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Learning Disabilities Definition
Learning Disabilities Definition
A Learning Disability is a neurological disorder that results in the way a person's brain is wired. Individuals with learning disabilities are as intelligent or more intelligent than their peers. However, they have difficulty in writing, reading, spelling, reasoning, memory, and organizing information. A learning disability is permanent and cannot be cured or fixed. Nevertheless, many individuals with learning disabilities can succeed in college and become successful in their chosen careers.
A Learning Disability is a neurological disorder that results in the way a person's brain is wired. Individuals with learning disabilities are as intelligent or more intelligent than their peers. However, they have difficulty in writing, reading, spelling, reasoning, memory, and organizing information. A learning disability is permanent and cannot be cured or fixed. Nevertheless, many individuals with learning disabilities can succeed in college and become successful in their chosen careers.
Learning disabilities are the most prevalent disability of all individuals with disabilities. According to the National Institute of Health, about 15% of the US population (1 out of 7) has some sort of learning disability. The most common type of learning disability is in the areas of reading or language. It is estimated that 80% of those with the diagnosis of a learning disability are affected in this manner. Learning disabilities should not be confused with other disabilities such as intellectual disabilities, autism, behavioral disorder, etc. Learning disabilities are not caused by lack of educational opportunities or other social factors. However, there is a genetic link since learning disabilities often run in families. It is important to note that learning disabilities are often coupled with attention deficit disorder.
Learning disabilities are the most prevalent disability of all individuals with disabilities. According to the National Institute of Health, about 15% of the US population (1 out of 7) has some sort of learning disability. The most common type of learning disability is in the areas of reading or language. It is estimated that 80% of those with the diagnosis of a learning disability are affected in this manner. Learning disabilities should not be confused with other disabilities such as intellectual disabilities, autism, behavioral disorder, etc. Learning disabilities are not caused by lack of educational opportunities or other social factors. However, there is a genetic link since learning disabilities often run in families. It is important to note that learning disabilities are often coupled with attention deficit disorder.
Types of Learning Disabilities
Types of Learning Disabilities
The following are the most common types of learning disabilities:
The following are the most common types of learning disabilities:
Language-based disability when an individual has problems understanding written words. It is often termed a reading disability.
Language-based disability when an individual has problems understanding written words. It is often termed a reading disability.
Math-based disability when an individual has difficulty solving math problems or grasping math concepts.
Math-based disability when an individual has difficulty solving math problems or grasping math concepts.
Writing-based disability when an individual has difficulty writing, sometimes even forming letters, spelling, and grammar.
Writing-based disability when an individual has difficulty writing, sometimes even forming letters, spelling, and grammar.
Sensory-based disability when an individual has difficulty understanding language even when the person has normal hearing and vision.
Sensory-based disability when an individual has difficulty understanding language even when the person has normal hearing and vision.
A neurological-based disability affecting the right hemisphere of the brain and causing problems with visual spatial tasks, organization, problem solving, and executive functioning.
A neurological-based disability affecting the right hemisphere of the brain and causing problems with visual spatial tasks, organization, problem solving, and executive functioning.
Kurzweil 3000 Reading Software
Kurzweil 3000 Reading Software
Kurzweil 3000 software is the leading educational technology for persons with learning disabilities and for students who are blind. With simple training, it allows learners to independently access text materials even when it is at a more advanced level, allowing them to keep up at a faster pace. Harper College uses this software for students who qualify to have their texts or tests read. The material must be scanned, so the software can read it aloud. Students are trained on using Kurzweil and rely on it to complete reading assignments. Harper has this software available in various locations such as the computer labs and the library, allowing students to independently use the software, mitigating the restrictions of a reading disability.
Kurzweil 3000 software is the leading educational technology for persons with learning disabilities and for students who are blind. With simple training, it allows learners to independently access text materials even when it is at a more advanced level, allowing them to keep up at a faster pace. Harper College uses this software for students who qualify to have their texts or tests read. The material must be scanned, so the software can read it aloud. Students are trained on using Kurzweil and rely on it to complete reading assignments. Harper has this software available in various locations such as the computer labs and the library, allowing students to independently use the software, mitigating the restrictions of a reading disability.
Students with learning disabilities struggle significantly in college when the learning environment is not accessible or when accommodations and other support are not provided. Faculty play an important role in the success of students with learning disabilities. Creativity, flexibility, and understanding will support students while in college. Traditional teaching methods such as required reading, writing, problem solving, math, etc., are areas that affect students with learning disabilities, therefore, utilizing the universal design principles would be extremely beneficial for the student's success.
Students with learning disabilities struggle significantly in college when the learning environment is not accessible or when accommodations and other support are not provided. Faculty play an important role in the success of students with learning disabilities. Creativity, flexibility, and understanding will support students while in college. Traditional teaching methods such as required reading, writing, problem solving, math, etc., are areas that affect students with learning disabilities, therefore, utilizing the universal design principles would be extremely beneficial for the student's success.
What Can Faculty Do?
What Can Faculty Do?
- Include a statement on your syllabus indicating that students with disabilities are welcome and that Disability Services approved accommodations will be provided. Sample statements can be provided by Disability Services and can be found on the faculty handbook. This might motivate a student with LD to disclose their difficulties, something that doesn't always happen.
- Point out campus resources available to all students such as the Tutoring Center, the Writing Center, Success Services, the Math Developmental Center, Disability Services, the Counseling Centers, and computer labs.
- Distribute a clear syllabus early in the semester defining course requirements. Make verbal announcements of exam dates and assignment due dates. As much as possible, try to avoid last-minute readings or additional assignments not noted on the syllabus. However, if there is a change, provide as much advance notice of the changes in assignments and due dates. Provide important information in both oral and written formats.
- Provide printed materials such as articles and handouts early enough to allow students sufficient time to read and comprehend the material. Some students with learning disabilities utilize software like Kurzweil that can read text-based materials aloud. In order for students to take advantage of this software, ADS must first convert print material into an electronic version. This takes additional time so the earlier the material is provided to ADS, the better.
- Use as many multi-modal methods to teach as possible, to tap into the variety of learning styles (auditory, visual, kinesthetic).
- When teaching a lesson, state the agenda of the day, review previous concepts, and summarize the new concepts periodically.
- Use more than one way to demonstrate or explain information. Consider using lecture, group activities, self-assessments, discussions, accessible audio-visual materials, etc.
- If the white board is used, read aloud what is on the board and read what is presented on an overhead visual.
- Keep instructions brief and straightforward. If possible also give a written handout. Repeat each instruction word-for-word.
- Encourage questions and allow time for clarification of instruction and other essential information.
- When videos are used, use captioned videos. Learn how to turn on the captioning feature. IT can be a great resource for assistance in turning on captions. Although most people believe that captioned videos are typically used for students who are deaf, they also help some students with learning disabilities. Captioned videos have also been found to be useful to those for whom English is a second language because information is presented visually and audibly. If possible, post videos used on Blackboard, have them available in the library, or share the web site where the video can be found, to give all students an opportunity to view a video multiple times.
- If appropriate for the discipline being taught, provide study guides or review sheets.
- Consider using multiple methods for course assessment, such as allowing students to take an exam or write a paper.
- If the discipline is not English, consider grading the organization and ideas rather than mechanics, especially when grading in-class assignments.
- If the class is offered online, design distance learning courses with accessibility in mind. Students with learning disabilities might be at a disadvantage during real-time sessions, especially when it requires typed chat because not all students can type quickly or accurately enough to fully participate.
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