Applying To The Learning Disabilities Program

Learning Disabilities Program through the Banacos Academic Center

More information on the Learning Disabilities Program

You’ve got what it takes, but everyone needs a little assistance sometimes. That’s why we’re here to help you with access, academics, succeeding in college, and life. Read more about opportunities through our Learning Disabilities Program and our LEAD Scholars Program, formerly known as the Urban Education Program.

Westfield State University makes every effort to provide an enriching educational experience for qualified students with learning disabilities in the Banacos Academic Center. Since 1979, the Learning Disabilities Program has had a distinguished record of success in providing free, comprehensive academic support to undergraduate students with learning disabilities or ADHD.

Massachusetts state law (M.G.I. Chapter 15A, Sec. 30) allows SAT scores to be waived for all students with documented learning disabilities. Additionally, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education allows students to substitute two college preparatory electives for the two required foreign language courses. Although by state law students are not required to disclose a learning disability, freshman applicants who wish to receive the SAT and/or foreign language waiver, special consideration in the admission process and comprehensive academic support after enrollment, must submit a copy of complete diagnostic testing (psycho-educational assessment).

Diagnostic testing, which includes both a cognitive and an achievement test, should have been administered within the last three years. Preferred tests include the WAIS-III or WAIS-IV (cognitive tests) together with any achievement test used by your school system, OR the complete Woodcock Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery (comprised of both cognitive and achievement tests). All diagnostic materials received will be kept confidential and will be used only within guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Applicants who submit a reflective personal statement and two academic recommendations will receive preferential review.  Applicants are also strongly encouraged to submit the most recent IEP or 504 plan.  Freshman applicants may be required to interview with the staff of the Learning Disabilities Program.

Please note: Applicants who have been diagnosed with ADHD and not with a learning disability should send in their SAT scores if they wish to be reviewed for general admission.

PRIORITY DEADLINE for applications to the Learning Disabilities Program is February 1.

SAT and/or Foreign Language Waiver

Students with documented learning disabilities who do not want to be considered for Westfield's Learning Disabilities Program can choose to apply through the general admission process by selecting the option to be considered for the SAT and/or foreign language waiver only.  Applicants who wish to receive the SAT and/or foreign language waiver, must submit a complete copy of diagnostic testing (psycho-educational assessment) as stated above in the Learning Disabilities Program section as a substitution for the standardized test and foreign language requirement.

To request reasonable accommodations for any disability and learn more about Disability Services, please contact the Access Advisor at 413-572-5789.