Specific Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities (LD) are generally identified when an individual’s achievement, as measured on individually administered standardized tests, is substantially below that expected given the person’s chronological age, measured intelligence, and age-appropriate education.  Learning disabilities affect an individual’s ability to store, effectively process, and/or transmit information to others.  Students with hidden disabilities like LD make up one of SOAR’s largest populations.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders

Like the population of students with learning disabilities who utilize accommodations through the Student Office for Accessibility Resources, students with AD/HD make up a large portion of the students. There are three types of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders.

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Students with Hearing Impairments

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neutrotypical disorders characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication. The first section outlines some things you might notice when working with students on the Autism Spectrum. The second section covers some common strengths and weaknesses as well as some strategies that you can implement to work with students most effectively. It is important to note that not all students on the Autism Spectrum are the same and the information below is meant to provide a general overview that we hope will be useful to you.

Information below adapted from Rochester Institute of Technology.

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Students with Visual Impairments

Students with Psychological Disabilities

The number of students identifying with a psychological disability is increasing on college campuses. Some individuals arrive at college with a pre-diagnosed disability while others are identified for the first time with a psychological disability due to the typical age of onset occurring during the college years.

Student with Chronic Health Impairments

Colleges across the country are seeing an increase in the number of students with various chronic health impairments. Students with this kind of disability present a variety of characteristics and needs.