Understanding 'Note Taking' Accommodations in College

Updated: May 15

As your high school senior prepares to transition to college, there are many exciting changes on the horizon. Along with greater freedom comes greater responsibility, particularly when it comes to managing academic expectations.

One of the often-overlooked areas where students might struggle is taking effective notes during lectures. For many students, especially those with anxiety, learning disabilities, or fine motor challenges, note taking isn’t just difficult—it can feel nearly impossible. It is important to understand the accommodation known as "note taking support" or "copy of class notes," and how it can be a crucial tool for student success. We're here to help!

What Is a Note Taking Accommodation?

In college, students with disabilities are entitled to certain academic accommodations under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These accommodations are designed to remove barriers that might prevent a student from accessing course material or fully participating in class.

One common academic accommodation is the provision of class notes.

This accommodation can look different depending on the school and the needs of the student. It might involve:

Receiving a copy of notes taken by a peer note-taker assigned through the disability office.
Having access to the professor's lecture notes or slides.
Using technology, such as note-taking software or apps that record lectures.

The key purpose is to ensure that students who struggle with note taking due to their disability have access to accurate and complete information, giving them an equal opportunity to learn.

Why Is This Crucial for Students with Anxiety?

Many people are surprised to learn how significantly anxiety can affect the brain’s ability to function in academic settings. Anxiety is more than just feeling nervous—it activates the brain’s stress response, which can impair both working memory and concentration. Working memory is like the brain’s notepad, temporarily holding and organizing information we need to process in the moment. When a student is experiencing anxiety during a lecture, this notepad might become overloaded or shut down entirely.

This can make it extremely difficult to:

Focus on the lecture while it’s happening.
Remember key details after class.
Process complex information in real time.

Students with anxiety may also experience racing thoughts, physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath, or intrusive worries that further interfere with their ability to listen and take notes simultaneously. The accommodation of receiving class notes allows these students to direct their limited mental resources toward listening and comprehension, without the added pressure of capturing every word.

When Other Challenges Are Also Present

In some cases, anxiety isn’t the only hurdle. Many students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or ADHD also struggle with the multitasking required for effective note taking. Additionally, students with fine motor skill difficulties—whether from a neurological condition, injury, or disability—may physically find handwriting or typing painful, slow, or frustrating.

These students might find it overwhelming to:

Listen to a lecture.
Process what’s being said.
Simultaneously write or type clear, organized notes.

Without support, these students may leave class with incomplete, disorganized, or even no notes at all—putting them at a clear disadvantage when it comes time to study or prepare for exams.

How Copy of Class Notes Can Help

Receiving a copy of class notes can serve as an essential safety net for these students. It provides them with a reliable, complete version of the lecture content, ensuring they don't miss important information.

This allows them to:

Focus fully on listening and understanding the lecture in the moment.
Review the notes later, when they can process the information at their own pace.
Use the notes as a study tool, highlighting, adding personal reflections, and organizing the material in a way that works for them.

It’s important to note that this accommodation is meant to support, not replace, the student’s engagement in the class. Students are still responsible for reviewing and studying the notes, asking questions if they don’t understand something, and participating in class discussions or activities.

A Tool for Success, Not a Shortcut

For students and parents, it’s essential to reframe the idea of note taking accommodations as a vital support system, not a shortcut or sign of weakness. In college, the responsibility for requesting and using accommodations rests on the student. Encouraging your student to advocate for themselves, register with the campus disability services office, and actively use the supports available can make a significant difference in their academic confidence and success.

By understanding how anxiety, learning differences, and physical challenges can interfere with note taking, families can better support students in building a toolkit that works for them. With the right supports in place, your student can focus less on the barriers—and more on thriving in their college journey.

Are you interested in creating structure and accountability for your student's next college semester? Does your student need to brush up on their study and note taking skills? Do you know that 'something' needs to change but aren't sure exactly what your college needs to be more successful? Reach out to us for a free conversation about your student. We know it's difficult to watch your student struggle - there is hope. We look forward to talking with you!