The Director of Academic Advising can help you obtain an evaluation to determine eligibility. Some screening services are available through campus services or local health care providers, particularly those requiring a diagnosis by a physician or psychiatrist.

For some students a learning disability or psychological disability may not surface until they come to Grinnell. In fact, each year four or five students are newly diagnosed with a learning disability. If you suspect you may have a disability, make an appointment to talk with Joyce Stern, associate dean & director of academic advising (x3702). She will assist you with finding local professionals who do this kind of testing. For quick reference check out:

Reource List for Diagnostic Testing in the Des Moines - Iowa City Corridor (.pdf file)
Getting LD Documentation (.pdf file)
Getting ADHD Documentation (.pdf file)

Financial responsibility for the testing will be up to you. However, some insurance companies will pay for part or all of the testing and Grinnell has limited funds set aside for students with demonstrated financial need. Once testing has been done Joyce will work with you on receiving appropriate accommodations.

"Everyone in the Academic Advising Office has always been very friendly and helpful, both before my LD diagnosis and since. I'm really grateful for everyone's help in getting tested, which was during the fall semester of my first year. I feel like the accommodations have made a big difference in my ability to perform academically. Last year, for example, I applied and was chosen to work as an undergraduate summer intern at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. My summer was such a great experience; I learned so much about astronomy, about physics, about what I want to do with my life, about the scientific process...you name it! I also gained tremendous confidence in the process, and I've submitted several papers for publication in the Astrophysical Journal. Anyway, the reason I brought all this up, is because I couldn't have had this opportunity without my LD accommodations. The accommodations have really improved my life!"
- physics major, alumnus from the class of 2004


Read on to see links to More Information About Disabilities