Taking Flight: College for Students with Disabilities, Diverse Learners, and Their Families

by Perry LaRoque

A learning differences expert shares stories, strategies, and information about what students with disabilities need to be successful in college.
 
In Taking Flight , Dr. Perry T. Laroque shares his insight and expertise on a range of important issues many students with a wide range of disabilities face as they head off to college. Rather than merely focusing on the academic aspects, LaRoque addresses the full college experience, discussing the strategies and perspective needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
 
With a mix of personal stories, humor, and frank advice, Perry T. LaRoque explores topics such as the concept of disability, the need for positive self-expression, college bureaucracy, roommate relationships, and having fun. Taking Flight  addresses the truly relevant issues needed for happiness and success in college and teaches readers not only how to do well in the system, but how to overcome a system that isn’t designed for today’s diverse learners.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

238 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2020

Reviews

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking Flight is not only for diverse learners, although if you have a non-traditional student, this book will offer you tailored advice. I appreciated the section about honing in on your identity, knowing your strengths and opportunities, this is so important for everyone.

There are also sections on the law and accommodations which may not be useful by traditional students, however there is so much info on all the various kinds of assistance available including tutors, discussions of class sizes, teacher credentials and even dorm life. These are all things parents and their child should consider before embarking on this next chapter.

This is truly an amazing resource

[Beth Cato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gratis copy from the author through a Facebook group for parents of special needs kids with college goals.

I've read many books in the same vein as Taking Flight that provide guidance for young adults with diverse educational needs as they transition into college. As my autistic son is now a high school senior, with several recent college acceptances, the advice within this book feels quite timely.

I found this to be a solid read overall, albeit one that is slow to start. LaRoque is the founder of Mansfield Hall, a company that in three cities in America provides dormitories and social supports for special needs students in college; I appreciated that the book never felt like a pitch for his company. Instead, in a grown-up but affable voice, he provides sensible advice for how students can navigate the world of college. Topics include self-regulation, knowledge of legal rights, virtual learning, self-advocacy, allies to seek out on campus, dating, drinking, and jobs and internships. Each chapter begins with an intro in italics that is written by an adult who speaks of their time in school or college. Some of these anecdotes were amusing, but all of them were interesting and helpful. The vibe throughout is positive but also forthright in that hey, things will be difficult, but with some help and resilience, you can do this. I really appreciate that perspective, and I think this book will be helpful for my son.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you, your kids, or your grandkids are thinking of going to college, you need to read this book!

I would love to have had this book as a resource when my kids were in high school and planning for college. The subtitle is 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘰𝘯-𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, and although neither of my kids fall on the autism spectrum nor are they physically disabled, LaRoque does an excellent job explaining that there is a multitude of things that can cause a student to be a diverse learner.

He gives sound advice on what to look for in a college or university so that it will meet your needs as a diverse learner, whether it be autism, anxiety, OCD, visual or hearing impairment, etc.

You may hear people say “you must be your own advocate,” but what does that look like for a student heading to college? LaRoque explains it from classroom accommodations, assignments, grading, campus life, and more. You need to make sure you have the support you need to have a successful college experience.

Using his knowledge from founding Mansfield Hall, a college support program for students with autism and other learning differences, Perry LaRoque writes with an inviting style; he’s both funny and honest. This is not a dry academic read! ​​𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 is a book that will benefit anyone before heading to college.

And I have to give a shout-out that the author served as a special education professor at my alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @perry.laroque for an invitation to the tour and a gifted copy.

[Melissa Levens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking Flight: College for Students with Disabilities, Diverse Learners, and Their Families
Author, Perry LaRoque, PhD
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
Pub date: March 17, 2020 Available now!

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours, Morgan James Publishing, and author Dr. Perry PaRoque for my #gifted copy!

~ Taking Flight is an essential guide to college that provides practical information and strategies for the millions of diverse learners, non- traditional students, and people with disabilities who attend college every year. ~

Although my children are still young, I feel like it is never too soon to think about their academic future, especially as a homeschooling family. Not only does Taking Flight focus on students who learn differently or have disabilities, it is also a practical guide for parents who find the prospect of the college process overwhelming and simply just need to know where to begin and how to navigate through the process.

Applying to college.. even just thinking about applying to college, is absolutely overwhelming. Taking Flight provides the framework to better understand the expectations of the college process and how to use these expectations to make the college experience a meaningful one for your child or student. The chapters begin with a story or a pearl of wisdom, continue with explanations and frequently asked questions and resources, and end with take- away points that I just highlighted my way though!

Written with wit and humor and through stories and advice, Taking Flight is an absolutely essential guide for the aspiring college student throughout every step of the process. What an incredible wealth of information! Students, parents, and educators now have it all- now all we need to do is apply it. I will absolutely be coming back to this one in a few years! Thank you Perry LaRoque, PhD!

[Phillip Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the past, people who learned differently, regardless of the cause, were pushed along and expected to conform to normal expectations. This resulted in many of them dropping through cracks and feeling like they were broken. There is now a better line of thinking that they are not only not broken, but equipped to do things normal people cannot. Taking Flight shows these people, and their families, how education is not out of reach.

Using stories from people who have already faced the challenge of college and practical advice, this book serves as a great resource for youth who find their learning style differs from the traditional methods. First, they are assured that they are not messed up or wrong, but that they have much to offer. Then, they are told how they can work to find schools that will adapt with them.

This book is helpful for students in high school and middle school who are looking to prepare for college. It can also be used by parents of younger children so that they can be ready for when their kids get older.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book says it’s geared toward diverse learners, I found that it had a wealth of information for any student that is planning on furthering their education after high school.

I really like the fact that the book is focused on the student to use as a handbook on finding and then navigating the college landscape.

I liked the bullet point takeaways at the end of each chapter and the stories from those that have already had the college experiences and gone on to find success.

I feel like Dr. LaRoque gave a lot of practical information on topics that range from finding the school that’s right for you to becoming engaged in campus activities that fit your personality and even budgeting your money. Oh, of course, how to find success in the classroom itself.

As my youngest has just finished her college applications, I feel like this book will be beneficial for her to read before she heads out to the school she chooses and take with her as a reference during that pivotal freshman year.

[Jane Dennish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fast read. As a teacher of students with many ability levels, this book is great for young adults entering college. Some of the tips and points may be obvious to most people, but if you are a diverse learner, it might not be so obvious to you. And this is where this book comes in handy. I love that each chapter has a theme and starts out with a real life scenario from someone who went through it. It then works through sub-topics in each theme to give tips and skills needed to be successful, whether it be academically, emotionally or socially. Even traditional students could benefit from some of these chapters!

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and so full of necessary and useful information. I learned so much while reading it and wish it had been around when I was thinking of going to school. It really is a phenomenal guide for understanding how to navigate the college experience for anyone with a disability or for helping someone with a disability. Everyone should have the support they need to be successful and the opportunity to chase their dreams.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for neurodiverse STUDENTS preparing to "take flight." I wish some of the support programs weren't $80k/year (in addition to tuition!) and offered in more institutions! The book offers students all sorts of advice from getting into college, campus life and the unique challenges they face in their next steps towards independence. As a parent...I'm still freaking out! LOL

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

quite useful--speaks directly to young people transitioning to post-secondary schooling, offering practical and useable advice

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for future college students!