Wow, Idris, that is TERRIFIC-- when I did a very similar thing at the university where I worked-- identifying ESOL learners who appeared to have LD and who had been admitted to the university, often sponsored by their countries, I was similarly successful in helping students get accommodations who otherwise would have failed out of school. However, rather than seeing it as a successful effort,  I was accused of beating the bushes for persons with LD!!  The university was not  happy to have to accommodate them.    I am happy for you and the students that your school did not similarly protest your helping those who did not self identify but who so richly deserved the help your project offered them.     

Robin Lovrien Schwarz 


 


 

-----Original Message-----
From: Idris Muhammad <MUHAMMI at dbcc.edu>
To: Learningdisabilities at nifl.gov
Sent: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 2:05 pm
Subject: [LearningDisabilities 1685]  Testing for LD













Hello Rochelle,


 


I forgot to tell you about what we do here at Daytona Beach College (DBC).  About six years ago, I petitioned DBC's Planning Council to fund a trial program to test students that are (1) "good students" that exhibit characteristics of learning disabilities, (2) but who were never tested or diagnosed for LDs, (3) who demonstrate a financial need for test assistance, and (4) who are recommended by instructors that have first-hand knowledge of their learning problems.  The strategy that I used was to challenge the College's goal of ensuring student success.  I argued that if DBC’s open door policy ensured easy access to the college and its programs and services, then the college was honor-bound to ensure that it students achieved success in those programs and services.  I also argued that as an open door institution, DBC as well as other community colleges would attract a disparately greater numbers of students with undiagnosed learning disabilities, than other postsecondary institutions.  Through the Planning Council, the College put $15,000 non-recurring funds in the budget for Student Disability Services (SDS) to use to test students on a trial basis.  The first year was a resounding success and SDS was able to provide several previously undiagnosed students with reasonable accommodations and or concentrated academic/career advisement and support.  Due to the success we achieved in testing students, I petitioned the Planning Council the following year to increase the funding for LD testing and to fund the program with recurring funds.  Currently, SDS receives $24,500 in recurring funds to continue testing students, with or without disabilities

Respectfully yours,

Idris A. Muhammad, Director
Student Disability Services
(386) 506-3076
muhammi at dbcc.edu



 


 


 


Respectfully yours,

Idris A. Muhammad, Director
Student Disability Services
(386) 506-3076
muhammi at dbcc.edu

 





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