University of Arizona SALT for LD

Parents Forum Learning Differences and Challenges - LD, ADHD
1

<p>My son and I just returned from the U of A orientation, including the SALT orientation. He will be a freshman in the fall. He has ADHD and finding a school that would give him support was of utmost importance to us. </p>

<p>We were both completely blown away by the presentation for the new students, and the level of involvement that the students can have with the SALT (Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques) program. 225 freshmen will begin in the program in the fall. Each Learning Specialist has no more than 50 students to work with. There are tutors for EVERY subject whenever needed. There are study groups, computer aided study programs, Peer support groups, and a beautiful facility where the students can spend as much time as they want for studying, support, and even socializing. The DRC works hand in hand with SALT to provide any kind of extra help needed, from note taking to notes on tape.</p>

<p>The kids in the program ranged from those like my son with mild disabilities who need help staying on task to some with severe Aspergers and impulse control issues. They are from all over the country, with boys outnumbering girls by about 3 to 1 as far as I could tell. </p>

<p>Yes, U of A is a large, party school. There are many temptations and distractions - however those same things are what I feel will keep my son WANTING to be in college - without the socializing and fun he would never have the motivation to continue studying hard - we hope! SALT brings the vastness of the school down to a much more intimate and manageable size and gives these kids a place to feel safe when they are overwhelmed and unsure of themselves.</p>

<p>As my son said as we left the SALT orientation..."I don't think I could get through college without this program."</p>

2

<p>Thanks for providing insight into this unique program on the west coast. I know some current students as well as students who graduated from U of A and Salt was an enormous help for them.</p>

3

<p>I wished I’d known about the SALT program earlier. I am receiving similar support in James Cook University but it’s not as structured as Arizona’s. I have a LD myself.</p>

4

<p>elizabethh: have heard such good things about this program; we have a friend’s daughter at U of A who told us that these kids are treated like gold; she wishes she could have been in the program…so glad to hear that it was a good orientation!</p>

5

<p>It has been four years. How did your son do at U of A in the SALT program?</p>

6

<p>Sorry, I tought your post was in '07!! It was just in July! Still, how’s it going? We’re considering too.</p>

7

<p>Was just in AZ visiting my parents and really wanted my S (sophomore ADHD and dyslexic) to visit U of A because of the SALT program. He really doesn’t want to go to school in AZ (we’re in Michigan and he doesn’t want to travel so far to school).</p>

<p>Anyone know of similar types of programs in the midwest/eastern side of the US?</p>