Navigating post-secondary with LD or ADHD.
College and university can be a fresh start — but only if you set yourself up with the right supports from day one. Here's what to know.
What changes after high school
Post-secondary is different from K-12 in some important ways. There's no automatic IEP follow-through. Teachers don't track your progress. Accommodations don't happen unless you ask for them.
The good news: every Manitoba post-secondary institution has an Accessibility Services office (sometimes called Disability Services or Student Accessibility Services). Their job is to make sure students with disabilities — including LD and ADHD — get what they need.
Common accomodations
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Extra time on exams and assignments
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Quiet exam rooms or alternate testing locations
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Note-taking support or audio recording of lectures
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Text-to-speech or speech-to-text software
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Reduced course load with full-time status
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Regular check-ins with manager for priority-setting
How to set up accommodations
Contact Accessibility Services
Every institution has one. Find them on your school's website or through the registrar. Best to register before classes start.
1.
Provide documentation
A psycho-educational assessment or letter from a doctor or psychologist confirming your diagnosis is usually required.
2.
Meet to plan
You'll meet with an accessibility advisor to design accommodations that fit your program and needs.
3.
Tips for thriving
Start early
Register with Accessibility Services before classes begin. Accommodations can take weeks to set up.
Build your support team
Tutors, counsellors, study groups, family — your network matters. Don't try to figure it all out alone.
Talk to your instructors
Once approved, share your accommodation letter with each instructor early in the term. You don't have to share your diagnosis — just your approved accommodations.
Use assistive technology
Apps like Read&Write, Otter.ai, and Forest can change how you study. Many are free or may be covered by your school.
How LDAM helps
Counselling can help you process academic stress and self-advocate. Body doubling can help you tackle study sessions and assignments alongside others. Reach out — we work with post-secondary students every year.