Invisible Differences
Because unseen disabilities that affect learning shouldn’t prevent students from graduating from college.
Too often misconceptions, frustration and limited access to supportive resources prevent capable students with noncognitive learning differences or neurodivergent individuals – especially people of color – from graduating from college.
What is the Invisible Differences program?
Invisible Differences is the only college completion program designed to support students of color with ADHD, dyslexia, Asperger’s Syndrome, anxiety and other noncognitive learning differences. The program also provides guidance, support and awareness-building for family members, caregivers, schools and employers.
What unique services does the program offer?
Invisible Differences encompasses a wide range of direct support, workshops, events and transition services to help teens and young adults complete college and engage in productive, fulfilling careers. Students, schools, employers and family/caregivers can choose the opportunities best suited to their individual needs.
Opportunities include:
PEERS® – A 16-week social skills workshop developed by UCLA for teens and young adults who have difficulty making or keeping friends. Students learn the building blocks of typical social interactions and have opportunities to practice these skills in the real world.
Navigating College – Ten 90-minute workshops for high school students and parents/guardians covering topics such as choosing and applying to college, disclosure, documentation and disability services, legal rights and self-advocacy.
Summer Stretch & STEM Institute – Summer workshops to help high school and college students develop the skills they need to succeed and college and in the workforce.
K-12 March to College – Interactive workshop for high school seniors to experience the financial, academic and social aspects of college. A low-stimulation version is available for students with special needs.
Fast Track through College: Simulation – Interactive workshop for high school seniors to experience the financial, academic and social aspects of college. A low-stimulation version is available for students with special needs.
Individualized College Counseling – Services include recommendations for “best fit” colleges, confidential research on specific services offered by individual colleges, college application assistance, school selection and disclosure of disability.
Building a Disabilities-inclusive College Climate – Professional development workshop for faculty, staff and administrators on building a stigma-free environment where students with invisible differences can thrive.
Transition Services – High schools are legally required to provide certain services to diverse learners. These services meet those requirements and include assessments, post-high school goal-setting and preparation, college visits, independent living skills and more.
Parent Inclusion Network – Guidance for parents on legal rights to protect their student and best practices to help them persist and succeed in college.
Explore Enhancement Experiences
We also offer several hands-on programs – from college simulation experiences to summer internships to workforce skill development – to help students prepare for college and beyond. Invisible Differences participants and family members are encouraged to take advantage of these additional opportunities.