The Opportunity Development Center, Vanderbilt University

College Students with Learning Disabilities

Suggestions for College Students with Learning Disabilities

If you know that you have a learning disability and can substantiate your claim, talk to your instructors before the semester begins.
If you think that you may have a specific learning disability, but aren't sure, contact the Opportunity Development Center at 2-4705 (V/TDD).
Set realistic goals and priorities for course work.
Keep only one calendar with all relevant dates, assignments, and appointments.
Use a tape recorder during lectures. Selectively tape-record key points, using the "pause" switch.
Listen to the tape as soon after class as possible to refresh your memory, then reorganize your notes.
Make notes of any questions you might have so that they can be answered before the next exam.
Sit toward the front of the classroom to maximize your eye contact and to reduce distractions.
Estimate how long a given class assignment will take, generally planning on two hours outside of class for every hour in class. Build in study breaks, as fatigue is a big time waster.
If you are having trouble, seek campus support help early in the semester.

The complete brochure contains more information about what a learning disability is, what the common characteristics of learning disabilities may be, and it offers suggestions for helping all students to succeed in the classroom.

Opportunity Development Center
P.O. Box 1809, Station B
Nashville, TN 37235
(615) 322-4705 (V/TDD)

This site is best viewed with Netscape 2.0 or greater.
Created by Vanderbilt University Publications & Design.
Copyright 1997. Updated 9-16-97 by webmaster..