.
Kasia Kesslerof CA6:11PM November 12, 2011
I am currently a law student who has been identified as dyslexic since I was in kindergarten. As a student in public middle school I definitely struggled and was a product of "tracking". However, my struggles soon departed after I entered The Gow School an all boys boarding school for dyslexia in Buffalo, NY. At Gow I learned to cope with my dyslexia by starting to use technology and the Reconstructive Language classes I took. But most importantly I gained confidence in life. I am positive that if I did enroll in Gow I would not have graduated college. And I definitely would not have been prepared enough to succeed in college enough that I could enter law school. Gow prepared me for college and life. Those who know someone diagnosed with dyslexia should really give Gow a look.
Williamof VT9:17AM November 03, 2011
Don't forget American sign language as an expanding option at some universities as an alternative to a foreign language. My son was allowed to take it at the local community college during summer sessions away from his primary university.
Gary Martinof IL6:51PM October 19, 2011
The comment thread here sounds themes voiced by countless members of Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic) who describe dyslexia as a variation that is part of who they are rather than a disability to be fought with and subdued. Students who learn differently can be remarkably successful when provided with alternative ways of accessing the content needed to succeed in school. It's great that a shift in awareness is taking place in college environments; we also know that so much more needs to be done to bring K-12 settings up to a level where assistive technology and accessible content accommodations for students with learning differences are universally understood and part of the daily atmosphere. Dr. Shaywitz herself is a valued member of Learning Ally's national board of directors. Visit www.LearningAlly.org to learn more.
Doug Spreiof DC3:39PM October 03, 2011
Lori -- Thought this article might be useful. Charlotte
Lori Bellof VA12:36PM October 03, 2011
These tips are really helpful. It is encouraging to see that college administrators are willing to recognize that dyslexic students can have many strengths and can contribute to the campus community. Providing testing accommodations or test optional schools can really benefit these students. I was pleased to see that Dickinson college in Carlisle PA has a station set up in the library with computers loaded with Kurzweil software and scanners.
My son uses assistive technology to compensate for his reading and writing difficulties and has been writing about the resources he finds helpful " "www.Bdmtech.blogspot.com"... sadly his high school resists the use of assistive technology. It sounds like colleges will be more welcoming.
Kof NJ6:39PM October 01, 2011
I am not sure that Shawitz is right about the IQ/reading ability for non-dyslexic readers. If I remember correctly, decoding ability IS NOT related to IQ, but reading comprehension is for students without dyslexia.
The necessity of a recent evaluation a barrier to getting accommodations for some college students. These evaluations are costly, and many colleges do not provide this kind of testing.
Reader Comments
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Jennifer Millman of NY 8:05PM October 31, 2012
Carolyn McAllister of MD 10:09AM September 23, 2012
Pat of CO 12:46AM May 30, 2012
Kasia Kessler of CA 6:11PM November 12, 2011
William of VT 9:17AM November 03, 2011
Gary Martin of IL 6:51PM October 19, 2011
Doug Sprei of DC 3:39PM October 03, 2011
Lori Bell of VA 12:36PM October 03, 2011
K of NJ 6:39PM October 01, 2011
Jane Hood of NM 5:26PM September 29, 2011