Providing Learning Disabilities Services at Technical Colleges: A New Challenge

An overview of the needs of postsecondary students with learning disabilities in technical colleges is provided, based on data gathered during 12 months of on-site technical assistance provided to five Connecticut technical colleges. Data suggest that institutional planning was a high-priority need, followed by information on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, inservice education for faculty/staff, and admissions and intake procedures. Across sites, there was variation in the key campus facilitator (e.g., the Dean of Students, the Dean of Instruction, Counseling Center personnel). A comparison of two-year community colleges and technical colleges on selected variables offers insight into some important differences that service providers should consider in the areas of admissions criteria, student coursework in high school, curriculum, methods of instruction, and faculty credentials and characteristics. Characteristics of learning-disabled students who meet the technical standards for admission to a technical college are listed. Includes four references. (JDD)