College Essay Tips: Supporting Students with Disabilities

Every so often a colleague sends a question I haven’t seen before. The good thing about having a time-tested process is that even if I haven’t answered that precise question, I can always offer something. Here’s one that came in last fall:

I will be working with a student who is high functioning and has been mainstreamed, but I don’t know about his writing ability. I’ve looked online for how to guide someone during the essay process who has Downs Syndrome but haven’t found anything yet. Do you have some guidance you’d be willing to share with me?

This was my response:

I have not specifically worked with a student with Downs, but I think that our general advice for guiding students with any kind of disability or learning challenge applies.

First, you want to make sure this student has an appropriate college list. Once you have that in hand, ask how he manages reading and writing tasks in school now. Students who have strategies to accommodate their needs will be much more successful in the application process and in college.

Then use those strategies – let him teach you how to guide him. That leads to a feeling of empowerment and partnership. He is the expert on his learning and experiences. You are the expert on the application process.

The Wow Method works with any kind of student because the principles behind it are solid. You know your students and you know what makes your practice or school unique. Your strengths and experience, coupled with a solid step-by-step process can help you succeed in almost any situation. If  you don’t already have a copy of our ten steps, download yours today. 

Susan Knoppow is CEO of Wow Writing Workshop. She can be reached at susan@wowwritingworkshop.com