I’m the parent of a high-achieving high school senior with severe dyslexia who will be starting college next year. As we evaluate schools and disability support programs, we’re trying to make informed, research-based decisions about what effective college accommodations and services should realistically look like.

Specifically, we would appreciate any information about:

• Evidence-based accommodations that are most effective for college students with dyslexia

• Questions families should ask disability services offices

• Examples of strong support models or programs at universities, and

• Any checklists, templates, or guides you recommend.

We’re not seeking individual placement advice — just general guidance and resources so we can better understand what high-quality supports should include.

Thank you very much for your time and for any direction you’re able to provide.

Dr. Pierson’s Response:

You are asking very good questions!

It is difficult to specifically talk about evidence-based accommodations that are most effective for your son because student profiles differ. In general, students find text-to-speech,  speech-to-text programs, and editing/grammar software very helpful, and I am hoping that he has been given guidance in using these tools. Some schools have writing labs/support that students can reach out to. I have information here about software and apps.

https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/software-assistive-technology/

https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps/

Here are some more resources https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/dyslexics/living-with-dyslexia/school-college/.

Regarding questions to ask the college or university disability services office, your son should specifically understand his strengths and weaknesses, and then outline what he needs to be successful. You can then develop a set of questions to ask based on his needs. It also might be helpful if he can talk with other students with similar challenges.

I am not familiar with the programs for students with learning disorders at the various universities and colleges. The University of Arizona developed a program that was well regarded. https://www.salt.arizona.edu/ :

https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/latest/princeton-review-profiles-learning-disability-friendly-colleges/

We have links to resources at the bottom of this page. https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/dyslexics/living-with-dyslexia/school-college/

And these might be of interest –  

https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/dyslexics/living-with-dyslexia/school-college/learning-disability-help/

https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/parents/living-with-dyslexia/school/help-for-college-bound-child/.

Last, my friend, Dr. Michael Ryan has a lot of great information for students with dyslexia. https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/dyslexics/letter-from-dr-ryan/

Dr. Ryan walked the walk – he has dyslexia and spent his career working with individuals with dyslexia. https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/dyslexics/letter-from-dr-ryan/top-five-things-to-do-to-prepare-for-college-eleventh-grade/

He shares much more in his other pieces as well. Your son should take a look at them.

I hope this is helpful, and I wish your son the very best as he embarks on this next exciting chapter in his life!