Community College and Learning disabilities.?

Question

Do you think some kids with LD sould not even go
to a community college? In 1979 I tried to go to
Columbus State Community College and took remedial courses in reading and math.I had trouble
and when I disclosed I had LD,The instructor told
me to withdraw from her class and drop out of CSCC. Said I had no right coming to CSCC.
I told higher up about what happened,I was told
it was the college's policy to discourage LD from
attending CSCC. They never will be able to do
college level work let alone have a real job.
I will never give that place my business again.
I was in sped all through school and no one ever
taught me how to read well,do math,study for tests
etc. Why do I blame myself? It is not my fault I had
LD. Do you think I had the right to take the remedial
reading class?

Answer 1

Since the adoption of IDEA (Individual with Disabilities Education Act) a college or university must allow you to have the same modifications and accommodations that were allowed on your IEP, no matter how long ago it was.

Things have changed since 1979 and hopefully we are a lot more enlightened now. IDEA was passed in 1975 but Iam sure that colleges and universities were the last ones to implement it. Now every community college and university must have an office that assists students with learning disabilities.

My suggestion is to take any paperwork that you still have and go to a community college for advisement. You cannot be denied entrance to a community college and you may actually be able to get some assistance from their special needs office. I don't know what that is called at your CC, that is why I suggest you go for advisement.

You write well and that shows that you can learn to read well given some strategies to use. No, it is not your fault that you have LD.

There are many high paying jobs that do not require perfect reading. Since most repair and technical jobs are paying more money than some jobs that require a college degree, you might want to check out what is available at your school district's tech schools. My plumber makes $120.00 per hour which is a heck of a lot more than I make!

Answer 2

In 1979, learning disabilities were not well known or well understood. It was common practice to discourage individuals with disabilities from attending college (and even public school, depending on the severity of the disability). Times have changed fortunately and there are a lot more services and support for college students with LD. First, college students with disabilities can and do receive assistance under the American with Disabilities Act. Now days most colleges have a disabilities student service coordinator. Once you have applied and been admitted to a college contact their DSS person and see what kind of documentation you will need to receive services. However, given the fact that you were in high school so long ago you may need to get an evaluation to prove that you do indeed have a disability. Just simply telling the college, "I have a disability, give me services" isn't good enough - you must have proof.

Back then you had the right to go to CSCC, and to receive accommodations under the Section 504: Rehabilitation Act of 1974. See http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/sec504.index.htm

However like I mentioned previously, LD was basically unheard of and it would have been a constant uphill battle to prove to the college that you needed accommodations.

Now days, community colleges are generally the best places to remedial assistance and I can guarantee that CSCC has changed their policies about students with LD and probably offer a wide range of services and classes to meet your needs. And more than likely that nasty professor who told you to leave is probably long gone.

Answer 3

Thank God there have been alot of improvements in the thinking of our educational system since 1979. Today treatment like that is discriminatory and punishable by law. You have every right to go to school. Most have disability assistance programs to give people extra help. Though you do need to pick and choose as some are better than others.

Answer 4

I do think that you had that right, because the remedial reading class is designed for people who are LD, or hasn't been to school in a while. This was obvious descrimination under the Disabilities Act. I would sue them, but it is too late. No college should descrimnate on the basis of race, nat origin, religion, disabilities etc.

Answer 5

You have the right to attend a community college and to take a remedial class. Things have changed a lot since 1979. Why not give it another try? You are still the one who has to do the work. I'll bet you have had a real job, too, haven't you?

Answer 6

Speak up! Fight your own battles! When kids used to taunt in the schoolyard, your friends would gather around to stick up for you. Now, on the college campus, it's your chance to stick up for yourself -- to fight for the accommodations that you require to succeed as a college student with learning disabilities. Through grade school and high school, your parents and your special education teachers fought for you. With your interests at heart, they spoke up on your behalf, helping you get the services you needed to thrive.

Now it is time for you to learn how to advocate for yourself, to support yourself, to reach your full potential in college, where there are large classes, less interaction with professors, and the expectation that you will manage your own study time. You must speak up! Here are some suggestions for easing the transition from depending on others to being your own advocate.

Know Your Rights

It's natural to feel uncomfortable discussing your learning disability and to worry about how professors will react. Perhaps they don't believe that learning disabilities even exist, or maybe they have a child with learning disabilities and completely understand your situation. In either case, you are not alone. If you a planning to attend a college with an enrollment of 25,000 students, then approximately 550 of those students have learning disabilities, writes Howard Eaton in his book Self Advocacy. Remember that you are not asking for a favor; you are asking for a right that is guaranteed by the federal government. As a person with learning disabilities, you are entitled to receive certain accommodations. In fact, the Americans with Disabilities Act says, no discrimination should take place against anybody who is disabled. This includes persons with learning disabilities. Colleges are required to allow you an equal opportunity for success. Your job is to work hard to take advantage of that opportunity.

Best of luck

Answer 7

Once you get in to the community college, you will not need SAT scores to transfer to a university. You will just need your community college transcript.

Answer 8

the only limits a person has are the ones they put on themselves and those thrust upon them by people who are afraid of those with special needs this school is guilty of discrimantion and they should never been allowed to get away with this you can do whatever you set your mind to do and should be allowed to prove yourself

Answer 9

They cant refuse you, they have to follow the IEP from high school and grant accommodations. Already was told that by my child's counselor.