Bernard B. Rinella, Jr. Learning Center


Doug Green Coordinator of Learning Disabilities Services	Mark Gross Learning Specialist, Learning Disabilities Services

The Office of Learning Disabilities Services is one of five units of the Bernard B. Rinella, Jr. Learning Center within the Division of Student Affairs. The Office of Learning Disabilities Services supports students with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorders and provides services designed to ensure access to university programs and activities. Support staff work with faculty and other university and community resources to ensure that each student’s disability related needs are met.

Our Goals:

* To create a positive college experience for students with Learning Disabilities and ADD/ADHD.
* To help prepare students with Learning Disabilities and ADD/ADHD for meaningful life and career choices.

Our Objectives:

* To encourage student independence
* To maximize the educational potential of each individual student

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONCERNING SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES AND ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

In all cases it is essential that students provide sufficient documentation, in accordance with the requirements of university policy that identifies and quantifies the disability for which accommodations are being sought. Documentation guidelines can be accessed in the Student Handbook or Online at:

Documentation Guidelines

Q. Does Miami University have a structured program for students with Learning Disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Disorder?

A. No. Miami University offers services to students with LD and/or ADD in order to assure equal access to class material. Students must take primary responsibility to seek out and request services having submitted documentation in accordance with university policy and procedures to verify appropriate diagnosis.

Q. I have received accommodations in high school. Am I automatically qualified to receive similar accommodations at the college level?

A. No. Public Law 94-142, the law that many students receive accommodations under in high school, does not apply beyond high school graduation. In order to qualify for accommodations at the college level, you must provide evidence of a condition that “substantially limits a major life function.”

Q. I was identified early in high school and have the testing from then. Can I use it for college?

A. Not necessarily. University policy states that testing must be recent and use measures that have been standardized on an adult population. Recent is usually interpreted as being completed within the past three years. It may be necessary, in some cases, to be retested.

Q. I take medication for my Attention Deficit Disorder. Am I entitled to services and accommodations?

A. Again, not necessarily. In order to qualify as an individual with a disability under the ADA, documentation must be provided to show that the individual is substantially limited in a major life function. Here, the term “substantially” is interpreted as being “severe.” Documentation must identify and address the substantial limitations(s) within the context of the learning environment. If it is determined that there is documentation of a substantial limitation, then reasonable and appropriate services and accommodations can be accessed.

Q. Do students with Learning Disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Disorder have access to tutoring?

A. Yes, Miami University supports one of the most comprehensive tutoring assistance programs of any public university. The tutoring assistance program (TAP) is available to all registered university students. Each semester the TAP provides in excess of 5000 hours of individual and group tutoring. Additionally, Supplemental Instruction (SI) is offered in many 100 and 200 level courses that have been determined to be at an increased level of difficulty for all students.

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