While the number of students with disabilities who attend college is at an historic high (about 11% nationally at the undergraduate level), students with LD, ADHD, Asperger’s, anxiety, depression and related learning issues encounter bigger barriers in college than students without disabilities. This can include 1) higher drop-out rates, 2) taking on average one extra year to graduate, 3) high levels of stress due to decreased structure and increased demands on independent learning, and 4) new decisions about using formal accommodations such as extended test time.
To help students and families prepare for these challenges, CRG has launched the “Got BOUNCE?” workshop, which we now offer every spring and fall. We hosted this for the second time on April 23, 2015, to an enthusiastic group of high school and college students, their parents, and educators. A highlight was the student panel in which Naomi and Dean (high school students) and Meaghan and Nick (college students) described some of their educational or personal challenges and the steps they have taken to “bounce back” from these experiences. The following comments captured audience reaction to this powerful evening of learning and inspiration:
“The students were very impressive. I appreciated how open and honest they were.”
“This evening was worth every penny, every minute.”
“It [the workshop] was amazing and made me feel hope for my boys and my family.”
“I am so proud of all the student speakers. They are life smart, too. Please tell them how thankful I am and how funny they are!”
Check back on our website and look for future emails about the fall offering of “Got BOUNCE.” CRG is privileged to work with extraordinarily resilient people. This workshop helps us celebrate this quality in students and to honor their hard work on this part of their life journey.
