Learning Differences Program (LD)
About the program
The Learning Differences program began in 1986 when parents of students with learning disabilities approached college officials and requested a program of special services for their children. To date, the Learning Differences Program has helped more than 250 students from every academic major to graduate.
Students with special needs who come to Mercyhurst are informed by the Admissions staff as well as by the LD service providers that they have options for meeting their special needs.
They may choose basic 504 services free (Level One), or they may opt for a structured package of services that go beyond reasonable accommodations (Level Two). The services involved on Level Two involve a fee.
Levels
Level One
In Level One, students are eligible to receive basic services free-of-charge as determined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These services include:
- Academic adjustments such as testing accommodations
- Auxiliary aids such as the Kurzweil Personal Reader and textbooks on tape
- Peer tutors
Level Two
The services provided at Level Two are available to learning disabled students who wish or need a more structured program. The Learning Differences program will provide these students with all services mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In addition, Level Two services provided by the Learning Differences program include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Summer program prior to the freshman year
- Supervised study hall each weekday
- Resource room staffed by a certified LD teacher
- Academic advising by certified professionals
- Advocacy training
- Support group meetings
- Networking through a student advisory group
- Note takers
- Midterm progress reports
- Special classes in writing and math
- Social activities
- Priority registration
- Individualized sessions in time management and study skills
Requirements
Level II services must present appropriate documentation at the same time they submit their application. This documentation must be in writing and from a licensed psychologist or a medical or professional equivalent. The college does not provide, nor pay for, diagnostic testing.
Staff
The Learning Differences Resource Center is staffed by a full-time administrator who has a master's degree in special education and administration and certified in special education. The Learning Differences Program staff also includes two graduate assistants.
Resource Center
The Learning Differences Program Resource Center, located on the fourth floor of the O'Neil Tower in Old Main, is designated as a distraction-free environment for students in the LD Program. The resource center includes tables, desks, computers and material on study skills and learning disabilities for the use of the students. Students drop in for help at any time during the day. They seek assistance from program staff in areas such as seeking needed accommodations for test taking, locating tutors and note takers and training in time management and study skills.