The basic goal of the colleges that offer Adaptive technology to students with learning disabilities is to help them meet the academic requirements of various universities through the use of technological tools. The services rendered by these organizations include informing concerned departments about the technologies available, providing assistive and adaptive techniques and training faculty members and concerned staff members in handling individuals with learning disabilities in a better way. The initiative is funded by the Commission for Higher Education and has tie ups with Center for Assistive Technology and Inclusive Education Studies (CATIES).
Some organizations provide support to people with learning disabilities but restrict their support to certain core areas. For instance, Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) is an organization that helps people with learning disabilities pursue post-secondary education. They envision a society where learning disabled people can become creative and exhibit personal growth and leadership qualities. In order to create such a socio-cultural milieu, they render services that foster non-discriminatory environment for post-secondary studies for learning disabled people. Another aspect they focus on is diversity.
Fairleigh Dickinson University initiated program in 1988 called Regional Center for College Students with Learning Disabilities, which looks forward to helping learning disabled students with post-secondary education. The institution focuses on people with learning disabilities and helps them study to further their careers. The initiative is funded by the Commission for Higher Education of New Jersey. The program includes advice and suggestions, academic support and even counseling services to learning disabled students.
The eligibility criteria set for receiving such services is set by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; there are several different guidelines that must be followed. Individuals with learning disabilities are required to undergo a rigorous checkup to ascertain exactly where they are lacking. Documentary evidence (relevant medical documents and doctor's certificates) are required to certify that the individuals actually need special help for learning. These reports must clearly spell out the type of learning disability from whichthe individual is suffering. These documents must be accompanied by strong recommendation letters to strengthen the case of the individual.