Did you know that Owens Community College (OCC) offers disability services designed to help students with ADHD be more successful?
According to Christopher Hendricks of the Owens Community College Disability Resource Center (DRC), “Over 900 students take advantage of our resources each year.” The DRC offers accommodations and resources that can help students succeed both academically and personally.
Using the services at Owens Community College offers a great deal of benefits such as academic support, personalized accommodations, access to valuable resources, and stress relief.
One of the primary benefits of using disability services at Owens Community College is the academic support provided through personalized learning plans. According to Christopher Hendricks “The Disability Resource Center (DRC) at Owens works with students to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) just like high schools do. They can tailor accommodations to each student’s unique needs. This can include strategies to improve focus, organization, and time management, which are often challenging areas for students with ADHD.”
Additionally, the DRC offers specialized tutoring and workshops on study skills. These resources can help students develop effective study habits and learn techniques for managing their time more efficiently. For example, students might receive one-on-one tutoring sessions focused on breaking down complex assignments into manageable tasks, or they might get counseling on note-taking strategies and exam preparation.
The disability services at Owens Community College also provide a range of personalized accommodations that address specific learning barriers. Hendricks explains that “extended time on testing and being able to take tests in the testing center with no distractions” are two of the most common accommodations that students take advantage of. Students with ADHD may struggle to maintain attention during lectures while simultaneously taking detailed notes, so students can also take advantage of recording devices so they can focus on listening to the professor.
Tools such as speech-to-text software, organizational apps, and using digital planners can help students with ADHD manage their tasks more effectively and reduce the stress of juggling many tasks at once and add to the student’s ability to manage their time more effectively. With three full-time staff in the DRC at Owens, someone is available to help students- even on short notice.
Moreover, the DRC provides access to quiet testing areas. For students with ADHD, finding a distraction-free environment can be important for maintaining focus. In addition to academic support and accommodations, the DRC at Owens Community College offers access to a variety of resources that can enhance a student’s college experience. Workshops and seminars on topics such as coping strategies, 2mental health, and academic success provide students with valuable information and skills, according to the Disability Resource Center webpage on the Owens website.
Counseling Services are another critical resource provided Owens Community College. Managing ADHD symptoms can be stressful and overwhelming and having access to psychological support can make a significant difference in a student’s well-being. Counseling can help students develop coping strategies, address any co-existing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and provide a safe space to discuss their challenges, as noted on the Counseling Services webpage on the Owens website.
Using the DRC at Owens Community College can lead to enhanced overall well-being for students with ADHD. One significant benefit is the reduction of stress and anxiety associated with academic pressures. By receiving accommodations and support and simply knowing that they are not alone, this can help students feel more in control of their academic experience. This reduction in stress can lead to improved mental health and a more positive outlook on their college experience.
Utilizing the DRC at Owens Community College offers numerous benefits for students with ADHD and other disabilities. These services provide essential academic support, personalized accommodations, access to valuable resources, and contribute to enhanced overall well-being. By taking advantage of these resources, students with ADHD can help themselves succeed.
Do you struggle? Maybe it’s time to set up an appointment to see if you qualify for services. According to Christopher Hendricks,“The first meeting usually takes around an hour.” That’s a small amount of time to invest if you’re feeling that you might need help. If you’re curious about their services, please visit Owens Disability Resource Center at their webpage.
