July 23, 1999

KU A TOP SCHOOL FOR THE LEARNING DISABLED, SURVEY SAYS

LAWRENCE -- A nationwide survey of high school guidance counselors has listed the University of Kansas as one of the top schools for the learning disabled.

The Kaplan Newsweek College Catalog 2000, published this summer, cited the university for its "superior programs and services."

KU also was singled out as a top school for superior athletic programs and for offering the "best value for your tuition dollar."

"Midwestern guidance counselors say that KU is a 'big school with a much smaller feel' because of the personal attention given to each student," the Kaplan catalog reported. The university's "beautiful campus" atop Lawrence's Mount Oread also was mentioned.

KU's Services for Students With Disabilities office aids nearly 500 students each semester who request assistance. About 160 have learning disabilities, such as reading comprehension and writing problems. The university does not waive any admissions or graduation requirements for students with any disabilities, including learning disabilities. The office also provides services for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, visually impaired, have mobility and dexterity limitations, attention deficit disorders and other medical problems.

Common services include asking professors to allow a student extra time to complete an exam or to take a student's writing disabilities into consideration. The office often tape-records classroom handouts or seeks permission for the student to tape lectures. It also arranges for volunteer notetakers and arranges for students to dictate exam answers to volunteer aides. Services offered are based on each individual's diagnosis and characteristics. A student's disability is kept confidential.

The Kaplan Newsweek College Catalog reviews and rates more than 1,100 colleges and universities in the U.S.

Contact: Todd Cohen, University Relations, (785) 864-8858 or mail to: tcohen@ukans.edu

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