Building Bridges

The transition from high school to college is challenging for any student. College students are faced with many stressful situations—from increased academic workloads and limited parental involvement to developing time management skills and navigating new interpersonal relationships. 

For students with Asperger’s syndrome, autism, social anxiety disorders and other nonverbal learning disabilities, the college experience can be especially confusing and isolating. 

That’s why each student in the Bridges to Adelphi program, which is fee-based, is assigned to a support team that includes an academic coach, a learning strategist and a peer mentor. 

“Having worked with hundreds of high school students and college-age individuals with such diagnoses, I have seen firsthand how important early interventions were in their development,” said Mitch Nagler, Bridges to Adelphi director. 

A vital campus resource, Bridges to Adelphi achieves its mission by: 

• Offering individual, group and peer mentor services that help students overcome issues that may impact academic and social success 
• Serving as consultant, collaborator and liaison to the University faculty, administration, staff, students and surrounding community to create a supportive environment 
• Providing outreach to families and school districts to support students’ transition to higher education 

Bridges to Adelphi is not the only assistance available to students with documented disabilities. The University’s Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) works to ensure equal access to all of Adelphi’s programs, services and facilities. For instance, DSS can advise prospective students and their families on the necessary documentation and on the accommodations and services available on campus, such as note-taking services.

Moreover, Adelphi’s Learning Resource program (formerly Learning Disabilities) provides comprehensive services that encourage independence, assist students in realizing their academic potential and facilitate the elimination of barriers. For example, a variety of assistive technology is available. 

In addition, all enrolled students are eligible for free, private and confidential services through the Student Counseling Center. For example, the center offers individual and group counseling, outreach and consultation, workshops, crisis intervention and referrals to both on- and off-campus resources.