Student Population

Students arrive at the LDI with a wide spectrum of issues. The LDI staff work with the students to identify and understand both their strengths and weaknesses. This assists in the students understanding and in reality help make them better prepared to face the challenges of the adult world.

LDI can help students that are 16 years of age and older through several levels in their transition to independent and self-supported living - from earning their high school diplomas, starting college to achieving careers through employment that is compatible with their unique capabilities.

LDI works with students who have been diagnosed with a variety of conditions commonly termed "hidden disabilities" - i.e., Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, high functioning autism, Mood Disorders, Addiction (in recovery), Anxiety, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.

Also LDI recognizes and considers the fact that there are frequently secondary diagnoses with these conditions. LDI Administrators are willing to discuss these conditions as possible eligibility entrance considerations. All students receiving treatment from a psychiatrist must be willing to be medication compliant. LDI does offer medication support, but the willingness, on the part of the student, to take medications as prescribed is an entrance criterion.

Many LDI students have driver's licenses and may bring their cars the first semester or any time thereafter. Some of students come in with college credits, some right out of high school, and a few have graduated from college with Associate or Bachelor degrees. There are some students elect the LDI program of not attending a college or technical training but are strictly focused on employment. LDI has a very diverse population, just like one would find in the workforce or any adult community.

Common characteristics of a "typical" student:

Diagnosed "hidden disabilities" such as learning disabilities (LD), ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger"s syndrome), or related neurological conditions.
Resides in a community, state, of country outside of Phoenix, Arizona area.

16-30 years old.

Limited or no work history.

Lack of clearly defined or limited vocational objectives.

Functional borderline to post-collegiate academic capabilities.

Social, emotional, and behavioral functioning lower than chronological age.

Never lived away from home or in an apartment setting.

Never had the responsibility to budget and manage money.

Limited, if any, positive experiences dating or establishing age-appropriate peer relationships.

Unable to define specific disability, learning style, or coping and compensatory strategies.

Tested IQ averaging from low 70s to 130+.

Does not know how to effectively advocate for self.

Personal life situation and/or home life nonproductive, unstable or dysfunctional.

Lack of or limited appropriate local community resources and economic opportunities available.

Student referral sources

The institute is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant foreign students through the Department of Homeland Security. It is fully accredited through the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI). LDI also has contracts with adult agencies such as the State of Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration, Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Arizona Department of Education Exceptional Student Services approved private special education program and an approved vendor for numerous other states who refer students for out of district placement into the LDI high school program. In addition, the program receives private referrals from a variety of sources such as national advocacy organizations, private educational consultants, admission directors of other private programs, clinicians, practitioners, and word of mouth.