Columbia University Health Services

Learning Disability is an umbrella term used to categorize disabilities that are connected with the processes involved in understanding or using language—either spoken or written. Learning disabilities may appear through difficulties with reading, thinking, spelling, speaking, calculating, writing, or listening. A learning disability may manifest itself through a notable discrepancy between a person’s ability and a person’s achievement. It is important to note, that while a learning disability may have been diagnosed, the severity of the LD must substantially limit one or more of the person’s major life activities, compared to the average person, in order to be eligible for accommodations and services at Columbia. A diagnosis of a learning disability has no correlation to level of intelligence. Indeed, people with a learning disability, including students here at Columbia University are often intellectually above average. 

Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD) 

Central auditory processing disorders (CAPD) are neurological-based disorders that are characterized by deficits related to auditory memory difficulties, integration problems, or decoding difficulties. Sounds are heard in the ear and sent to the brain stem to be understood and sorted. A person with CAPD may not suffer from hearing loss, but instead may have difficulty sorting out all of the sounds heard. This may impact a person’s ability to process oral language. CAPD is diagnosed by an audiologist who tests the person’s peripheral hearing and checks the central auditory pathways. A diagnosis of a central auditory processing disorder has no correlation to level of intelligence. Indeed, people with CAPD, including students here at Columbia University are often intellectually above average.

Go Ask Alice! is the health question and answer Internet service produced by the Alice! Health Promotion Program. If it's on your mind, it's probably on Go Ask Alice!

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) facilitates equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating accommodations and support services, thereby cultivating a campus culture that is sensitive and responsive to the needs of students. For more information to go the Office of Disability Services.