College Education is Not Out of Reach for Students with Learning Disabilities

Not long ago, it was rare for young adults with Down syndrome, autism, attention deficit disorder or other forms of developmental or learning disabilities to have access to a college education.

But today, a college experience is possible for those students.

Learning and Success Academy was founded about seven years ago as Elmhurst Life Skills Academy. It is a four-year, full-time program that provides academic instruction, work experience and social activities, including clubs and intramural sports, for students with special challenges.

The program also provides courses on time management and independent living skills to help these young adults learn to live as independently as possible. Community service, which helps connect students to the community, is another aspect of the program.

ELSA will host an at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the college's Cureton Hall. Director of Special Education LuEllen Doty will provide an overview of the program, which is for adults ages 18 to 25.

According to a Chicago Tribune article, Elmhurst College is one of a number of Midwest colleges offering such programs. ELSA has graduated 19 students, and 24 are presently enrolled. Graduates have landed jobs in recreation, photography and retail sales.

The program strengthens students' abilities in the core subjects—math, reading, writing—but also emphasizes technology and computer careers through job shadowing and internships, according to the college's web site. A list of required courses can be found here.

"Instruction in personal finance is integrated throughout the program," the web site states, as are skills in budgeting, household management, personal care and use of public transportation.

While students do not earn a degree, they receive college transcripts, a certificate of completion and help in finding a job.

Students who enroll in the program must have a high school diploma or certificate of high school completion. They can apply for residency in a nearby assisted-living apartment through Monarch Living, run by the

For more information about the information session, call (630) 617-3752 or send an e-mail to elsa@elmhurst.edu. For updates on Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy, follow its Facebook page.