Labor Day is fast approaching, which means one thing for parents: if your child isn’t back in the classroom yet, they will be soon. Learn more about new assistive technology options and get concrete tips on what college students with learning disabilities (LD) need to do to be successful. Past the school stage and immersed in the world of work? Find out what challenges people with LD face in the workplace and what organizations are doing to accommodate them. Whatever stage you’re at, get ready to make this fall the best one yet with this collection of articles from national newspapers and blogs.

For Dyslexic and Visually Impaired Students, a Free High-Tech Solution (KQED Public Media for Northern California)
Assistive technology is making print more accessible than ever before for people with LD. Bookshare.org is pioneering a new way to make text accessible: this small nonprofit distributes books that have been scanned and processed into digital files for optimal readability. The files can be “read” by screen reading software. This technology-driven approach allows Bookshare to make new reading materials available much faster than a traditional “books on tape” system. Read this article to learn more about how people with LD and other disabilities are using this innovative (and free for students!) tool.

• Read the full article at KQED Public Media.
• Learn how to choose assistive technology tools at LD.org.

Success in College Despite Learning Disabilities (Psych Central)
As students of all ages head back to class, college students with LD have some special preparations to make. Self-advocacy skills take center stage for college students with LD, as students must be proactive and open in the absence of a formal IEP or 504 plan. Prepare yourself or your child for college by reading psychologist Dr. Marie Hartwell-Walker’s top 10 tips for college students with LD.

• Read the full article at Psych Central.
• Learn more about transitioning to college for students with LD at LD.org.

Getting the Most Out of Working with a Learning Disability (The Atlantic)
LD doesn’t disappear when a person finishes school. But the working world presents challenges for people with LD that can be very different from those in the academic realm. The decision to disclose LD on the job is a major one, and many people find that employers lack knowledge about LD and accommodation strategies. Fortunately, efforts are underway to help human resources professionals learn more about LD. Read this article to find out what strategies young workers with LD find helpful.

• Read the full article at The Atlantic.
• Learn more about LD in the workplace at LD.org.