CLASS Program - CLASS Students: Dayle
One of the most difficult things about being a college student with a disability is finding a place where you are comfortable disclosing your disability to other students and faculty.
Hello, I am Dayle VanderLeest, a graduate of Augsburg College. I graduated with a degree in elementary education, middle school mathematics, and a minor in special education. I have a learning disability which includes dyslexia, written communication, and reading comprehension. As a student, I met with a CLASS disability specialist for one-on-one meetings and also used testing accommodations, note-takers, and taped textbooks. These accommodations helped me accomplish many goals and build my confidence. Not only did I receive accommodations from CLASS, but I also worked for CLASS in the Groves lab. The CLASS Office become my home and gave me a network to build social skills and friendships. Without CLASS I don't think I would have been able to pursue my educational vocation.
When I entered Augsburg I was not confident in myself enough to tell others about my disability, but Augsburg and CLASS changed that. I now talk to others about my learning disability.
Now that I am graduated, I will be teaching in Minneapolis. I have used what I learned at Augsburg in my life outside of college to pursue my career and educate others about disabilities.
