By Maggie Downs
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Searching for the perfect college is a daunting task for any teenager. But it can be nearly impossible when the student has a learning disability.

"There are some students who don't learn in the mainstream kind of way," said Mary Kuhl, 41, of Westwood. "And they need certain accommodations."

IF YOU GO

What: College night for students with learning disabilities. Where: LaSalle High School gym, 3091 North Bend Road, Monfort Heights. When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday. Cost: Free. Colleges attending: University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati State and Technical College; Xavier University; College of Mount St. Joseph; Northern Kentucky University; Thomas More College; Miami University; University of Dayton; Wright State University. Information: Joe Muenchen, 741-2319.

Kuhl knows. Her 16-year-old son, Josh, has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which can make it difficult for him to sustain attention to tasks and follow instruction.

That's why a college night for students with learning disabilities has been helpful for the LaSalle High School junior and his family.

"It helped us identify what is important for Josh," Kuhl said. "He needs a more personal approach to education - otherwise he could get lost in the shuffle."

That's the goal of the college night program Thursday, hosted by LaSalle and the Ohio Valley of the International Dyslexia Association. Representatives from nine schools will be available to explain the special services they offer to students with learning disabilities. The event is free and open to the public.

Jane Pohlman of the College of Mount St. Joseph is the director of Project EXCEL, a support system designed for students with learning disabilities who are in a regular college program. She will be the guest speaker at the LaSalle event.

"We not only try to show the students what colleges will expect from them and what resources will be available," she said. "We also want them to recognize that they are a partner in this process. That's the only way they can succeed."

The college night was started by LaSalle teacher Joe Muenchen, 44, of Pleasant Ridge, who is the individualized instruction program coordinator at the school. Muenchen began a parent support group at the all-boys facility 16 years ago to help the families of students with learning disabilities. He now runs the Southwest Ohio branch of the International Dyslexia Association.

"All the parents had similar stories of their frustrations and difficulties, particularly when their children were preparing for college," he said. "That's what initiated the college night - most parents were not aware of what colleges could offer what services, and I didn't really know the answers."

Special college programs include smaller classes, additional one-on-one time with professors, support groups and peer mentors.

E-mail mdowns@enquirer.com