The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 200,000 students entering college have some type of learning disability. Learning disabilities are one type of invisible or hidden disability. Invisible disabilities are the most common type of disability among college students. More than one third of college students with invisible or hidden disabilities refrain from disclosing their diagnoses due to the stigma.

Reach out to testing and student disability services to explore specific challenges and opportunities students with invisible disabilities face, including fear of disclosing because of stigma and confusion about getting services and support. The staff can help you better understand the wide range of invisible disabilities, appropriate and reasonable accommodations, and necessary documentation.

The staff works hard to:

• Educate individuals on the legal responsibilities to provide reasonable accommodations for students with invisible disabilities
• Connect students with campuswide “wrap-around” support services to accommodate students with hidden disabilities, engage them in the learning process, and safeguard their academic and social success
• Help faculty in supporting their students with invisible disabilities and reasonable accommodation needs to foster students’ independence, growth, and degree completion as well as equip them with the knowledge and skills to fulfill their potential and develop educational and career goals
• Recognize the unique situations students with invisible disabilities encounter and help them overcome stigma related to seeking help
• Create a safe and supportive community that encourages students to self-identify as a student with a disability and provide them with the necessary tools to ensure reasonable accommodations based on their specific needs so they achieve their full potential.

Learn more at dss.mst.edu or contact student disability services at 573-341-6655 or dss@mst.edu.