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Learning Disability Testing

The Office for Disability Services (ODS) provides diagnostic testing for learning disabilities for Ohio State University students. There is a $300 fee for this service, which is offered from September 1 through June 30. The OSU Student Health Insurance now provides coverage for Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD) assessment at 50%, up to $250 per year. This means that if a student is covered under OSU Student Health Insurance, the student will pays $300 for diagnostic testing for learning disabilities at ODS and is reimbursed $150 by OSU Student Health Insurance.

ODS does not provide the diagnostic assessment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Students who feel that they may possibly have this disorder, may first meet with an ODS counselor to discuss possible referral resources. If a student is diagnosed, he/she needs to make an appointment with an ODS counselor and provide the counselor with documentation of the disorder. If adequate documentation is provided, the student may register with ODS to receive services.

The procedures for diagnostic testing for learning disabilities are as follows:

1. Students need to attend an "Information Meeting." These are held every three to four weeks at ODS, (150 Pomerene Hall, 1760 Neil Avenue). Call the office at 292-3307 for the next meeting date. The meetings are generally on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the meeting, information about the testing process will be provided, and students are administered several short preliminary assessment tests. If a student is unable to attend an information meeting, the student can schedule an appointment with a disability counselor to discuss the testing process and to complete the prelimnary assessment tests.

2. The student calls and makes an appointment with a counselor. The counselor will conduct a screening interview. Based upon the screening interview and preliminary assessment tests, a recommendation is made as to whether or not a student should pursue diagnostic testing. If the counselor does not recommend daignsotic testing, the student may still choose to have the testing completed.

3. If a decision is made to test a student, the student signs a contract and then makes a payment of $300 at the Ohio Union Business Office. The student may pay by cash or credit card. After the payment is made, the student returns to ODS to schedule three days of testing, two and half-hours each day. ODS will provide the student with an insurance reimbursement form. Students are then responsible for filing the reimbursement form with the OSU Student Health Insurance.

4. Once testing is completed, there is a diagnostic staff meeting to review test results including the pre-assessments and screening interview. The team consists of the disability counselors and two graduate research assistants who are the persons administering the test battery. During this meeting, the student is either diagnosed as LD or not LD. * In some cases, additional testing is recommended before a final determination can be made. Rationale for diagnosis as well as appropriate accommodations and services are discussed. Recommendations are made for students whether or not a student is diagnosed as LD.

5. An appointment is set up to interpret the test results to the student. If a student is diagnosed as LD, then the student is trained in the use of services and accommodations.

6. A diagnostic report is written and sent to the student.

* ODS, in its approach to diagnosis, follows a theoretical approach that is historically similar to what has been used in public schools. After ruling out factors such as sensory impairments, physical impairments, English not being the primary language, environmental and educational limitations etc., a person may have learning disabilities if s/he is of average to above average intelligence, but exhibits significant discrepancies between intelligence and achievement in specific areas. Also considered are processing weaknesses that may be statistically inconsistent with the overall profile. These processing weaknesses in and of themselves may result in learning disabilities. ODS understands that there are other criteria and philosophical approaches to LD diagnosis. It is not our intent to dispute these approaches; however, the one described above is the one employed by ODS.

In addition, ODS uses diagnostic test instruments which are not normed for individuals with sensory and/or physical limitations or adults whose primary language is not English. In most situations we are not able to test students with these characteristics. In these situations, serious consideration would be given to any documentation provided to ODS from foreign countries or from providers who are equipped to assess those with sensory or physical disabilities.