Learning Disability Questions and Answers

LD-related Questions and Answers

This forum on LD is updated on a regular basis and is maintained by ODS Learning Disabilities Coordinator Okie Hrycak.

I. "LD 101"

1. What is a learning disability?
2. What is ADD?
3. I'm a professor and one of my students has self-identified a learning disability to me.  What should my expectations be for this student?
4. I find that as assignment and exam deadlines collide, I can't be as productive because I feel such stress.  Any suggestions?
    

II.  Screening, Testing, and Diagnosis

1. I’m ready to be evaluated for a possible LD.  How should I go about finding the right clinician for me?
2. It takes me twice as long to read assignments and I never have enough time to finish tests. Do you think I have a learning disability?
3. What happens if I get tested and find out I don't have an LD?
4. I'm a Writing Fellow and one of my clients has a problem with transitions and spelling. I think that she may have an undiagnosed LD. What should I do?
5. I'm a current Barnard student and would like to have an evaluation for a possible learning disability (LD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). It's so expensive. Who is responsible for paying for the evaluation?
   

III. ODS "101"

1. If I have an LD, what kind of support does ODS offer?
2. What is the role of the LD Coordinator?
3. What additional resources are available to LD students at Barnard?
4. I know that ODS has an Early Self-Identification Policy, but shouldn't I wait until after midterms to see if I need accommodations?
5. I'm a high school guidance counselor and would like information regarding recommendations and options for students with learning disabilities and some specific insight into Barnard policies.
6. Help! Half of the semester is finished and I'm feeling overwhelmed about what I have to accomplish before finals. What should I do?
7. I've just been accepted to Barnard, and I have a learning disability.  What's the procedure for receiving accommodations for my disability?

IV. Grab Bag: an ODS Assortment of Miscellaneous Questions

1. I seem to procrastinate with all written work.  What can I do about it?