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.

Disorder of Written Expression

Disorder of Written Expression surfaces when there is a discrepancy between a person’s written abilities and his/her age, intelligence, and education. A person with a disorder of written expression will have significant problems with their writing skills, such as grammar, sentence structure, and the organization of thoughts and ideas in written form. A disorder of written expression impedes on the person’s ability to relate information in a written format, and therefore serves as a hindrance when written communication is necessary. A diagnosis of a disorder of written expression has no correlation to level of intelligence. Indeed, people with learning disabilities, 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.