Greetings!

Beginning college is a big step for anyone; and for dyslexic students, in particular it is important to advocate and have strategies to succeed in this new and challenging environment. Based on our work here at the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity we have some insights to share.

Working the System So It Works for You

Learn about the new responsibilities dyslexic students have in college
and how to seek out the help and services they deserve, from Judy York, Director of Resource Office on Disabilities at Yale University.

"The only person who will tell professors and administrators
about your dyslexia is you!"

-Judy York, Director, Resource Office on Disabilities, Yale University

It's a good thing too, to contact the disability contact person/office of the school you will attend in the fall. Making contact before you begin college is much better than the first week of school when everyone is trying to get appointments with everyone everywhere.

Remember, if you choose not to identify yourself as dyslexic they will not know you and your needs. If you have trouble with coursework and have not identified yourself as having a learning disability, you will be treated like any other student, no matter how much time and effort you have given to the class.

Click here to learn more.

Finding the Courage to Ask for Help

Allison Schwartz, a Ph.D. student, tells her own story of overcoming a fear of the stigma associated with extra time. She says, "I have two big regrets in college: not asking for extra time sooner, and letting labels dictate how I perceived myself."

Read more here.

Students Can Find the Support They Need

Kyle Redford, YCDC Education Editor, advises parents on overcoming their worries about academic support for their children. It's hard to fall through the cracks when comprehensive supports are in place; learn how Kyle's own dyslexic son reached college and took the initiative to explore new technology, work with the disabilities office, and seek out available learning support on his own.

Learn more here.

Morehouse College (photo by L. Waymer)

A College's Advice on the Transition

Brochures from the Disability Services Office at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA suggest to college students to "become knowledgeable and comfortable about describing your disability so you can advocate for yourself with faculty. Self-determination is one way of assuming responsibility by defining your goals, taking the initiative to implement the goals, and by accepting the outcomes."

In college, you will be responsible for advocating for yourself and finding study systems that work for you. "You must structure and plan your own study time. In college, time management, organization and general study skills take on an even greater importance."

Share your experiences with learning disabilities offices at colleges and universities. Click here to tell your story.

The Yale Center for

Dyslexia & Creativity

www.dyslexia.yale.edu

Stay Connected

Dyslexia is defined by an unexpected difficulty in learning to read. Dyslexia takes away an individual's ability to read quickly and automatically, and to retrieve spoken words easily, but it does not dampen their creativity and ingenuity.